World Geography
future population trends?
-Decreasing "white" percentage, in 2070 expected to be a minority majority -Rapidly growing Hispanic population -Steady #'s of African American -% Asian to more than double -Also a decreasing # of people identifying with one race... -Perhaps in future "race" will be done away with as a category
Canadian Shield
-The shield was originally an area of very large mountains and much volcanic activity, but over the millennia the area was eroded to its current much flatter appearance. -Flat rocky ground and thick coniferous forests but sparsely populated
how does the area vary in terms of climate and agriculture?
Great expanses of many different rain profiles and elevation ranges Allow for great diversification of ag. Products
South
Mainly European pop. Use of modern farm techniques, Coffee, Computer software industry
what are the regions of brazil? why do they differ?
NORTH, NORTHEAST, CENTRAL WEST, SOUTH EAST, SOUTH.
Dynamics of Native American geography...location, economic issues.
Native Americans live both on reservations and in the cities and towns of our country in homes.oklahoma, new mexico, arizona, nebraska. native american gaming. (casinos, tourism)
what is isolated proximity and what does it have to do with the caribbean?
a concept that explores the contradictory position of the Caribbean states, which are physically close to North America and economically dependent upon that region. Caribbean isolation fosters strong loyalties to locality and limited economic opportunity
what is the economical situation of the atlantic province?
Unemployment remains high Population is declining Energy and mining projects along Canada's Atlantic coast provide hope for economic growth, including pumping oil from the Hibernia oil field
where do most people in canada live? why?
along the border. bc of climate
how has the western portions of the region altered river systems to allow for great population density in the area?
altered for irrigation. used for drinking altered hydroelectrically so people can live there.
what is a megalopis?
an extensive, heavily populated, continuously urban area, including any number of cities major cities: NY, LA, Chicago
what two topographical elements dominate the area?
andes mountains and the amazon basin
where was the inca empire concentrated? how did they use this to their advanage?
andes mountains used for isolation??
what were/are some persiste cultural homelands in the region?
asians live in the urban areas. african americams, the south,europeans east, natives rural.
transnationalism? what impact does this have in mexico?
being connected to more than one country. move and keep culture. (think transgender) being connected to u.s. they can work in u.s. and send money back to family.
altitudinal zonation
change in climate and change in ground characteristics (soil) as you move up and down in elevation., the division of land into zones based on elevation, which in turn helps determine climate and vegetation
why was there so much violenec in guatemala in the past decades, how di this violence affect migration?
civil war and government is very weak. people don't want to move here, but do want to leave.
What similarities do Colombia and Colorado rivers have? what about the mississippi/missouri/st.lawrence?
colombia and colorado- irrigate farmland and generate hyro-electricity. harnessed for their power. miss: outlet to world ocea trade routes and gulf of mexico. drainage basin.
what general areas of north america are experiencing pop decline and growth?
colorado gaining bc of jobs (mtn states) coast losing ppl-no jobs nd too expensive
what are the major differences between continental and marine air masses?
continental changes: dry: have seaons: land: MISSOURI marine temp doesnt change: moist: above the ocean: CA
Domain
debatable; something people associate with a certain area ex: nebraska being in tornado alley bc some people would say they weren't.
Core
definite; Center of a region represents an area ex: core of midwest is tornado alley
european expansion into north america began in what general area and progressed in what direction?
east cost to west
What are three different types of regions that geographers use to understand the regions of the world?
formal, functional, vernacular.
environmental issues of the area
hurricanes and volcanic activity
whyw as the intermountain west considered the leftover land..and how is the sunbelt migration changing this.
intermountain west: Made up of Plateaus and large basins broken up by isolated ranges. Two most well known areas: Basin and Range Colorado Plateau sunbelt migrations: Most pronounced in previously sparsely settled SW
ogalla aquifer? why is it an issue?
irrigation system, groundwater pumped from the earth doesn't replenish causing a problem. located in the middle.
remittances
money migrant send back to family and friends in their home coutnries, often in cash, forming an important part of the economy in many poorer coutnries
migration patters of the region
originally migration was coming in, (slaves of africans, indian, chinese) now those decsendants have left to go to europe, us, or canada.
