Geo Test 1

physical model

3 dimensional representation of all or a portion of Earth's surface

subarctic

3 types of micro-thermal climates include humid continental, hot summer; humid continental, mild summer; and ____

subarctic

3 types of microthermal climates include humid continental, hot summer. humid continental, mild summer. and ___

13

5 of the 6 major climate categories of the Koppen classification include enough differences in the ranges, total amounts, and seasonality of temperature and precipitation to produce ___ distinctive climate types

threshold

A LIMITING condition that if it is exceeded (or not met) will cause a dramatic, often irreversible change in the system

time zone

Earth is divided into 24 of these (24 hours) to coordinate time with Earth's rotation

oblate spheroid

Earth's daily rotation bulges the equatorial region outward and slightly flattens the polar regions, forming an overall shape that approximates an ____

oblate spheroid

Earth's shape-- a slightly flattened sphere

eccentricity cycle

Milankovitch's contribution to glaciation. the change in Earth's orbit from slightly elliptical to more circular, and back to its earlier shape every 100,000 years

radar

RAdio Detection And Ranging

Global Positioning System

United States system that uses satellite data to locate positions and travel routes anywhere on Earth

cyclones

___ are born as tropical air masses, move northward, and confront polar air masses migrating to the south

precipitation

___ in the desert is irregular, unreliable, and sometimes extreme

conic

___ map projection portrays latitudes with minimal distortion

spatial

___ resolution refers to the size of the area imaged by each pixel, as in a digital image

map projections

___ will always distort certain characteristics displayed on the map, such as, shape, accurate area relationships, true compass directions, uniform distance relationships

daily temperature range

____ (diurnal) ____ ____ difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the day

cyclones

____ are born as tropical air masses, move northward, and confront polar air masses migrating to the south

steppe

____ climate receives an annual precipitation that is more than half but less than the total potential evapotranspiration

climographs

____ for tropical monsoon locations show a large range of precipitation between the wettest and driest months

deciduous

____ forests change dramatically with the seasons in humid microthermal regions

nomadic

____ herding is common in arid regions

gnomonic

____ planar projection presents the grid with great distortion, yet is the only type of map that displays all arc of great circles as straight lines

tropical savanna

____ receives strong insolation because the sun's rays at noon are never far from overhead and temperatures remain constantly high

spatial

____ resolution refers to the size of the area imaged by each pixel, as in a digital image

ocean

____. this land and water category covers the largest percentage of Earth

anthropogenic change

a change in environmental conditions related to or as a direct result of human activities

geographic information system

a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. by relating seemingly unrelated data, this can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships

computer generated models

a computer-developed representation of a feature, process, or an environmental system

oxygen isotope analysis

a dating method used to reconstruct climate history. it is based on the varying evaporation rates of water molecules containing different oxygen isotopes and the changing ratio between the isotopes

relative location

a description of an object's location, relative to the position of some other object or feature

highland climate

a general climate classification for regions of high, yet varying elevations

lithosphere

a general term for the solid (rock) part of the Earth system, in contrast to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere

profile

a graph of changes in height over a linear distance, such as a topographic profile

meridian

a line of longitude that forms half of a great circle on the globe and connects all points of equal longitude. all of these connect the North and South Poles

isoline

a line on a map that represents equal values of some numerical measurement such as lines of equal temperature or elevation contours

equal-area map

a map created with a projection that preserves correct proportional sizes for any given areas of Earth's surface

thematic map

a map designed to present information or data about a specific theme, as in a population distribution map, a map of climate or vegetation

representative fraction (RF) scale

a map scale presented as a fraction or ratio between the size of a unit on the map to the size of the same unit on the ground, as in 1/24,000 or 1:100,000

conformal map

a map using a projection that maintains the true shape of small areas on Earth's surface

legend

a map usually has a key to the symbols used on the map known as ___

legend

a map usually has a key to the symbols used on the map, known as a ___

climate classification system

a method for determining categories of climate types based on climatic and weather data

