Chapter 1: Geosystems - An Introduction to Physical Geography

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 1 on Geosystems and Physical Geography, aiming to aid in the understanding and memorization for the exam.

Geography

Studies the relationships among geographic areas, natural systems, society, cultural activities, and their interdependence through space.

Physical Geography

Focuses on the natural environment and physical processes.

Spatial Analysis

The examination of spatial relationships to uncover patterns and trends in geographic data.

Open System

Inputs energy or matter, outputs energy or matter.

Closed System

Self-contained system that does not exchange matter with its surroundings. Rare in nature.

Latitude

An angular distance north or south of the Equator, measured from the center of Earth. (Divided in parallels)

Longitude

An angular distance east or west from a point on Earth’s surface measured from the center of Earth. (Divided in meridians)

Cartography

The science and art of map-making, including the design and production of maps.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer-based tool for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial or geographic data.

Remote Sensing

The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location on Earth.

Feedback Loop

A process in which outputs of a system are circled back as inputs to influence the ongoing activity or workings of that system.

Great Circles

The largest circles that can be drawn on a sphere, representing the shortest distance between two points on a globe.

Map Scale

The ratio of a distance on the map to the actual distance on the ground.

Map Projections

Methods for representing the curved surface of Earth on a flat surface, each introducing some form of distortion.

Entomologic Risk

The density of infected ticks per unit area, providing a measure of the likelihood of Lyme disease transmission.

Human Incidence

The rate of confirmed disease cases per population within a specified area.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, where life interacts with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

Hydrosphere

All the waters on Earth's surface, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, essential for climate and weather.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Themes of Geographic Science

• Location

• Place

• Region

• Movement

• Human-Earth Relationships

The Scientific Method Process

Obersvation → Hypothesis → Experimentation → Analysis → Conclusion

System

Any ordered, interrelated set of things and their attributes, linked by flows of energy and matter

Ways of showing a map scale

• Representative fraction

• Written Scale

• Graphic Scale

Classes of Map Projection

• Cylindrical

• Planar

• Conic

• Oval

The farther the point is from the middle of the map, the more distorted.

GPS

Uses 4 radio signals from satellites to find your location