Differences of Canada and U.S.
population distribution, climate, government. provinces.
isolated proximity
population or economy isolated but close
what are the differences between sectors of the economy?
primary, secondary, tertiary.
push pull factors
push: overpopulation, war. pull: economic availability, relgious/political freedoms, land availability.
what allowed greater migration into the intermountain west?
railroads.
major trends in population in north america?
rural to urban migration, growth of the sun belt south, the counterurbanization trend, settlement geographies: the decentralized metropolis-urban decentralization
Functional region
those defined by a function (i. e., TVA, United Airlines Service area or a newspaper service area). If the function ceases to exists, the region no longer exists.
Formal region
those defined by governmental or administrative boundaries (i. e., United States, Birmingham, Brazil).
What is the countr'y most populous and diverse city?
toronto in ontario
cultural spheres!
tropical-plantation, european commercial, amerind-subsistence, mestizo-transitional, undifferentiated,
where is the core of the hispanic commercial landscapes in the U,S, and how is their geographic distribution changing?
-temporary housing/Ethnic Flair -Murals -Businesses carnicerías (meat markets) tortillerías (tortilla factories) panaderías (bakeries) - pan dulce yerberías (folk herbal stores) llanterías (tire stores) discoterías (tape and CD music stores)
how does the climate/vegetation/ and population vary across mexico?
...
basins and ranges
/\ range ___/\___basin
understand the us urgan growth model!!!
1. Walking/Horsecar (before 1888) 2. Electric Streetcar have electric streetcar and commuter railroads can move farther away and develop town. (1888-1920) 3. Recreational Automobile (1920-45) highways 4. Freeway (1945-present) expressways
What are the three major variations in land distribution (parcel types) in the united states? where are the three generally located? and why are the three type of parcels shaped the way they are?
1. meets and bounds. they are the way of the land. and located on the east coast. 2. township and range, in the midwest. they divide it up and it doesn't matter how it's shaped. 3. Long Lots. in sw louisianna, new mexico. its by rivers! bc of trading equal access to rivers.
what is a forward capital? how is brasilia an example of one?
:CAPITAL CITY POSITIONED IN A CONTESTED OR POTENTIALLY CONTESTED TERRITORY :USUALLY NEAR AN INTERNATIONAL BORDER :CONFIRMS THE STATE'S DETERMINATION TO MAINTAIN ITS PRESENCE IN THE TERRITORY UNDER CONTENTION
understand what El Nino is and how it impacts south america especially peru. what is la nina?
A change in the ocean-atmosphere system in the eastern Pacific...contributes to significant weather changes around the world termed the "Christ child," because of the time of year it effects the South American coastline. Losses can total in the billions of dollars. El Ninos are feared in places like Indonesia, Australia, India, S. America, and parts of Africa where devastating droughts and floods are possible. The damages from floods and landslides caused by very high rainfall in N. Peru Drought in Southern Peru During the last El Nino...Thousands died and millions of dollars of real estate destroyed
What is the difference between the U.S. as a salad bowl an a melting pot culture?
A melting pot blends everything together, whereas a salad bowl mixes it up but retains the identity (culturally speaking) of the parts that are mixed in it. Think of it this way, you MIX a bunch of foods together to create a new food in a mixing pot, but in a salad the things don't melt, they retain their original structure.
dynamics of the african american geographical/migration experience in the past century and present rural and urban differences.
After emancipation, most African-Americans stayed in the South Movement north for jobs 1900: more than 90% of African-Americans lived in the south; today, only 50% live there Some African/Americans returning to the South. definite rural urban difference. Many of the largest cities in America have received waves of new migrants from within the United States. These newcomers have often crowded into already crowded inner city neighborhoods in the industrial centers of the East, the Midwest and the West. As a result, cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, St. Louis, Newark, Los Angeles and Oakland have large African American populations Today the vast majority of African Americans live in the urban areas and this shift has had significant implications for the cities and the nation.
the ten provinces
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan
what is the clime and topography like?
