ENVS 203 Final Exam Study Guide

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Biogeography

• Biome Definition: A biome is a large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions, animal populations, and plant species.

• Biome Drivers: The primary factors that determine biome distribution include temperature, precipitation, latitude, and altitude.

• Biome Basics:

  • Location: Specific biomes are typically found in certain regions (e.g., tropical rainforests near the equator, tundra in high-latitude regions).

  • Formative Factors: Conditions that create each biome include atmospheric circulation patterns, ocean currents, and geographic features (e.g., proximity to the ITCZ, subtropical highs, maritime influence).

  • Unique Features: Each biome has unique characteristics that help organisms survive (e.g., fire adaptation, short growing seasons, high biodiversity).

Glaciers

• Erosional vs. Depositional Features: Erosional features are created by the abrasive action of glaciers, while depositional features are formed by the accumulation of glacial sediments.

• Zone of Ablation vs. Zone of Accumulation: The zone of accumulation is where snow accumulates, while the zone of ablation is where ice melts or sublimates. Shifts in these zones impact glacial mass balance, affecting whether a glacier grows or shrinks over time.

• Valley Shapes: Glacial valleys are wider and flatter (U-shaped) due to glacial erosion, while fluvial valleys are narrower and deeper (V-shaped) due to river erosion.

• Glacial Formation Process: Glaciers form through the accumulation and compaction of snow over many years.

• Geographic Factors: Elevation, latitude, and aspect influence glacial development.

• North Cascades Mass Balance Trends: Recent trends indicate a decline in glacial mass balance due to climate change.

Soils

• Horizons: The sequence of soil horizons is O, A, E, B, C, R. Each horizon has unique physical, chemical, and biological properties.

• Soil Orders: Soil orders are the broadest classification of soils based on their dominant properties.

• Soil Forming Factors: The primary factors influencing soil formation include climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time.

Rivers

• River Channel Types: The three main types of river channels are braided, meandering, and straight. Each channel type has unique characteristics and forms under different conditions.

• Velocity and Sediment: Higher stream velocity can carry larger sediment particles.

• Discharge Equation: Q = A
  V where Q is discharge, A is cross-sectional area, and V is velocity. Discharge increases with increasing velocity and cross-sectional area.

• Hydrograph Interpretation: Hydrographs show the variation in river discharge over time.

• River Velocity: Velocity is highest in the center of the channel and lowest near the banks due to friction.

• Discharge and Watersheds: Glacierized watersheds tend to have higher baseflow due to glacial meltwater.

• Sediment Deposition in Reservoirs: Sediment deposition occurs at the head of the reservoir where flow velocity decreases, forming a sediment delta.

• Meandering Rivers: Erosion occurs on the outer bend (cut bank), while deposition occurs on the inner bend (point bar).

• Discharge Response to Rain: Runoff timing depends on factors such as rainfall intensity, soil type, and vegetation cover.

• Alluvium vs. Colluvium: Alluvium is typically rounded and well-sorted, while colluvium is angular and poorly sorted.

• Watershed Precipitation Type: Snow-dominated watersheds have a delayed peak discharge in spring due to snowmelt.

Topographic Map Reading

• Contour Lines: Contour lines connect points of equal elevation.

• Township and Range: This system divides land into square-mile sections for surveying and mapping purposes.

• Scale Conversions: Scale conversions allow you to calculate distances on the ground based on map measurements.

• Map Basics: Map scale, title, adjacent maps, production and revision date provide important information about the map and its accuracy.