Page 73 - Geosystems An Introduction to Physical Geography 4th Canadian Edition

Chapter 1 Essentials of Geography 37
geosystemsconnection
With this overview of geography, the scientific process, and the Geosystems approach in mind, we now embark on a journey through each of Earth’s four spheres—Part I, Atmosphere; Part II, Hydrosphere; Part III, Lithosphere; and Part IV, Biosphere. Chapter 2 begins at the Sun, including its place in the Universe and seasonal changes in the distribution of its energy flow to Earth. In Chapter 3, we follow solar energy through Earth’s atmosphere to the surface, and in Chapters 4 through 6 examine global temperature patterns and the circulation of air and water in Earth’s vast wind and ocean currents.
At the end of each chapter, you find a Geosystems Connection to act as a bridge from one chapter to the next, helping you to cross to the next topic.
concepts review
KEy LEARNING
partnership with state, local, and nonprofit organizations (see www.ecu.edu/renci/Technology/GIS.html).
Access to GIS is expanding and becoming more user-friendly with the increased availability of numer- ous open-source GIS software packages. These are usu- ally free, have online support systems, and are updated
frequently (see opensourcegis.org/). In addition, public ac- cess to large remote-sensing data sets for analyses and display is now available, without the need to download large amounts of data (see examples of research applica- tions at disc.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/).
Here is a handy summary designed to help you review the Key Learning Concepts listed on this chapter’s title page. The recap of each concept concludes with a list of the key terms from that portion of the chapter, their page numbers, and review questions pertaining to the concept. Similar summary and review sections follow each chap- ter in the book.
■ Define geography in general and physical geography in particular.
Geography combines disciplines from the physical and life sciences with the human and cultural sciences to at- tain a holistic view of Earth. Geography’s spatial view- point examines the nature and character of physical space and the distribution of things within it. Geography integrates a wide range of subject matter, and geographic education recognizes five major themes: location, region, human–Earth relationships, movement, and place. A method, spatial analysis, ties together this diverse field, focusing on the interdependence among geographic areas, natural systems, society, and cultural activities over space or area. The analysis of process—a set of actions or mechanisms that operate in some special order—is also central to geographic understanding.
Physical geography applies spatial analysis to all the physical components and process systems that make up the environment: energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, microorganisms, and Earth itself. Physical geography is an essential aspect of Earth systems science. The science of physical geography is uniquely qualified to synthesize the spatial, environ- mental, and human aspects of our increasingly complex relationship with our home planet—Earth.
geography (p. 6) spatial (p. 6) location (p. 6) region (p. 6)
human–Earth relationships (p. 6) movement (p. 6)
place (p. 6)
spatial analysis (p. 7)
process (p. 7)
physical geography (p. 7) Earth systems science (p. 7)
1. On the basis of information in this chapter, define physical geography and review the approach that characterises the geographic sciences.
2. Suggest a representative example for each of the five geographic themes; for example, atmospheric and oceanic circulation spreading radioactive contamination is an example of the movement theme.
3. Have you made decisions today that involve geo- graphic concepts discussed within the five themes presented? Explain briefly.
4. In general terms, how might a physical geographer analyze water pollution in the Great Lakes?
■ Discuss human activities and human population growth as they relate to geographic science, and summarize the scientific process.
Understanding the complex relations between Earth’s physical systems and human society is important to human survival. Hypotheses and theories about the Uni- verse, Earth, and life are developed through the scien- tific process, which relies on a general series of steps that make up the scientific method. Results and conclusions from scientific experiments can lead to basic theories, as well as applied uses for the general public.
Awareness of the human denominator, the role of hu- mans on Earth, has led to physical geography’s increasing emphasis on human–environment interactions. Recently, sustainability science has become an important new dis- cipline, integrating sustainable development and func- tioning Earth systems.
scientific method (p. 7) sustainability science (p. 10)