APHG MIDTERM

Freight-Rail System

• Use of railways and trains for cargo transportation, not for passengers.

Sunbelt Region

• Stretch from California to Florida.
• Known for warm climate and economic expansion.
• Attracts people due to job opportunities and better living conditions.

Technopoles

• Specialized areas focusing on high-tech industries and technology development.
• Example: Research Triangle.

Cornbelt Region

• States: Western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas.
• Dominated by corn production.

Busiest Airports

• Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta are major hubs due to strong economies and favorable locations.

Oil and Gas Production

• U.S. States: Texas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alaska.
• Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan.

Largest Urban Corridor

• Northeast Megalopolis from Boston to Washington, D.C., connected by Amtrak Northeast Corridor.

Railroads in U.S. and Canada

• Primarily freight-focused compared to passenger-focused in other wealthy countries.

Polycentric Urban Regions

• Examples: Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, San Jose.

Canadian Cities

• Most located near U.S. border due to climate and trade.

Canadian Shield Economy

• Main activity: Mining of metallic ores (nickel, uranium, copper, lead, zinc, gold).

Maquiladoras

• Factories in Mexico owned by foreign firms; promote interregional migration.
• Cities: Empalme, Hermosillo.

Tierra Templada Crops

• Crops: Coffee, Corn, Beans, Avocados, Citrus fruits.

Primate City

• Largest city in a country with significant influence.
• Examples: Mexico City, Lima, Buenos Aires, Bogotá.

Dry Canal

• Connects two bodies of water, using land transport for cargo.

Central America's Geography

• Positioned in the narcotics trade due to cartels using it as a land bridge.

Pampas Region

• Vast grassland plain in Argentina; major activities include cattle-ranching and agriculture.

Andes Mountains

• Major mountain range along the western South America coast.

Major South American Deserts

• Atacama and Patagonian Deserts; controlled by temperature inversions and orographic effects.

Favelas

• Impoverished neighborhoods in Brazil; significant presence in Rio de Janeiro.

Mercosur

• Trade bloc in South America established to enhance trade and improve economies.

Llanos

• Tropical grassland plain in Colombia, east of the Andes.

Venezuela's Oil Basins

• Located in the Orinoco Belt in eastern Venezuela.

Caribbean vs. Pacific Coasts in Colombia

• Caribbean Coast is more economically developed than the Pacific Coast, which relies on fishing, agriculture, and forestry.

European Climate Types

• Oceanic, Mediterranean, Continental; characterized by temperatures and precipitation variations.

Pyrenees Mountains

• Located along the French/Spanish border.

Nation State

• Defined as a state with one primary nationality (e.g., Japan); examples in Europe: France, Germany, Italy.

Major Navigable Rivers in Europe

• Danube, Don, Elbe, Dnieper, Loire, Po, Rhine, Volga, Rhône, Shannon, Tagus.

North European Plain

• Major historical significance due to invasions and agricultural capability.

Alps Influence

• Alps help moderate climate in Western Mediterranean Europe.

Western vs. Eastern Europe

• Eastern Europe is less developed and impacted by Soviet Union policies.

Prosperous Regions in Italy

• Northern regions are more prosperous economically than the South.

Non-EU Western European Countries

• Examples: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, UK, Norway.

Carpathian Mountains

• Young geological mountain chain running through Slovakia, Poland, and Romania.

Advantages of Europe's Geography

• Central location facilitates trade and contact worldwide.

Ease of Spatial Interaction

• Short distances, extensive transportation networks enhance trade.

Four Motors of Europe

• Rhône-Alpes (France), Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Catalonia (Spain), Lombardy (Italy).

Centrifugal Forces in Europe

• Responses range from accommodations (e.g., Scotland, Catalonia) to suppression.

NATO Expansion Consequences

• Expansion leads to heightened tensions with Russia.

Refugee Crisis in Europe

• Causes economic strain due to cultural differences and resource needs.

Germany's Economic Advantage

• Central location, access to seas and nine bordering countries enhances trade.

Geographic Disadvantages of France

• Lacks natural harbors and urban diversity.

Low Countries

• Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg; economically productive with access to trade routes.

Swiss Geography Utilization

• Mountains used for protection and hydroelectric power.

Shatter Belt

• Geopolitical regions divided by competition among great powers.

Ireland's 'Celtic Tiger'

• Rapid industrialization in the late 20th century due to business-friendly policies.

Nordic Countries Population

• Majority live in the south due to climatic conditions and trade facilitation.

European Primate Cities

• Athens, Dublin, Belgrade, London.

Balkan States Characteristics

• Cold winters, warm summers, diverse climates.

Romania's Strategic Importance

• Heart of Eastern Europe, bridging regions.

Ukraine's Geographic Significance

• Critical link between Russia and Europe; significant for Black Sea strategy.

Ukrainian Electoral Geography

• Divided pro-Western and pro-Russian sentiments causing political instability.

Siberian Population Centers

• Concentrated along the Arctic North Coast.

Near Abroad Countries

• Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia; Russia’s perspective on entitlement.

Russia's Energy Leverage

• Uses energy reserves for economic and geopolitical influence.

Kerch Strait Bridge

• Significance for access between Crimea and mainland Russia.

Break of Bulk Definition

• A location to transfer goods between transportation modes.

Militarization of the Arctic

• Strategic due to resource deposits and climate changes allowing access.

Rostov

• Administrative center, historically significant city in Russia.

Connectivity in Volga and Ural Region

• Well-developed rail network enhances connectivity.

Novosibirsk's Industrial Location

• Access to resources and strategic location for heavy industry.

Krasnoyarsk's Geographical Advantage

• Ideal break-bulk point due to multi-modal transport capabilities.

Leading Commercial Center in Baikal Region

• City of Irkutsk.

Northern Siberia's Economic Resilience

• Rich in natural resources like gold and diamonds despite harsh conditions.

Far East Assets

• Opportunities for economic growth and geopolitical influence.

Political Geography in Caucasus

• Many disputed areas create tensions.

Azerbaijan and Armenia Conflict

• Over the Nakhchivan exclave.

Kashagan Oilfield Location

• Northern part of the Caspian Sea, near Atyrau.

Kazakhstan and China's Belt and Road Initiative

• Benefits include economic deals and investment boosts due to strategic location.