U.S. Public Lands Survey System

a method for locating and dividing land, used in much of the Midwest and Western U.S.. This System divides land into 6- by 6-mile-square townships consisting of 36 sections of land (each 1 square mile) that can be further subdivided into halves, quarter sections, and quarter-quarter-sections

seasonal annual

a particularly useful method of analyzing the climates of two or more places is to compare the ___ and ___ differences that appear on side by side climographs of those locations

seasonal annual

a particularly useful method of analyzing the climates of two or more places is to compare the ___ and ____ differences that appear on side-by-side climographs of those locations

Little Ice Age

a period of generally cooler conditions and growth of glaciers from the mid-16th to mid-19th centuries (1500s-1800s)

coordinate system

a precise system of grid lines used to describe locations

Azimuthal Projection

a projection that preserves the true direction from the map center to any other point on the map

equidistance

a property of some maps that depicts distances equally without scale variation

climate region

a region defined by the similarity of climatic conditions in the area within its boundaries

characteristics

a region is an area defined by certain shared ___ existing within its boundaries

characteristics

a region is an area defined by certain shared ____ existing within its boundaries

graphic (bar) scale

a ruler-like device placed on maps for making direct measurements in ground distances

environmental overshoot

a situation where the rate of resource use is unsustainable, given the existing supply or renew-ability of that resource

Section

a square parcel of land with an area of 1 square mile as defined by the U.S. Public Lands Survey System

township

a square plot of land 6 miles on a side, further subdivided into 36 sections, laid out within the U.S. Public Lands Survey System

rhumb

a straight line drawn anywhere on a Mercator projection is a line of true compass direction, called a ___ line

sonar

a system that uses sound waves for location and mapping underwater

vertical exaggeration

a technique that stretches the height representation of terrain in order to emphasize topographic detail

gradient

a term for slope often used to describe the upstream/downstream angle of a streambed

visualization models

a wide array of digital techniques used to vividly illustrate a place or concept, or the illustration produced by one of these techniques

visualizations

a wide array of digital techniques used to vividly illustrate a place or concept, or the illustration produced by one of these techniques

actual evapotranspiration

actual amount of moisture loss through evapotranspiration measured from a surface

highs

all Mediterranean climate sub types have summers that reflect a strong influence of the subtropical ____

highs

all Mediterranean climate subtypes have summers that reflect a strong influence of the subtropical ___

pollution

alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological balance of the environment that has adverse effects on the normal functioning of all life forms, including humans

landmasses

alterations in the configuration of Earth's ___ have been used to explain climatic cooling and warming

lidar

an abbreviation for "light detection and ranging," a system that uses lasers to scan and image landscapes--a remote sensing system.

azimuth

an angular direction of a line, point, or route measured clockwise from north

bearing

an angular direction of a line, point, or route measured from north or from a current location to a desired location, often in compass quadrants

zone of transition

an area of gradual change from one region to another

digital image

an image made from computer data displayed like a mosaic of tiny squares, called pixels

great circle

an imaginary circle drawn in any direction on Earth's surface and whose plane passes through the center of Earth is a ____

altithermal

an interval of time about 7000 years ago when the climate was warmer than it is today

matter

an open system includes energy and ___ outputs and inputs

decimal degrees

angular degrees with fractions expressed as tenths, hundredths, etc., rather than as the 60-based traditional subdivisions of minutes and seconds

longitude

angular distance (distance measured in degrees) east or west of the prime meridian

latitude

angular distance (distance measured in degrees) north or south of the equator

scientific method

answering questions (hypotheses) by collecting evidence, objectively analyzing the evidence, and proposing answers based on what the evidence supports

small circle

any circle that is not a full circumference of the globe. the plane of a small circle does not pass through the center of the globe

natural resource

any element, material, or organism existing in nature that may be useful to humans

natural hazard

any natural process that has a detrimental impact on humans and the built environment

map projection

any presentation of the spherical Earth on a flat surface

regions

area identified by certain characteristics it contains that makes it distinctive and separates it from surrounding areas