Although in a tropical environment the islands are largely temperate...easterly trade winds which moderate the hot climate -Year round warm temps, what changes is the precipitation Humidity and rainfall increases early summer to late November Thus:Dec to April best time to go, but expensive April to dec. reduced rates of around 30% 1.NON-VOLACNIC MOUNTAINOUS ISLANDS 2.THE VOLCANIC ISLANDS 3. VERY LOW LYING
undifferentiated
Characteristics are difficult to classify. Sparsely populated Isolation and lack of change- notable features Development of Amazonia may prompt significant changes.
why is belize so much different than the rest of the countries of south america? but why is it becoming more like the rest of the countries?
Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Due to conflicts in neighbouring Central American nations, Mestizo refugees from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have fled to Belize in significant numbers during the 1980s, and have been significantly adding to this group. These two events have been changing the demographics of the nation for the last 30 years.
where do most people live? why?
CONCENTRATED ALONG THE PERIPHERY borders. ~79% Urban -South America's population increase based on natural increase Internal Migration Urban areas: Latin American City Model
Amerind-subsistence
Correlates with the former Inca Empire Feudal socioeconomic structure persists Includes some of South America's poorest areas Subsistence agriculture must contend with difficult environmental challenges.
what is ecumene? how does that relate to canadian population distribution?
Ecumene—part of the earth that is livable---in Canada its all along the southern border areas (70% of population live within 100 miles of the US border)
impact of slavery on the area?
Ethnic diversity of Caribbean unmatched Spanish, English, French, Indigenous languages, and countless variations of them all---Local dialects Caribs and Arawaks...although little to no surviving...their culture is part of the thread of culture
what are some population/economical issues in rural geography of the us?
Farm consolidation, corporate agriculture Fewer farmers--> Out migration of long time residents Demographic changes/migration to cities and large towns Hispanic, SE Asian Migrating in Wealthy Urbanites looking for Country home overall population decline.
why have some in quebec favored separation from canada? what is separation's likelihood today?
Language is the MAIN difference but not the only one..more socialist, more European-like, Catholic as the rest of the country is mostly Protestant, don't have same views. two referendums have said no they don't want to separate.
Similarities of Canada and U.S.
Large in area -Possess comparatively effective internal unity -Rich in natural resources -Developed mechanized economies early -Occupy strong defensive position in the world, partly due to early isolation -Relations between the 2 countries are generally friendly (largest unmilitarized border in the world) -Their combined pop is quite large, yet neither are "overpopulated"
NORTH
Largest and most controversial Largest remaining tropical rainforest in the world, Lots of migration here in '70s and '80s
understand how maquiladoras developed, where they are located, and why. who are most the employees, what are their working conditions like?
Maquiladora comes from colonial Mexico when "maquila" was the charge that millers collected for processing other people's grain. Starting on a small scale in the mid-1960s, the maquiladoras were initially almost entirely located in the N border region of Mexico. Maquiladoras relieved population pressures at first but ended up increasing them with rapid migration for limitless border jobs particularly at its eastern and western extremities. An ongoing process of increasing economic interconnectedness of people and places. Causes a gradual reduction of regional contrasts A "global village". Maquiladoras are owned by U.S., Japanese, and European countries and some could be considered "sweatshops" 85% of the goods produced at maquiladoras are shipped north to the United States. Any product can be manufactured -- or assembled, packaged, processed, sorted, produced in whole or in part, transformed, rebuilt.. . The average maquiladora workers are young girls age's 14-20 years often work six days a week in ten-hour shifts with few breaks. Earn almost one-fifth of the United State's minimum wage, only receives about $.80 to $1.25 an hour. These workers are often unaware of their rights under Mexico's labor law, and therefore change is slow to come. female workers are routinely subjected to mandatory urine testing and some companies check the workers "sanitary napkins" to assure they are not pregnant Workers may be forced to resign if they become pregnant. Zenith admitted to screening out pregnant women from its applicant pools in order to avoid company-funded maternity benefits
what are the major economic activities of mexico?
