Chapter 1-7 Overview: Introduction to Geography and Latitude/Longitude

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture: geography as a broad, spatial science; branches and spheres; the water cycle; latitude/longitude and map basics; angular distance; rain shadows; and the role of meteorology and climatology in weather and climate.

What is geography?

A broad discipline that studies both human and physical phenomena and how they shape the world's environment; it is a spatial science.

What are the two main branches of geography?

Human geography and physical geography.

What does spatial science mean in geography?

The study of how things vary over space.

What is a key question a geographer asks and why is it important?

Where things are happening (where) and why they happen (why); understanding where is fundamental, while why explains the causes.

What are the four Earth spheres mentioned in the notes?

Atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere.

What is the hydrosphere?

All water on Earth (oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, glaciers); about 70% of Earth’s surface is water.

What is the atmosphere?

The mixture of gases surrounding Earth, held by gravity; contains the ozone layer and greenhouse gases that regulate temperature.

What is the biosphere?

All plants, animals, and soil on Earth.

What is the lithosphere?

The ground surface and below; its interactions with weather and climate are important; studied in geology.

What is the cryosphere?

The frozen water portion of the hydrosphere; cryosphere scientists study glaciers, snow cover, permafrost, etc.

What is the water cycle (hydrologic cycle)?

The cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation that moves water around the planet.

Why is the water cycle important for daily weather and climate?

Evaporation and condensation drive weather and climate patterns; coastal climates are influenced by proximity to water.

What is latitude?

A coordinate measuring distance north or south of the equator; lines run horizontally; degrees range from 0 to 90.

What is longitude?

A coordinate measuring distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude at Greenwich, England); lines run vertically; degrees range from 0 to 180.

What is the Prime Meridian?

The zero longitude line running through Greenwich, England.

What is the International Date Line?

The line at 180° longitude in the Pacific; marks the change of day as you cross it.

How are latitude and longitude written in coordinates?

Latitude is written first (north/south), followed by longitude (east/west).

What is angular distance in geography?

The degree difference between two locations in latitude or longitude; to estimate distance in miles, multiply by about 69 miles per degree (latitude).

What is a rain shadow?

The dry area on the leeward side of a mountain after air rises on the windward side and releases moisture; deserts often form there.

Why are coastal areas often milder in temperature?

Water’s high specific heat means it heats up and cools down slowly, moderating coastal temperatures.

What are the two main course components in weather and climate here?

Meteorology (about three-fourths of the course) and climatology (about one-fourth).