Fig. 1-CO, p. 2

Study guide for Exams

• Be able to answer the questions from the study guide for the exam. I will not collect the answers.

• I usually answer these questions in our lecture. So…..TAKE NOTES beyond what is written on the screen.

• Study,study,study…flash cards, reading your book, write out answers to the questions. Each week and when an exam comes along.

• Have enough depth in your answers. My questions are general and may cover a lot of material.

• Focus on these questions for the exam. You text covers a lot of material I provide the study guide for a reason.

Study Guide for ExamsChapter 1

1. State the definition of a system. Give examples of a system. 2. Identify and describe the four major divisions of our Earth

system. How do each of these systems overlap?3. Define and give examples of an open system and closed

system. 4. Define pollution. What are some causes of pollution? 5. List two careers open to a student with a degree in

geography. What does it mean to think globally but act locally.

6. What is a model? Describe the four different types of models. What are examples of each of these models?

Taking notes

• More than what is on the screen.

• Printing out notes.

What is Geography?

• Geo= earth • Graphy= picture or writing. • Describes, examines, and explains the Earth. • Geography is about asking questions and solving

problems. Making connections between people and places.

• Relationship between people and the environment.• It is a combination of a natural and social science.

The Big Picture

• Geographic knowledge demonstrates not only differences but similarities as well

• We study geography to know ourselves and our place in the world and also to understand the processes of the place where we live

• Who would we be if we had no sense of place?

What is Physical Geography?

• Study of Earth’s systems/Earth’s major divisions :– biosphere

– lithosphere

– atmosphere,

– hydrosphere

• Answers how Earth’s systems function.

Fig. 1-1, p. 4

Systems

• A system maybe thought of as a set of parts or components that are interrelated through space

• Variables

• Examples?

• Earth System- how do the variables combine to make our home?

Mountain positions affecting rainfall

Mountain positions affecting rainfall

Variation in rainfall affects distribution and types of plants.

Variation in rainfall affects distribution and types of plants.

Earth systems are dynamic, always changing

Earth systems are dynamic, always changing

Major Divisions of the Earth System

• Atmosphere

• Lithosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Biosphere

How do these Earth systems overlap?

How do these Earth systems overlap?

Pollution and Models

• Pollution is an undesirable or unhealthy concentration of a contaminant in an environment as a result of human activity. What do you consider the worst pollution threat?

• Models?

Models

• There are 4 different types of models we study. – Physical model i.e. a globe– Pictorial or graphic model i.e. maps, graphs– Math/ statistical models to predict flooding – Conceptual model – in our mind.

Open System

Energy - MatterInteractions

Energy OutputEnergy Output

Matter OutputMatter Output

Energy InputEnergy Input

Matter InputMatter Input

Fig. 1.19

Examples? The major divisions/systems of Earth. Lithosphere, hydrosphere,atmosphere,biosphere

Closed System

Energy - MatterInteractions

Matter is containedwithin the system

boundaries

Energy InputEnergy Input

Energy OutputEnergy Output

Fig 1.19 Example? Earth

Careers

• Careers open to someone studying geography– Meteorologist– GIS specialist– Planner– Water Resources manager

Ecosystem

• An ecosystem is a community of organisms and relationships of those organisms to their environment.

• Depends on scale. As small as your backyard or as large as a national park.

Discussion Pair/Share

• Answer the following questions yourself. Pair up and discuss. Share with class.

• How have ecosystems in your city been affected by human activity? Good or bad.

• What does it mean to think globally but act locally?• How have various kinds of pollution affected your

life? List some sources of pollution in your city or town.

• What do you consider the most important pollution threat to the Earth.

Study Guide for ExamsChapter 1

1. State the definition of a system. Give examples of a system. 2. Identify and describe the four major divisions of our Earth

system. How do each of these systems overlap?3. Define and give examples of an open system and closed

system. 4. Define pollution. What are some causes of pollution? 5. List two careers open to a student with a degree in

geography. What does it mean to think globally but act locally.

6. What is a model? Describe the four different types of models. What are examples of each of these models?

7. What is geography?