Geography Exam Flashcards

Unit 1: Introduction to Geography

Map of Canada

• Provinces/Territories: Know the 10 provinces and 3 territories.

• Capital cities: E.g., Ontario - Toronto, Quebec - Quebec City.

• Bodies of water: Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River.

Geographic Basics

• Equator, Prime Meridian: Imaginary lines dividing the Earth into hemispheres.

• Latitude/Longitude: Coordinate system for absolute location.

• Absolute location: Exact position (e.g., 43° N, 79° W for Toronto).

• Relative location: Description relative to another place (e.g., south of Lake Ontario).

4Ws & 3Ps

• What is Where?: Describes the location of features.

• Why There?: Explains reasons for location (e.g., natural resources).

• Why Care?: Highlights the importance for people, profit, planet.

• What to Do?: Discusses solutions for geographical issues.

Unit 2: Physical Geography and Processes in Canada

LOWERN (Climate Factors)

• Latitude: Closer to the equator = warmer.

• Ocean currents: Warm/cool currents affect climate.

• Winds & Air masses: Influence weather patterns.

• Elevation: Higher = colder.

• Relief: Mountains block air masses, affecting rain.

• Near water: Proximity moderates temperature.

Climate Change

• Definition: Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns.

• Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, industrial activity.

Weather vs. Climate

• Weather: Day-to-day conditions (e.g., rain, snow).

• Climate: Long-term averages (e.g., Arctic climate = cold year-round).

Glaciation

• Definition: Movement of glaciers shaping the land (e.g., U-shaped valleys).

Erosion & Weathering

• Erosion: Removal of surface material by wind, water, ice.

• Weathering: Breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces.

Natural Disasters

• E.g., Earthquakes (plate tectonics), floods (heavy rain), wildfires.

Unit 3: Managing Canada’s Resources and Industries

Sustainability

• Definition: Meeting needs without compromising future generations.

• Application: Balancing environmental, social, and economic factors.

Resources

• Renewable: Can replenish (e.g., forests, fish).

• Non-renewable: Limited supply (e.g., oil, coal).

Energy Sources

• Conventional: Fossil fuels (cheap but polluting).

• Alternative: Wind, solar, hydro (sustainable but expensive).

Water in Canada

• Usage: Domestic, industrial, agricultural.

• Concerns: Pollution, overuse, scarcity in some areas.

Overfishing

• Impact: Decline in fish stocks, affects ecosystems and industries.

Agriculture Trends

• Farms: Fewer but larger farms.

• Challenges: Climate change, soil degradation.

Unit 4: Changing Populations

Demographics

• Study of population trends (e.g., aging, immigration).

• Canada’s trends: Aging population, urbanization.

• Impacts: Strain on healthcare, pensions.

Population Growth

• Factors: Birth/death rates, immigration, emigration.

• Equation: Population Growth Rate = (Birth Rate - Death Rate) + Net Migration.

Life Expectancy

• High due to healthcare and living standards; linked to aging population.

Immigration

• Push factors: War, persecution.

• Pull factors: Job opportunities, safety.

• Programs: Express Entry, family sponsorship, refugee status.

Population Pyramids

• Developing country: Wide base (high birth rate).

• Developed country: Narrow base (low birth rate).

Density & Distribution

• Density: People per area (e.g., PEI = high; Nunavut = low).

• Patterns: Linear (along coasts), clustered (urban areas).

Unit 5: Liveable Communities

Sustainable/Unsustainable

• Sustainable: Green spaces, low emissions, efficient transport.

• Unsustainable: Pollution, urban sprawl.

Land Uses

• Commercial: Shops, offices.

• Industrial: Factories.

• Residential: Homes