Earth System

Getting Ready for Chapter 2
Earth Systems

In chapter 1 we examined what physical geography is, and how geographers study the geographic patterns found in earth systems. We have found that physical geographers are particularly well-suited for answering questions about how the future geography of planet Earth will evolve as a result of global warming and climate change. Though there are those who dispute that the current warming trends are part of a natural cycle, the vast majority of geoscientists and physical geographers agree that global warming is affecting the planet and it is caused linked to human activities. The evidence for global warming and its effects on physical and biological systems as shown in are mounting. Throughout the world, nearly 90%, and in most regions more, of the significant observed changes in physical and biological systems are consistent with warming. The earth system is quickly approaching a point when new geographies will appear.

Changes in Physical and Biological Systems and Surface Temperature 1970-2004
(Source IPCC)

Chapter 2 concerns the earth system, what it is, how it formed, and the energy and material that cycles between the various system components. In this chapter we'll examine how the earth system formed and its present day functioning. We'll conclude the chapter by looking out how climate change may affect the functioning of the earth system.

What you should already know ...

You should have a good understanding of how physical systems are visualized (See Tools of the Geographer) and modeled.

Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes geography?

The study of where things are.
The study of the distributions and interrelationships of earth phenomena.
The study of the earth.
The study of landforms and weather.

2. Live vegetation appears _____ on a false-color infra-red image.

red
green
black
blue

3. Which scale will show the most detail on a map?

1:24000
1:62500
1:100000
None of the above as the amount of detail will be the same no matter the scale.

4. If you were half way between the equator and the north pole and one quarter of the way around the earth west of the prime meridian you will be at:

45 N; 90 W
45 N; 180 W
45 N; 90 E
45 N; 180 E

5. Use the data set below to determine the correct annual average temperature (AT) and temperature range (TR).

AT = 10.025; TR =18.6
AT = 18.6; TR =10.025
AT = 31; TR =10.025
AT = 10.025; TR =31

6. The prime meridian is located at

90 W
180 W
0
90 N

7. 45 degrees North latitude falls in the _______ geographic zone.

subtropical
midlatitude
subarctic
arctic

8. Lines of longitude

converge at the poles.
measured north or south of the prime meridian.
are parallel to each other.
all the above.

9. Lines connecting points of equal elevation are called

topographic lines.
elevation lines.
isobars.
contour lines.

10. You measured 5.5 inches between two points on a 1:24000 scale map. The actual distance in miles is

25 miles
2.08 miles
240 miles
1100 miles

Score =
Correct answers:

About your score ....

If you scored 80% or above, Great! ... start reading the chapter.

If you scored 70% to 80% you should consider reviewing the previous chapter.

If you scored less than 70% you should consider reviewing the previous chapter and seeking help from your instructor.

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