Exam 1: World Geo 101

Ch 1 &5 Terms

Scale

Representation of map distance to ground difference, represented verbally, geographically, or by representative fraction

Absolute Location

The exact, unchanging position of a place on earth, identified by specific unique coordinates like Lat. and Long.

Relative Location

Describes places of position in relation to other landmarks

Formal Regions

An area defined by a high level of consistency in a specific characteristic

Hinterland

A remote area located away from major cities and coastlines

Functional Region

An area centered on a focal point that’s surrounded by interconnecting links

Continental Drift

The scientific theory that explains the horizontal movement and rotation of continents over geological time

Tectonic Plate

large moving pieces of earths outer shell that floats on molten rock below, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains

Pacific Ring of Fire

a horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean

Climate

Average weather patterns (like temp, rainfall, wind) in a specific region, typically over 30 years

Global Climate Change

Long term, rapid warming of earths average temp and the shifts of weather patterns

Population Distribution

A measure of how spread out a population is in any given area

Urbanization

The increasing shift of people moving from rural, countryside areas to city and town, causing urban areas to grow in size and population

Mega City

Massive metropolitan area with a population of over 10 Million people

State

A area of land with a permanent population, governed by its own sovereign that makes and enforces laws.

Sovereignty

States independent right & power to govern itself, manage territory, and make own laws

European State Model

A sovereign nation-state with defined borders and centralized authority

Geopolitics

A countries physical location, resources, and features affects its power and relationships with other countries

Development

The act of improving by expanding, enlarging, or refining

Sustainable Development

meeting our current needs for a good life, without ruining the planet and using up its resources

Inclusive Development

Ensuring everyone, especially marginalized or disadvantage groups, has equal access to things

Core-Periphery

A lopsided world where developed “Core“ regions dominate less developed areas

Core-Periphery Relationship

A system of spatial and economic inequality where powerful core regions benefit from the resources of dependent peripheral regions

Uneven Development

The development of the economy is uneven.

Globalization

The process of the world becoming more interconnected, allowing countries, businesses, and people to easily share goods, services, technology, and ideas across borders

Migration

The movement of people or animals from one place, region, or country to another, usually to settle or live in a new location

Remittances

Funds that migrant workers send back to their families or communities in their home country, typically through wire transfers or electronic payments

City-State

A small independent country made up of one city and the land around it

Industrial Revolution

late 1700’s -18’s when machines and factories replaces hand production, changing how good were made

Sovereignty

A country’s right to rule itself without outside control

Nation-State

A country where most people share the same culture, language, and identity

Nation

A group of people who share a common culture, language, history, or identity

Indo-European Language family

A large group of related languages that include English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, and others

Central Business District

The downtown area of a city where most businesses and offices are located

Centrifugal Forces

Things that divide people in a country

Centripetal Forces

Things that unite people in a country

Supranationalism

When countries work together and share power in an organization for a common goal

Euro Zone

The group of European countries where people can travel between them without a passport check

Four Motors of Europe

Rhone - Alpes

Lombardy

Catalonia

Baden - Wurttemberg

Devolution

When a central government gives more power to regional or local government M

Microstate

A very small country

Primate City

A country's largest city that is much bigger and more important than any other city in that country

Site

The physical characteristics of a place like climate, land, water

Situation

A places location compared to other places around it

World City

A major city that has a big influence on global business and culture

Break-of-Bulk

A place where goods are transferred from one type of transportation to another

Entrepot

A city or port where goods are imported, stored, and the exported again

Balkanization

When a region breaks into smaller, often hostile countries or groups

Irredentism

When a country wants to take land where its ethnic group lives but is controlled by another country

Exclave

A part of a country that is separated from the main part and surrounded by another country (Alaska)