1. Location � maps
2. Characteristics of regions
3. Physical systems � landforms
4. Human systems � culture
5. Society and environment
6. Uses of geography
Chapter 1 Section 1
Geography � a study of earth and all its variety
Landform � how the land is formed; individual features of the land
Environment- natural surroundings
Region � an area that shares common characteristics
Questions:
1. What two kinds of characteristics of a place do geographers study?
Geographers study physical and human characteristics of a place.
2. What are the main tools of geography?
Maps and globes are the main tools of geography.
3. What are three uses for geography?
Three uses for geography are planning, managing resources, and making decisions.
Chapter 1 Section 2
Solar system � nine planets, and other bodies that revolve around the sun
Orbit- path that a body in the solar system revolves around the sun
Atmosphere- layer of air surrounding the earth
Axis- imaginary line that runs through earth�s center between north and south poles
Revolution- one complete orbit around the sun
Summer solstice- day in the northern hemisphere with the most sunlight � This begins summer.
Winter solstice � day in the northern hemisphere with the least sunlight � This begins winter.
Equinox � when day and night are of equal length in both hemispheres � This begins spring and fall.
Questions:
1. What bodies make up the solar system?
Nine planets, the sun, and other bodies make up the solar system.
2. List two gases that are found in the atmosphere.
Nitrogen and oxygen are found in the atmosphere.
3. What two motions does the earth make in space?
The earth rotates and revolves in space.
Chapter 1 Section 3
Plate tectonics- a theory about the earth�s structure that the earth�s shell consists of plates that move
Earthquake � a violent, sudden movement of the earth�s crust
Tsunami � undersea earthquake that causes a huge wave
Fault � crack in the earth�s crust
Weathering � process that breaks larger pieces of the earth into smaller pieces (example: boulders to soil)
Erosion- process of moving weathered material
Questions:
1. What are the three layers of the earth?
The crust, the mantle, and the core are the three layers of the earth.
2. In what three ways can tectonic plates move?
Tectonic plates can collide, move over one another, or move against each other.
3. What are the three greatest factors that cause erosion?
Wind, water, and ice can cause erosion.
Chapter 1 Section 4
Continental shelf- plateau off each coastline
Trench- valleys on the ocean floor
Delta- area formed by soil deposits at a river�s mouth
Questions:
1. What is the difference between mountains and hills?
Mountains are more steep, rugged, and tall. Hills are lower and more rounded.
2. How are straits and channels similar? How are they different?
Straits and channels are similar because they are both bodies of water found between two pieces of land. A channel is wider and a strait is more narrow.