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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.