spatial pattern

arrangement of a feature as it is distributed through Earth space

Milankovitch Theory

astronomical theory that long term climate change is related to periodic changes in Earth's axis and the planet's motions in space

greenhouse gas

atmospheric gases which hinder the escape of Earth's heat energy

atmosphere

blanket of air, composed of various gases, that envelops Earth

precession cycle

changes in the time (date) of the year that perihelion occurs; the date is determined on the basis of a major period 21,000 years in length and secondary period 19,000 years in length

selva

characteristic tropical rain forest comprising multi-storied, broad leaf evergreen trees with relatively little undergrowth

tundra climate

characterized by treeless vegetation of polar regions and very high mountains, consisting of mosses, lichens, and low growing shrubs and flowering plants

great circle

circle in any direction formed by dividing Earth into 2 equal hemispheres. the plane of a great circle passes through the center of the globe. a route following this that passes through 2 places marks shortest distance between those locations

parallel

circle on the globe connecting all points of = latitude

microclimate

climate associated with a small area at or near Earth's surface. the area may range from a few inches to 1 mile in size

solar energy

climate change occurs because of variations in 3 factors: the amount of ___ entering the Earth System, the amount of energy the earth system stores, and the amount of energy Earth loses to space

global warming

climate change that causes Earth's temperatures to rise

tropical monsoon climate

climate characterized by alternating rainy and dry seasons

Thornthwaite System

climate classification based on moisture availability and of greatest use at the LOCAL level. climate types are distinguished by examining and comparing potential and actual evapotranspiration

Koppen System

climate classification based on monthly and annual averages of temperature and precipitation. boundaries between climate classes are designed so that climate types coincide with vegetation regions

arid climate

climate region or condition where annual potential evapotranspiration greatly exceeds annual precipitation

mesothermal

climate region or condition with hot, warm, or mild summers that do not have any months that average below freezing

mesothermal climate

climate region or condition with hot, warm, or mild summers that do not have any months that average below freezing

Microthermal Climate

climate regions or conditions with warm or mild summers that have winter months with temperatures averaging below freezing

microthermal

climate regions or conditions with warm or mild summers that have winter months with temperatures averaging below freezing

marine west coast climate

climate type characterized by cool, wet conditions much of the year

humid subtropical climate

climate type characterized by hot humid summers, found in the subtropical regions of the world

humid continental hot summer climate

climate type characterized by hot, humid, summers and mild, moist winters

humid continental mild summer

climate type characterized by mild, humid summers and cold, and moist winters

Mediterranean climate

climate type characterized by warm dry summers and cool moist winters

subarctic climate

climate type that produces a boreal forest, taiga, landscape

ice sheet climate

climate type where the average temperature of every month of the year is below freezing

desert climate

climate where the amount of precipitation received is less than 1/2 of the potential ET

arid

climates dominated by considerable year round moisture deficiency are the ____ climates

arid

climates dominated by considerable year-round moisture deficiency are the ___ climates

tropical

cloud forests occur in highland areas near seacoast in the ___ regions

remote sensing

collection of information about the environment from a distance, usually from aircraft or spacecraft--for example, photography, radar, and infrared

multispectral remote sensing

combining a number of energy wavelengths bands to create images

ecosystem

community of organisms functioning together through interdependent relationships with the environment that they occupy

visualization

computer-generated models are often used to create ___ to show the nature of a landscape

digital elevation model (DEM)

computer-generated three-dimensional image of topography

mental map

conceptual model or mental image of an area or a location in map form that people develop in their minds

boreal forests

coniferous forest dominated by thin spruce and fir trees growing in subarctic conditions poleward of north latitude

dynamic equilibrium

constantly changing relationship among the variables of a system, which produces a balance between the amounts of energy and/or materials that enter a system and the amounts that leave

jungle

dense tangle of trees and vines in areas where sunlight reaches the ground surface (not a true rain forest)

jungle

dense tangle of vines and small trees that develops where direct sunlight reaches the ground, as in clearings cut through the forest for roads and along the banks of rivers and streams

