The+Nature+of+Physical+Geography

Page 1: Introduction

Definition:
- Geography originates from the Greek terms:
  - geo meaning "Earth"
  - graphein meaning "to write"
Characteristics of Geography:
- It is a method rather than just a body of knowledge
- Holistic approach: considers entire systems
- Eclectic: incorporates various disciplines
- Utilizes spatial analysis: examining the arrangement of phenomena across space
- Employs Earth systems science: interdisciplinary approach combining physical and human geography

Understanding Science:
- Science encompasses more than just the scientific method
- Example contrast: Science can explain technical capabilities (like cloning a T. rex)
- Humanities provide perspectives on ethical considerations (such as the implications of cloning)

Scientific Method Steps:
- Observe phenomena
- Formulate a hypothesis
- Design an experiment
- Predict outcomes
- Conduct the experiment
- Draw conclusions
- Achieve scientific “proof”

Scientific Theory:
- Explanation of natural events validated through repeated observations
Scientific Law:
- A statement of observed phenomena consistently holding true
- Examples often misinterpreted as mere theory (e.g., gravity and evolution)

Systems Theory:
- A system is interrelated components working together for a process
- All systems need an energy source
- Types of systems:
  - Open Systems: interact with surroundings
  - Closed Systems: isolated from external influences
- Feedback and Equilibrium:
  - System feedback mechanisms and maintaining equilibrium

Inputs:
- Energy and material (e.g., fuel, oxygen, water)
Outputs:
- Products/resulting matter (e.g., exhaust gases, waste, mechanical motion)
Automobile Example:
- Inputs: fuel, oil, tires, resources
- Outputs: heat loss, waste, debt

Water Cycle Processes:
- Involves various stages: precipitation, evaporation, condensation, etc.
- Examples of storage: in ice, atmosphere, oceans, groundwater, etc.
- Highlight the interconnectedness and flow of water through systems

Plant Processes:
- Input of CO2 and H2O, conversion into sugars (energy)
- Photosynthesis: harnessing sunlight and transforming it into chemical energy
- Respiration: breaking down sugars for energy release
- Water transpiration's role in maintaining plant health

Concepts:
- Positive Feedback: reinforces the initial stimulus, accelerating change
- Negative Feedback: counteracts the initial stimulus, promoting stability
- Equilibrium refers to a stable state of a system

Example:
- Florida's Atlantic coast demonstrates dynamic equilibrium through continuous sand erosion and deposition by ocean currents
- Indicates balance and interaction of natural forces

Four Primary Spheres:
- Atmosphere: air and gases
- Lithosphere: Earth's solid structure
- Hydrosphere: water in all forms
- Cryosphere: ice domains
Additional Sphere:
- Biosphere: all living organisms
- Anthrosphere: human influence on the environment

Circumference Measurements:
- Polar: 40,008 km
- Equatorial: 40,075 km
- North and South Pole measurements indicate geoidal bulge variations

Importance of Location:
- Accurate location is critical for geographic analysis
- Based on Earth's rotation axis leading to the definition of coordinate systems such as latitude and longitude
- Graticule: grid overlay for map representation

Latitudes:
- Parallels measure angles north/south of equator
- Significant latitudes:
  - Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)
  - Equator (0°)
  - Poles (90° N/S)
  - Arctic/Antarctic Circles (66.5° N/S)
- Latitude zones defined by these markers

Zones Defined:
- Arctic: 66.5° N to North Pole
- Subarctic: 55° N to 66.5° N
- Midlatitude: 35° N to 55° N
- Subtropical: 23.5° N to 35° N
- Equatorial/Tropical: 23.5° N to 23.5° S
- Antarctic Zones similarly defined

Longitudes:
- Meridians measure angle east/west from Prime Meridian in Greenwich
- They converge at poles, critical for geographic description and navigation

Definition:
- Great circles bisect the sphere and pass through its center
- They indicate the shortest path between two points on the globe
- Circle of illumination and small circles also explained

Visual Differentiation:
- Each pair of meridians creates a great circle; parallels (except the equator) form small circles
- Great circles provide equal halves, whereas small circles divide the globe unequally