Chapter 1 Essentials of Geography Essay Questions

1.4 Essay Questions 1) Why is the term "spatial" so important in geography? Answer: Answer should note that geography is inherently spatial and that physical geography uses an integrative spatial approach to study entire Earth systems. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.1 The Science of Geography Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.1 Define geography in general and physical geography in particular. 2) Describe what distinguishes physical geography from human and cultural geography. Answer: While a continuum, human geography compromises specialty areas that draw largely on the social and cultural sciences, whereas physical geography draws largely on the physical and life sciences. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.1 The Science of Geography Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.1 Define geography in general and physical geography in particular. 3) Follow the scientific method from the initial perception of phenomena to a general theory about the phenomena. Answer: Real wold observations—Hypothesis and Predictions—Experimentation and Measurement—Peer Review—Hypothesis undergoes repeated testing without being shown false—Scientific theory developed. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.1 The Science of Geography Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.3 Summarize the scientific process. 4) What is a hypothesis? How does it differ from a theory? Answer: A hypothesis is a tentative (or proposed) explanation of an observed phenomena. A scientific is a well-substantiated explanation of a phenomena, repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.1 The Science of Geography Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.3 Summarize the scientific process. 5) Use examples to distinguish an open system from a closed system. Answer: An open system is one in which energy and matter flow in and out of the system. A forest is an example of an open system. A closed system is closed off from surroundings systems and is self-contained. In terms of matter, Earth is essentially a closed system. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.2 Earth Systems Concepts Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.4 Describe systems analysis, open and closed systems, and feedback information. 45 6) Use examples to distinguish positive and negative feedback loops. Answer: A feedback loop is an output from a system that influences its own operations. A negative feedback loop discourages change in the system. An example is predator/prey relationships in which predators keep prey population in check. A positive feedback loop encourages change in the system. An example is warming temperatures that cause reduction in ice and snow cover and, thereby, decrease albedo and increase absorption, leading to more warming. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.2 Earth Systems Concepts Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.4 Describe systems analysis, open and closed systems, and feedback information. 7) How can feedback affect a system? Give examples of positive and negative feedback. Answer: Feedbacks can lead to steady state conditions (negative feedback loops) or disequilibrium (positive feedback loops. The reduction of wolves in Yellowstone, for instance, led to an increase in elk populations, which in turn led to a reduction in vegetation cover due to overgrazing. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.2 Earth Systems Concepts Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.4 Describe systems analysis, open and closed systems, and feedback information. 8) List and briefly describe Earth's four spheres. Answer: Earth's four spheres (systems) are the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.2 Earth Systems Concepts Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.5 Relate systems concepts to Earth systems. 9) What is GPS? Give several examples of its utility in physical geography. Answer: Global Position Systems refers to the constellation of Earth orbiting satellites, the associated ground stations, and the user segment used to derive precise location and elevation information at or near Earth's surface. There are multiple GPS uses within physical geography. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.5 Modern Tools and Techniques for Geoscience Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.8 Describe modern geoscience techniques - the global positioning system (GPS), remote sensing, and the geographic information system (GIS). 46 10) Distinguish between active and passive remote sensing, and describe the applications of each. Answer: Active remote sensing systems provide their own energy source, emitting radiation towards a target and measuring the reflected radiation from the target, whereas passive sensors measure the energy emitted from objects under investigation. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.5 Modern Tools and Techniques for Geoscience Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.8 Describe modern geoscience techniques - the global positioning system (GPS), remote sensing, and the geographic information system (GIS). 11) What is a geographic information system? What are some potential GIS applications? Answer: GIS is a computer-based data processing system for gathering, storing, manipulating, and analyzing geographic information. There are many GIS uses within physical geography. Diff: 3 Type: ES Chapter/section: 1.5 Modern Tools and Techniques for Geoscience Bloom's Taxonomy: 5/6 Synthesis/Evaluation LO: 1.9 Explain how GPS and GIS tools are used in geographic analysis. 47