wastelands

deserts are sometimes erroneously referred to as ___

system analysis

determining the parts of a system, the processes involved, and studying how changes in interactions among those parts and processes may affect the system and its operation

annual temperature range

difference between the mean monthly temperatures for the warmest and coolest months of the year

exposure

direction of mountain slopes with respect to prevailing wind direction

polar climate

does not have a warm season and is frozen either for much, or all of the year

oblate spheroid

earth's daily rotation bulges the equatorial region outward and slightly flattens the polar regions, forming an overall shape that approximates an ____

base line

east-west lines of division in the U.S. Public Lands Survey System

treeline

elevation in mountain regions above which cold temperatures and wind stress prohibit tree growth

snow line

elevation in mountain regions above which snow covers land, this elevation changes seasonally, locally, and even daily depending on weather conditions

inputs

energy and material entering an Earth system

outputs

energy and material leaving an Earth system

moist cools

fog in coastal areas is produced when ___ air moves onshore and ___

moist cools

fog in coastal is produced when ___ air moves onshore and ___

patterned ground

frost polygons. natural, repeating, often-polygonal designs of sorted sediments seen on the surface of periglacial environments

digital

geographic information systems work by combining ___ map layers

glaciation

glacial period, an interval of glacial activity

Climograph

graphic means of giving information on mean monthly temperature and rainfall for a select location or station

equator

great circle of Earth midway between the poles; the 0 degree parallel of latitude that divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

system

group of interacting and interdependent units that together form an organized whole

prime meridian

half of a great circle that connects the North and South Poles and marks 0 degrees longitude. by international agreement the meridian passes through Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England

hemispheres

half of a sphere, for example, the northern and southern half of earth divided by the equator or the eastern and western half divided by two meridians

magnetic declination

horizontal angle between geographic north and magnetic north

tropical rain forest climate

hot, wet climate that promotes the growth of rain forests

human environment interaction

human generated artificial light in the night sky might cause problems for nocturnal animals such as owls. this concept is ___

pollution

humans are directly responsible for ____, an environmental hazard.

pollution

humans are directly responsible for what environmental hazard

potential evapotranspiration

hypothetical rate of evapotranspiration of at all times there is a more than adequate amount of soil water for growing plants

conceptual models

image in a person's mind of an Earth feature or landscape as derived from personal experiences

Northern Hemisphere Summer

in Darwin, Australia the driest months occur during ____

desert

in ____ climate humans wear loose clothing to protect themselves from the sun and to prevent moisture loss from their skin by evaporation

secondary consumer

in an ecosystem, a wolf plays the role of ___

secondary consumer

in an ecosystem, a wolf plays the role of ____

flash flooding

in seasonal environments with extreme wet and dry cycles, ____ is a common natural hazard

environmental sustainability

interacting with the environment in ways that will provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future (EPA)

legend

key to symbols used on a map

Near Earth Objects

large celestial bodies, such as comets and asteroids, that might come close enough to collide with Earth

topographic contour line

line on a map connecting points that are the same elevation above mean sea level

international date line

line roughly along the meridian, where each day begins and ends; it is always a day later west of the line than east of the line

geographic grid

lines of latitude and longitude form the ____

spatial distribution

location and extent of an area or areas where a feature exists

absolute location

location of an object on the basis of mathematical coordinates on an Earth grid

longitude

looking at the world map on Google Earth, the prime meridian is a line of ___ on the coordinate system

longitude

looking at the world map on google earth, the prime meridian is a line of ___ on the coordinate system

hydrosphere

major Earth subsystem consisting of the waters of Earth, including oceans, ice, freshwater, groundwater, and water within the atmosphere and biomass

conic projection

map projection achieved by transferring a spherical area, typically the geographic grid) onto a cone

cylindrical projection

map projection achieved by transferring a spherical area, typically the geographic grid, onto a cylinder

planar projection

map projection in which grid lines are transferred onto a plane or flat surface; ___ are most often used to show the polar regions, with the pole centrally located on the circular map, displaying one hemisphere

digital map layers

mapped information and data that are stored in digital form and can be overlaid with other mapped information in a geographic information system

compromise projection

maps that compromise true shape and true area in order to display both fairly well

