Geo midterm

Relative Location

A description of how a place is related to other places.

Absolute Location

Describes the position of a place in a way that never changes, regardless of your location.

Seasons

Caused by the Earth's tilt and revolution, affecting the direct rays of the sun at different times of the year.

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere at a particular location and time.

Climate

The term for weather conditions at a particular location over a long period of time.

Lines of Longitude

Imaginary lines that measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Lines of Latitude

Imaginary lines that measure distance north or south of the Equator.

Tectonic Plate Theory

The Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.

Lithosphere

Made of Earth's crust and the top section of solid mantle.

Convergent Plates

Cause physical features such as mountains and volcanoes.

Divergent Plates

Cause physical features such as rift valleys and sea floor spreading.

Transform Plates

Cause earthquakes.

Subduction

Occurs when a plate slides under another plate.

Delta

Triangular masses of land formed at the mouth of a river when the current slows down.

Strait

A narrow strip of water connecting two larger bodies of water.

Canal

An artificial waterway constructed for navigation or for the movement of water.

Archipelago

A group of islands.

Culture Region

A perceived space that shares a common cultural background.

Spatial Diffusion

The movement of a cultural idea or technology from one location to another.

Artifact

An object made by humans of cultural or historical interest.

Assimilation

When an immigrant group adapts all features of the main culture.

Cultural Diffusion

The process by which a cultural element is spread to a group or individual.

Urban

Relating to a city.

Rural

Relating to the countryside or farm.

Urbanization

The process of people moving from rural areas to cities.

Dense

Crowded or tightly packed together.

Tribal

A system emphasizing local decision making and clan kinship.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Monarchy

A form of government where a monarch rules for life or until they abdicate.

Republic

Not a monarchy; citizens have some participation in the government.

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population through elected representatives.

Dictatorship

Ruled by one person or political party, where power is usually taken by force.

Totalitarian

An extreme form of dictatorship where citizens have no rights and the government seeks to control all aspects of life.

Per Capita GDP

Total value of all goods and services produced on average per person in a country over a year.

Per Capita Income

The average income a person would make in a country.

Infrastructure

Facilities and systems needed for modern living, such as utilities and transportation.

Market Economy

An economy in which private individuals and groups decide what to produce, how much, and at what price.

Developing Economy

An economy that often depends on more developed countries to buy their exports.

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of infants who die per every thousand births in that country.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years a person in that country can expect to live.

Population Density

The average number of people living in a measurable area.

Death Rate

The rate at which a population neither increases nor decreases.

Appalachian Mountains

A mountain range on the US east coast from Alabama to Canada.

Rocky Mountains

A mountain range east of the Great Plains serving as a major barrier for migration.

Continental Divide

A natural boundary that separates rivers flowing eastward from those flowing westward.

Great Plains

A flat, fertile area in the center of the US, known as America's breadbasket.

Ogallala Aquifer

An underground water source used for irrigation in the Midwest.

Mississippi River/Delta

A major shipping channel in the central US that supplies freshwater and supports culture and industry.

Rust Belt

Region known for its coal industry, steel production, and manufacturing in the US.

Sun Belt

Region in the southeastern and southwestern US known for oil, military, and retirement communities.

Physical Barrier

Obstacles in natural or man-made environments that block mobility or access.

Irrigation

Artificial application of water to assist in crop growth.

Pull Factor

Conditions that make another country more attractive to live in.

Push Factor

Conditions that make people want to leave their home country.

Natural Barriers

Geographical features that hinder settlement or development.

Adaptation

Adjusting to actual or expected future climate.

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth at all levels, including genes and ecosystems.

Colonialism

Control by one power over a dependent area or people.

Deforestation

The large-scale removal of trees.

Indigenous

Those who inhabited a region at the time of contact with different cultures.

Pandemic

A worldwide outbreak of disease.

Slash & Burn Agriculture

A farming method that involves cutting and burning vegetation to fertilize the soil.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Terrace Agriculture

Farming method involving flat surfaces carved into hillsides for effective agriculture.

Panama Canal

A canal that allows faster transportation between Europe and Asia, saving mileage and reducing pollution.

Andes Mountains Agriculture

Uses terracing to adapt to mountainous terrain for farming.

European Colonialism in Latin America

Centered on conquest, control of land, resources, and labor by European powers.

Preparation for Natural Disasters

Creating emergency plans and supply kits to mitigate the effects of disasters.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of crops, livestock, and diseases between the New World and Old World.

Eurocentric

Viewing the world through a lens focused on European history and culture.

Mercantilism

An economic theory focusing on acquiring and exploiting colonies.

Industrialization

The development of industries in a country on a large scale.

North Atlantic Drift

A warm ocean current responsible for Northwest Europe's warm and wet climate.

European Union Goal

To promote peace, values, and the well-being of its citizens.

Country refusing to join the EU

Switzerland, due to its desire for independence and neutrality.

Three requirements to join the EU

Stable institutions, functioning market economy, and ability to fulfill membership obligations.

Black Plague Cause

Caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis.

Industrial Revolution Result

Rapid increase in urbanization due to industrialization.

Reason for Industrial Revolution in Europe

Began with advancements in cloth making.