Physical Geography study guide Exam 1

Maps

Visual representations of spatial data, showing locations and relationships on Earth’s surface.

Scale (Small vs. Large)

Small scale shows a large area with less detail; large scale shows a small area with more detail.

Projections

Convert 3D Earth to 2D, involving distortions in shape, area, distance, or direction.

Latitude

Horizontal lines ranging from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles.

Longitude

Vertical lines ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian, up to 180° east or west.

Contour lines

Lines of equal elevation used to represent terrain; close lines indicate steep terrain.

Earth-sun relationships

Caused by Earth's axial tilt (23.5°) and its orbit around the sun.

June solstice

Occurs around June 21, with the subsolar point at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N).

December solstice

Occurs around December 21, with the subsolar point at the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S).

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation which varies with latitude and time of year.

Subsolar point

Point on Earth receiving direct solar rays, moving between 23.5°N and 23.5°S annually.

Aphelion

The point in Earth's orbit farthest from the sun, occurring in July.

Perihelion

The point in Earth's orbit closest to the sun, occurring in January.

Air Pressure & Elevation

Air pressure decreases with altitude.

Normal lapse rate

Average cooling rate of 6.4°C per 1000 meters of elevation.

Albedo

Reflectivity of a surface; high albedo reflects more light, low albedo absorbs more.

Urban heat island

Cities are warmer due to human activity, low albedo surfaces, and decreased vegetation.

Daily temperature pattern

Coldest just after sunrise; warmest in mid to late afternoon.

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct contact.

Convection

Heat transfer through fluid movement.

Radiation

Energy transfer via waves.

Latitude impact on temperature

Affects sun angle and insolation.

Altitude impact on temperature

Higher altitude generally results in cooler temperatures.

Cloud cover effect

Moderates temperature fluctuations.

Continentality impact

Inland locations tend to have a higher temperature range.

Global wind patterns

Patterns include Polar Easterlies, Westerlies, and NE/SE Trade winds.

Persistent pressure zones

High pressure (sinking air, dry) and low pressure (rising air, moist) regions.

Isobar

Line of equal pressure on a map.

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)

Air moves from high to low pressure areas.

Coriolis effect

Deflects wind right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Friction in wind

Slows wind near the surface and reduces the Coriolis effect.