Mercator Projection

mathematically produced, conformal map projection showing true compass bearings as straight lines

palynology

method of determining past climatic conditions using pollen analysis

dendrochronology

method of determining past climatic conditions using tree rings

australia

micro-thermal climates are completely lacking in ___

australia

microthermal climates are completely lacking in ___

colder

more average number of days of snow cover in a location is directly related to ___ winter temperatures

continental interiors

most deserts not centered in the tropics of cancer and capricorn are located in ___

Koppen system

most widely used climate classification that is based on regional temperature and precipitation patterns

perennial

mountains that are high enough rise into zones of tundra and areas of ___ snow cover

sclerophyllous

much of the natural vegetation in Mediterranean regions is ___ (hard-leafed) and drought resistant

sclerophyllous

much of the natural vegetation in Mediterranean regions is ___ or hard leafed and drought resistant

sextant

navigation instrument used to determine latitude by star and sun positions

discrete data

numerical or locational representations of phenomena that are present only at certain locations--such as earthquake epicenters, sinkholes, and tornado paths

continuous data

numerical representations of phenomena that are present everywhere--such as air pressure, temperature, and elevation

global circulation models

numerical/computer systems for forecasting climatic impacts and shifts resulting from variations in processes and interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, and other climate-related environmental variables

principal meridian

one of many lines running N-S (meridians of longitude) designated by the U.S. Public Land Survey system for locating plots of land north or south of these meridians

coastal location

one of the major differences between Mediterranean and human subtropical climates is ___

draping

overlaying a digital image over a digital elevation model of a landscape

oxygen isotope ratios

past global temperatures can be understood from analyzing ___ from ice cores

feedback loop

path of change as its effects move through the variables of a system until the effects impact the variable originally experiencing change

ice age

period of Earth history when large areas of Earth's land surface were covered with massive continental ice sheets and other kinds of glaciers. the most recent of these occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch

permafrost

permanently frozen subsoil and underlying rock found in climates where summer thaw penetrates only the surface soil layer

aerial photograph

photograph of the terrain taken with a camera and film from an aircraft

soils geography

physical geography encompasses ___

gnomonic projection

planar projection with greatly distorted land and water areas; valuable for navigation because all great circles on the projection appear as straight lines

muskeg

polar climates contain a soggy, insect filled landscape type called a ___

muskeg

polar climates contain a soggy, insect-filled landscape type called a ___

high

polar climates occur primarily at ___ latitudes

muskeg

poorly drained vegetation-rich marshes or swamps usually overlying permafrost areas of polar climatic regions.

spatial interaction

process whereby different phenomena are linked or interconnected, and, as a result, impact one another through Earth space

environmental degredation

processes or results, usually related to human activities that are detrimental to an environement

summer

proximity to large lakes in humid continental, hot climate regions can cause a moderating temperature effect, mainly in the ___

mathematical and statistical model

quantitative representation of an area or Earth system using statistical data

imaging radar

radar systems designed to sense the ground and convert reflections into map-like image

weather radar

radar that is used to track thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes

cloud forest

rain forest that is produced by nearly-constant light rain on the windward slopes of mountains

map scale

ratio between a distance as measured on Earth and the same distance as measured on a map, globe, or other representation of Earth

negative feedback

reaction to initial change in a system that counteracts the initial change and leads to dynamic equilibrium in the system (biker stopped)

positive feedback

reaction to initial change in a system that reinforces the initial change and leads to imbalance in the system (biker that made everyone fall). so much goes into the system that it breaks

asteroids

rocky or metallic solar system bodies usually less than 500 miles in diameter

global positioning system

satellite-based radio-navigation system owned by the United States government

ecology

science that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment

climatology

scientific study of climates of Earth and their distribution

chaparral

sclerophyllous vegetation growing in Mediterranean climate regions of the western U.S. these seasonal, drought-resistant plants are mainly low-growing shrubs, with small, hard-surfaced leaves and deep, water-probing roots

