Chapter 1 – Physical Geography Basics

What is physical geography?

The study of Earth's natural features and processes.

What does spatial mean?

The location, arrangement, and relationships of things on Earth.

What is absolute location?

The exact position of a place using latitude and longitude.

What is relative location?

A place's position in relation to other places.

What is the spatial perspective?

Viewing Earth based on patterns and relationships across space.

What are the four parts of the spatial perspective?

Location; characteristics of places; spatial distribution and pattern; spatial interaction.

What are the four Earth subsystems?

Atmosphere; hydrosphere; lithosphere; biosphere.

What is the atmosphere?

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

What is the hydrosphere?

All water on Earth.

What is the lithosphere?

Earth's solid surface including rocks and landforms.

What is the biosphere?

All living organisms on Earth.

What is the scientific method?

A step-by-step process for studying natural phenomena.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation, question, hypothesis, data collection, analysis, conclusion.

What is a closed system?

A system where energy enters and leaves but matter does not.

What is an open system?

A system where both energy and matter move in and out.

What is negative feedback?

A process that reduces change and stabilizes a system.

What is positive feedback?

A process that amplifies change in a system.