Maquiladoras TOURISM!
what are the major topographical regions of mexico
Mexican Plateau, the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Pacific Coastal Lowlands, Baja California, the Southern Highlands, and the Yucatán Peninsula.
maquiladoras
Mexican assembly plants lining U.S. border Automobile and consumer electronic manufacturing, and apparel More than 4,000 exist Lower wages in Mexico cause job loss in the U.S. provide numerous high-paying (by Mexican standards) jobs import raw materials & export manufactured goods. ADVANTAGES Mexico gains jobs. Foreign owners benefit from cheaper labor costs. EFFECTS Regional development Development of an international growth corridor between Monterrey and Dallas - Fort Worth
Sphere
Minority; example of place people there only know it as. ex: tornado in springfield.
gentrification and why is it important to north american cities?
Movement of wealthier people to deteriorated inner-city areas; may displace low income residents
edge citites
New suburbs with a mix of retail, office complexes & entertainment example: For many years, Chesterfield was an all inclusive place name for a vast unincorporated area of St. Louis County. Police and fire protection were fragmented and sporadic, the former provided by St. Louis County. As the population grew, malls and other developments sprang up. After a number of years, in 1989, The City of Chesterfield was finally established by its residents and thrives today as a major residential, business, retail and transportation center on the western edge of St. Louis County.
3 terriotires
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.
Nunavut? Why is it significant
Nunavut was created in 1999 as the outcome of a aboriginal land claim agreement b/w the Feds and the Inuit, formerly called Eskimos. Nunavut is both the least populous and the largest in geography of the provinces and territories of Canada change they had to make on the map.
current canadian population dynamics by province, region- where is the population centered where is it sparse?
Pop involves regional shifts from the eastern provinces to the western provinces Experiencing a trend toward metro expansions. The 2 biggest cities: Toronto & Montreal rival U.S. cities in size Since the 1990s, increasing immigration from Asia and Europe.
What is main street?
Quebec City to Windsor, Ontario 60% of population
differences between Quebec and Ontario?
Quebec---French Roots Ontario---British Roots Center of British rule in N.A. after 1776 At turn of the century many English speakers came from Quebec Population grows thin further west and north Mining operations in the north
What is a physiographic province, what are some eaxmple in north america?
Regions within there prevails substantial natural-landscape homogeneity, expressed by a certain degree of uniformity in surface relief, climate, vegetation, and soils (Natural landscapes that look and feel alike) Rocky Mountains Appalachian Highlands Canadian Shield Interior Lowlands Great Plains Gulf Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont Intermontane Basins and Plateaus Interior Highlands Pacific Mountains and Valleys
TROPICAL PLANTATION
Resembles Middle America's Rimland Locations, soils, & tropical climates favor plantation crops, especially sugar. Initially relied on African slave labor
Central West
Savanna area, Isolated region Brasilia, the capital, located here
northeast
Source region for original plantations, Out migration
Mestizo-transitional
Surrounds the Amerindian-subsistence region A zone of mixture- culturally & agriculturally Transitional -- economic connotations
what is the monroe doctine and how does it affect the carribean?
The Monroe Doctrine was the declaration by President James Monroe, in December 1823, that the United States would not tolerate a European nation colonizing an independent nation in North or South America. Any such intervention in the western hemisphere would be considered a hostile act by the United States, though the United States would respect existing European colonies. ????
describe some of the economic social issues of the old economic core, aka the rust belt.
The Rust Belt was a term that gained currency in the 1980s as thedescription of an area straddling the Midwestern and Northeastern United States, in which local economies traditionally garnered an increased manufacturing sector to add jobs and corporate profits. After several "boom" periods from the late-19th to the mid-20th century, cities in this area struggled to adapt to a variety of adverse economic conditions later in the 20th century, such as the movement of manufacturing facilities to the southeastern states with their lower labor costs, the rise of automation in industrial processes, a decreased need for labor in making steel products, and the liberalization of foreign trade policies. Places that struggled the most with these conditions soon encountered several difficulties in common, including population loss, depletion of local tax revenues, chronic unemployment.
