Geography 101 Midterm Exam Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture notes on Geography 101, providing a helpful study tool for the upcoming midterm exam.

What are the two components of the Mid-Term Exam format?

20 multiple choice questions worth 20 points and two short response questions worth 30 points in total.

What is the importance of mapping in geography?

Maps help to visualize physical characteristics, cultural distributions, and flows of goods and information that can't be directly observed.

What does the term 'latitude' refer to?

Latitude is the angular distance of a point north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.

Distinguish between the Equator and the Prime Meridian.

The Equator is 0° latitude, dividing the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres, while the Prime Meridian is 0° longitude, dividing the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres.

What is a map projection?

A map projection is a method to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface, often resulting in distortions.

Define 'convergent boundaries' in plate tectonics.

Convergent boundaries are where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other, leading to geological features like mountains and trenches.

What is the impact of the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect causes moving air and water to turn and twist due to Earth's rotation, influencing weather patterns and ocean currents.

Explain the term 'eutrophication' in relation to water bodies.

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies receive excess nutrients, leading to excessive plant and algal growth that depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life.

Differentiate between metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks.

Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks subjected to heat and pressure, while sedimentary rocks are formed from particles that settle and cement over time.

What are the primary effects of natural hazards?

Primary effects occur directly as a result of the natural hazard itself, such as damage from an earthquake or flooding.