subsystem

separate system operating within the boundaries of a larger Earth system

feedback

sequence of changes in the elements of a system, which ultimately affects the element that was initially altered to begin the sequence

earth system

set of interrelated components, variables, processes, and subsystems (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) which interact and function together to make up Earth

models

simplified representation of a more complex reality that is useful for analysis and prediction. pictorial and graphic ____: representation of a portion of Earth's surface by means of maps, photos, graphs, or diagrams

spatial resolution

size of an area on Earth that is represented by a single pixel

years

slash and burn is ecologically damaging because crops can only be grown for a few ___ before a new area must be burned

milankovitch

slow, repeating changes in Earth's orbit that affect the distance between the Sun and Earth and that also occur in the tilt of Earth's axis relative to plane of the ecliptic are known as ___ cycles

milankovitch

slow, repeating changes in Earth's orbit that affect the distance between the Sun and Earth and that also occur in the tilt of Earth's axis relative to the plane of the ecliptic are known as ___ cycles

desert

small waxy leaves grow in compact shape close to ground plants growing in the ____

human geography

specialization in the systematic study of geography. focuses on the location, distribution, and interaction of human (cultural) phenomena

climographs

standard ___ show average monthly temperature curves and rainfall bars

climographs

standard ____ show average monthly temperature curves and rainfall bars

equilibrium

state of balance between the interconnected components of a system, an organized whole

verbal scale

stating the scale of a map using words such as "one inch represents one mile"

meteoroid

stone or iron mass that enters our atmosphere from space, becoming this as it burns up in the atmosphere

physical geography

study of the natural aspects of Earth as our Habitat and home

meteorology climatology geomorphology

sub fields of physical geography. ___-daily weather processes and their effects. ___- averages and extremes of long term weather data. ___- land form development and modifications

glacial advances

subsequent ____ disrupt sedimentary evidence. this is a factor that creates major problems for scientists studying a particular cycle of glaciation

environment

surroundings, whether of people or of any living organism; includes physical, social, and cultural conditions that affect the development of that organism

variables

system attributes that can change value are called ___

open systems

system in which energy and materials can freely cross its boundaries

closed systems

system in which no substantial amount of materials can cross its boundaries

sections

the Public Lands Survey System divides townships into 36 ___ of one square mile

sections

the Public Lands Survey System divides townships into 36 ____ of one square mile

2050

the UN estimates a global human population of 9 billion people by ___

koppen system

the ___ is the most widely used climate classification that is based on regional temperature and precipitation patterns

annual temperature range

the ____ is the difference between the average temperatures of the warmest and coolest months of the year

obliquity cycle

the change in the tilt of Earth's axis relative to the plane of the ecliptic over a 41,000 year period

paleoclimates

the climatic conditions of the past. typically refers to prehistoric times

high pressure

the concentration of deserts in the vicinity of two lines of the tropics is directly related to the subtropical ___ systems

tropical rain forest climate

the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures during the day are usually far greater than the annual range in _____

the equilibrium line

the elevation above which summer temperatures are insufficient to melt all of the preceding winter's snowfall is referred to by glaciologists as ____

Global Navigational Satellite Systems

the general term for satellite-based location systems, no matter which country developed them

desertification

the impact of either climate change toward aridity or from injurious human impacts that produce desert conditions or a desert like landscape

anthropogenic

the impacts of human activities on environmental and climate changes are referred to as ___ change

pleistocene epoch

the interval of earth history immediately before the present, Holocene epoch, that experienced times of glacial advance and lasted from about 2.6 million to 10,000 years ago

biosphere

the life forms--human, animal, or plant--of Earth that form one of the major Earth subsystems

near infrared

the light energy (at wavelengths too long for our eyes to see) that cuts through atmospheric haze better than visual light as called ___

near-infrared

the light energy (at wavelengths too long for our eyes to see) that cuts through atmospheric haze better than visual light is called ____