territory and provinces differences
The major difference between a Canadian province and a Canadian territory is that a province is a creation of the Constitution Act (17 April 1982), while a territory is created by federal law. Thus, the federal government has more direct control over the territories, while provincial governments have many more competences and rights. 10 provinces and 3 territories.
european commercial
The most "Latin" part of South America Includes the Pampas - temperate grasslands Economically most advanced Transportation networks and quality of life are excellent.
what have sectors have a larger workforce in developed countries like those found in this region? PRIMARY:
The primary sector of the economy extracts or harvests products from the earth. The primary sector includes the production of raw material and basic foods. Activities associated with the primary sector include agriculture (both subsistence and commercial), mining, forestry, farming, grazing, hunting and gathering, fishing, and quarrying. The packaging and processing of the raw material associated with this sector is also considered to be part of this sector. In developed and developing countries, a decreasing proportion of workers are involved in the primary sector.
SECONDARY:
The secondary sector of the economy manufactures finished goods. All of manufacturing, processing, and construction lies within the secondary sector. Activities associated with the secondary sector include metal working and smelting, automobile production, textile production, chemical and engineering industries, aerospace manufacturing, energy utilities, engineering, breweries and bottlers, construction, and shipbuilding.
TERTIARY:
The tertiary sector of the economy is the service industry. This sector provides services to the general population and to businesses. Activities associated with this sector include retail and wholesale sales, transportation and distribution, entertainment (movies, television, radio, music, theater, etc.), restaurants, clerical services, media, tourism, insurance, banking, healthcare, and law. In most developed and developing countries, a growing proportion of workers are devoted to the tertiary sector. In the U.S., more than 80% of the labor force are tertiary workers.
how did the cold war affect this area?
Through the Cold War, the United States removed many democratically elected leaders of Latin American countries through covert CIA operations and replaced them with leaders who were more friendly to the United States' interests.
why was the panama canal built? why is it so imporant/strategic?
Until the Panama Canal was completed, a ship's captain who wanted to travel from New York to San Francisco had to go all the way around the continent of South America. Passing the southern tip was very dangerous because of its proximity to Antarctica and the South Pole. The Panama Canal shortens the trip from 13,000 miles to 5,200 miles.
urban decetralization
Urban decentralization: when metropolitan areas sprawl in all directions and suburbs take on the characteristics of downtown
Vernacular
Vernacular regions are those loosely defined by people's perception (i. e., The South, The Middle East).
South East
Very important agricultural and industrial region
what is capital leakage? what is brain drain?
serious problem involving huge gap between gross receipts and total tourist dollars that remain in Caribbean., Because developed countries are the more technologically advanced, they are able to maintain their advantage relative to less developed countries With brain drain, the best educated people in less developed countries move to developed countries where they have better opportunities to improve their standard of living.
what are some of the religious dynamics of the region (what is dominant what are some spatial variations)
south is baptist, east coast catholic, along with west and sw, califronia to texas, utah morman, north is lutheran.
what countries are experiencing great hardships and what country is doing quite well?
struggling: belize, hondruas, nicaragua, el savador switzerland of central america: Costa Rica
how have the immigration dynamics of the region changed over time?
the europeans came over first, pushing the native americans out. africans came over bc of slavery, stayed in south when freed. asians, irish, german, mexicans came for job opps.
sectoral transformation
the evolution of a labor force from being highly dependent on the primary sector to being oriented around more employment in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors.
describe some variations between the countries in Hispaniola
the island of Hispaniola contains two countries, French speaking Haiti, the second oldest independent nation in the Americas, and the Spanish speaking Dominican Republic. Both countries, but especially D.R. are trying to increase their tourism.
what does Antilles mean? and what are the major difference between the greater and lesser antilles?
the islands of the Caribbean, excluding the Bahamas. differences??????
what are the prairie provinces?
~5 million residents Alberta= 3 m Princess L.C. Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria, named for her father, Prince Albert Saskatchewan= 1 m "swift flowing river" Manitoba= 1 m "strait of the spirit" or "lake of the prairies" major source of mineral resources... WHEAT
