Physical Geography Exam Notes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from physical geography, intended to aid in exam preparation.

Geography

An interdisciplinary science that studies physical processes across space and time.

Physical Geography

The study of Earth's natural systems and processes, including weather, climate, and landforms.

Human Geography

The branch of geography that studies society, culture, and human interactions.

Five Spatial Themes of Geography

The core concepts of geography: Location, Region, Movement, Place, and Human-environment relationships.

Place

The unique physical and human characteristics that distinguish a specific location.

Region

An area of Earth defined by one or more distinctive characteristics or patterns.

Movement

The study of the migration and interaction of people, goods, and ideas across the planet.

Human-Environment Relationships

The reciprocal interaction between human social systems and the natural ecosystem.

Absolute Location

The exact position of a place on Earth's surface, typically denoted by coordinates like \text{Latitude} and \text{Longitude}.

Relative Location

The position of a place in relation to other landmarks or locations.

Earth System Science

The study of the Earth as an interacting system of physical, chemical, and biological components.

Earth Open Systems

Systems where both energy and matter flow in and out across the system's boundaries.

Earth Closed Systems

Systems that exchange energy but not matter with their surroundings.

Negative Feedback

A self-regulating mechanism that discourages change and promotes internal stability.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that encourages change in a system, often leading to instability or extreme conditions.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state where constant change occurs but the overall system maintains balance over time.

Steady-State Equilibrium

The condition of a system where values fluctuate around a stable average.

Geoid

The true, irregular shape of Earth determined by variations in gravity and mean sea level.

Latitude

Angular distance north or south of the Equator, measured from 0^{\circ} to 90^{\circ}.

Longitude

Angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured from 0^{\circ} to 180^{\circ}.

Equator

The imaginary line at 0^{\circ} latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian

The line of 0^{\circ} longitude passing through Greenwich, England.

Cartography

The science and art of map-making.

Map Projection

The mathematical method used to transfer the 3D surface of the Earth onto a 2D map.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer-based tool used to capture, store, analyze, and display spatial and geographic data.

Remote Sensing (RS)

The acquisition of data about Earth's surface from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.

Albedo

The percentage of solar radiation reflected back into space by a surface.

Conduction

The molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy through direct contact.

Convection

The vertical transfer of heat through the movement of a gas or liquid.

Advection

The horizontal movement of heat or air across the Earth's surface.

Summer Solstice

The time when the Earth's pole is most tilted toward the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year (around June 21 in the North).

Winter Solstice

The time when the Earth's pole is most tilted away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year (around December 21 in the North).

Equinox

The two times a year when the sun is directly above the equator, making day and night of equal length everywhere.

Troposphere

The lowest atmospheric layer, extending from the surface to about 18\text{ km}, where weather occurs.

Stratosphere

The atmospheric layer above the troposphere containing the ozone layer, characterized by increasing temperature with altitude.

Mesosphere

The middle layer of the atmosphere where temperatures reach their lowest point.

Thermosphere

The outermost layer of the atmosphere where temperatures increase significantly due to high-energy solar radiation.

Ozone Layer

A region within the stratosphere that absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases absorb longwave radiation, keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons; synthetic chemicals that deplete the ozone layer by releasing chlorine atoms.

Wind

The horizontal movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Pressure Gradient Force

The force that drives air from high-pressure systems to low-pressure systems, determining wind speed.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving objects (like wind) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to Earth's rotation.