year round

the marine west coast climate has vegetation that is green ___

year-round

the marine west coast climate has vegetation that is green ____

sahara desert

the mineral content of dust from the ____ is apparently a significant contributor to nutrients that benefit Amazonian rain forests vegetation

pleistocene

the most recent Ice Age began 2.6 million years ago and ended about 12,000 years ago, an interval of geologic time called the ____ Epoch

pleistocene

the most recent ice age began about 2.6 million years ago and ended about 12,000 years ago, an interval of geologic time called the ___ epoch

global warming

the recent and ongoing rise in Earth's average atmospheric temperatures has been termed ____

navigation

the science of location and finding one's way, position, or direction

cartography

the science of map making

spatial discipline

the science that examines phenomena as it is located, distributed, and interacts with other phenomena throughout Earth space

hypotheses

the scientific method proposes ___ to explain observations

hypotheses

the scientific method proposes ____ to explain observations

pixel

the smallest area that can be resolved in a digital image. these, short for "picture element," are much like pieces in a mosaic, fitted together in a grid to make an image

geography

the study of all aspects on Earth in its role as the home of people. study of earth phenomena

evapotranspiration

the thornthwaite classification is based on the concept of potential ___

solar noon

the time of day when the sun angle is at a maximum above the horizon (zenith)

tundra ice sheet

the two polar climates are ___ and ____

tundra ice sheet

the two polar climates are ___ and _____

2050

the united nations estimates a global population of 9 billion people by ___

precipitation

this part of the water cycle is the process by which water is returned to Earth as rain

gnomonic

this type of planar projection presents the grid with great distortion, yet is the only type of map that displays all arc of great circles as straight lines

equal area

to make size comparisons between two or more areas, one should use an ____ map

gradient

topographic maps show contour lines, which indicate changes in ___of the landscape

gradient

topographic maps show contour lines, which indicates changes in ____ of the landscape

spherical

transferring a ___ grid onto a flat surface produces a map projection

dendrochronology

tree-ring dating is known as ___

cloud forest

tropical rain forests contribute to their own climate by trees transpiring large amounts of moisture into the atmosphere creating a ___

natural hazards

understanding the locations and causes of ___ over long time periods might help you better determine where you choose to live

local

until the late 1800s, each town or area used what was known as ___ time

xerophytic

vegetation (xerophytes) that is able to withstand extended periods of drought

impenetrable

vegetation in savanna climates is limited because soil tends to become ____ during the dry season

sclerophyllous

vegetation type commonly associated with the Mediterranean climate. characterized by tough surfaces, deep roots, and thick, shiny leaves that resist moisture loss

temperature precipitation

vegetation types are most closely related to ___ and ___ in the Koppen climate system

geographic information system

versatile computer software/hardware system that combines the features of cartography and database management to produce maps and other displays of spatial data for solving geographic problems

contour interval

vertical distance represented by 2 adjacent contour lines on a topographic map

tropical climate

warm all year round

tropical savanna climate

warm, semi-dry climate that promotes tall grasslands

interglacial

warmer period between glacial advances during which continental ice sheets and many valley glaciers retreat and disappear or are greatly reduced in size

ocean

which land and water category covers the largest percentage of Earth

lithosphere

which major Earth subsystem consists of solid Earth-landforms, minerals, rocks, and soils

remote sensing

with ____ systems, we can detect objects and scenes that are not visible to human and display them in a form we can visually interpret

near infrared

(NIR) picture created by imaging reflected light in wavelengths just longer than red and are not visible to people

thermal infrared

(TIR) images made with scanning equipment that produces an image of heat differences

steppe climate

(semiarid climate) characterized by relatively treeless, mid latitude semi-arid vegetation, and dominated by short bunch of grasses

slash-and-burn

(shifting cultivation) typical subsistence agriculture of indigenous societies in the tropical rain forest. trees are cut, the branches are burned, and crops are planted between the larger trees or stumps before rapid deterioration of the soil forces a move to a new area