ppt课件-chapter4 physical measurements（第4章物理测量）.pptVIP

Chapter 4: Physical Measurements Daniel R. Montello and Paul C. Sutton Learning Objectives What are physical models and how are they used in geography? What are representative types of physical measurements Physical Measurements Physical Measurement: collecting data by recording physical properties of phenomena at or near the earth surface Major type of data collection in physical geography Also used by human geographers: collect “physical traces” or “residues” left behind by human behavior or activity Physical Measurements in Physical Geography Historically, physical geographers have been interested in the earth as the home of humanity. Issues with field research in physical geography: Site accessibility Transportation to and from site Physical Measurements in Physical Geography Collecting data away from field settings: Simulations Physical models Environmental cabinet Computational models Airplane, satellite remote sensing Geodetic Measurement Three methods of data collection: Aerial or satellite imagery (remote sensing) From existing geodetic databases Directly in the field (ground surveying) With GPS, laser range finders, and other electronic tools, supplanting of older technologies by newer ones has occurred dramatically in the last few decades. Physical Measurements of Earth Systems Four earth systems: Lithosphere (geosphere): terrestrial earth surface Atmosphere: the envelope of gases and other materials surrounding the terrestrial surface Hydrosphere: the water bodies (liquid, gaseous, and solid form) Biosphere: the living earth of plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, etc. All these systems are deeply interrelated Physical Measurements of Earth Systems Specific topics (lithosphere): Geomorphology: description and explanation of the shape or form of earth surface landforms Orogenesis: mountain formation processes Denudation: landform degradation processes Soils: dynamic layer on the earth surface Influence agricultural patterns strongly, which influence