1_Basic Geog Concepts

Introduction to Earth-Space Science

• Reference: Zaprowski et al. (2020). Earth & Beyond: An Introduction to Earth-Space Science, 4th ed. Kendall Hunt Publishing.

• Course: Geog 104 – Introduction to Earth-Space Science, Chapter 2 on Mapping Fundamentals and Applications.

Earth’s Structure

Layers of the Earth

• Crust: Outer layer of the Earth where we live.

• Upper Mantle: Beneath the crust; more solid than the crust.

• Lower Mantle: More viscous and under greater pressure than the upper mantle.

• Outer Core: Liquid layer; composed mainly of iron and nickel.

• Inner Core: Solid inner part; extremely hot and dense.

Spheres of Earth

• Hydrosphere: The watery part of the Earth, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.

• Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

• Biosphere: All living organisms on Earth.

• Lithosphere: The rigid outer layer of the Earth consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Understanding Earth Science

Interrelated Systems

• Earth science examines the complex interactions among all spheres, emphasizing their interdependence:

  • Atmosphere

  • Geosphere/Lithosphere

  • Biosphere

  • Hydrosphere

  • Outer Space

Coordinates and Location

Absolute Location

• Defined mathematically to describe unique locations on Earth using coordinates (latitude and longitude).

• Absolute location uses the concepts of hemispheres:

  • Equator: Divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

  • Prime Meridian: Divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: Measures angular distance north or south of the equator, represented by parallels.

• Longitude: Measures angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, represented by meridians.

Coordinate System

• Geographic coordinates are based on a graticule formed by intersecting meridians (longitude) and parallels (latitude):

  • Meridians (Longitude): Extend from North to South Pole.

  • Parallels (Latitude): Circle the Earth parallel to the equator.

Practical Application of Coordinates

Finding Locations

• Use latitude and longitude to determine unique locations on the Earth's surface.

Example Coordinates

• 35°N, 80°W (Common format: latitude N or S, longitude E or W).

Understanding Measurements

• Degrees, minutes, and seconds as units of measurement:

  • 1 degree = 60 minutes

  • 1 minute = 60 seconds

Time Zones

Understanding Time Differences

• Earth rotates on its axis, resulting in different time zones:

  • Most time zones differ by one hour from adjacent zones.

• International Date Line: An important reference line for time zones located roughly along 180° longitude.

• Observing rotation of the Earth explains phenomena like sunrise and sunset direction (east to west).

Time Zone Map

• A visual representation shows the division of time zones in North America, highlighting regions that observe daylight saving time and those that do not.