Absolute & Relative Location
Do lines of latitude run east–west or north–south?
east-west
What type of landform is the Sahara?
Desert
What does a political map show?
A political map shows countries, their borders, and major cities
What is the third largest continent?
North America
How do people use the land in the Great Plains compared to the Gobi Desert?
The Great Plains support large-scale farming, while the Gobi Desert is mainly used for herding and resource use because of its harsh, dry environment.
40°N, 74°W → Which major U.S. city is here?
New York City
Name 3 rivers
Mississippi River
Amazon River
Nile River
Why might a geographer want to study a map showing natural resources?
to understand where valuable materials are located, how people use those resources, and how they affect a region’s economy
What is the largest ocean?
Pacific Ocean.
Why are settlements more common near rivers than in deserts or mountains?
In deserts, water is scarce and farming is difficult.
In mountains, the land is steep and hard to build on or farm.
90°S, 0° → Where are you if you stand here?
South Pole in Antarctica
What landform is completely surrounded by water?
Island
Why would a physical map be helpful for hikers or explorers?
so they can plan safe routes, understand the terrain, and know what natural obstacles they might face.
What continent is the largest?
Asia
How do settlement patterns differ between regions with many rivers and regions with few water sources?
In regions with few water sources, settlements are usually smaller, fewer, and more spread out
In regions with many rivers, settlements are usually larger and closer together because rivers provide water for drinking, farming, transportation, and trade.
-33°S, 18°E → Which African coastal city is here?
Cape Town, South Africa
What do we call a piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides?
Peninsula
What is the difference between a physical map and a political map?
physical = nature, political = human-made boundaries.
Which continent is known as the “frozen continent”?
Antarctica
Compare the settlement patterns of a desert region with a river valley. What geographic factors influence these patterns?
In a desert region, settlements are usually small and spread out
In a river valley, settlements are usually large and close together
-40°S, 175°E → Which country in the Southern Hemisphere is this?
New Zealand
What is a plateau?
An area of high elevation with a flat top and cliffs on all sides.
Why might political maps change over time?
countries can gain or lose land, new countries can be created, borders can shift due to wars or treaties
Name all 7 continents and 5 oceans
Continents- Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America, Antarctica,
Oceans- Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Southern, Indian
How does living in a coastal region differ from living in an inland desert region?
coastal region usually means people have easy access to water for fishing, trade, and transportation
inland desert region often means less water, extreme temperatures, and limited farming opportunities.