Exam 1 GEG 111

What is geography? The science that studies the relationship among processes that occur naturally, geographic areas, environment, etc. Subfields of Geography Physical and human geography Steps of the Scientific Method Identify problem, Form Hypothesis, Collect Data, Analyze Data, Form Conclusions Difference between hypothesis and theory In science, a theory is a tested, well-substantiated, unifying explanation for a set of verified, proven factors. A theory is always backed by evidence; a hypothesis is only a suggested possible outcome, and is testable and falsifiable. 4 primary spheres of earth Geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Latitude Distance north or south of the equator (horizontal) Longitude Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees (vertical) Meridians Another name for lines of longitude Paraelles Another name for latitude Map scale compares a distance on a map with a distance in the real world (ex: 1 cm = 100 mi) 3 kinds of map scales written or verbal, graphic and fractional Planar map projection a flat projection that would be best for studying the Poles Conic Map Projection Created by setting a cone over a globe and projecting light from the center of the globe onto the cone Planar projection a map created by projecting an image of the Earth onto a flat piece of paper Relationship between standard time and longitude GPS Global Positioning System. A system that determines the precise position of something on Earth through a series of satellites, tracking stations, and receivers. GIS Geographic Information System, A computer system that stores, organizes, analyzes, and displays geographic data. Remote sensing The acquisition of data about Earth's surface from a satellite orbiting the planet or other long-distance methods. Annual March of the Seasons -variation in day length and Sun's angle -result of the combined effects of: -rotation -revolution -inclination -polarity Changing declination of the sun and sub polar point at various times during the year, as the earth orbits the sun, declination varies from 23.45 degrees north to 23.45 degrees south. This gives rise to the seasons. Permanent Gases in the Atmosphere nitrogen, oxygen, argon Variable Gases in the Atmosphere water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone Layers of the atmosphere Clean Air Act of 1970 The law aimed at combating air pollution, by charging the EPA with protecting and improving the quality of the nation's air. Photochemical smog air pollution that forms from the interaction between chemicals in the air and sunlight (can be natural) Industrial smog