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
