The Science of Geography Western Oregon University地理科学俄勒冈西部大学.pptVIP

The Science of Geography Geography is methods, not just a body of knowledge holistic eclectic Geography is: The science that studies the relationships among natural systems, geographic areas, societies, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over space. Physical Geography is The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment. Figure 1.2 Geographers use scientific methods Figure 1 Earth Systems Concepts System: an ordered, interrelated set of things their attributes, linked by flows of energy matter, that is distinct from the surrounding environment?? Open systems have inputs and outputs of energy and matter System feedback: when outputs influence continuing system outputs via feedback loops System equilibrium: when rates of inputs and outputs are equal and amounts of energy and matter in storage are fairly constant Figure 1.3 Global Effects of Mount Pinatubo Figure 1.5 Early Development of Physical Geography Aristotle (384-322 BC): Earth is a sphere, not flat objects fall towards a common center Apparent configuration of stars ? with movement to the south or north Eratosthenes estimated Earth’s circumference in 247 B.C. Figure 1.9 Figure 1.23 Figuring out how many degrees of longitude should be in each time zone: Theoretical number of time zones of 1 hr. each: 24 Number of degrees in a circle: 360 360/24 ≈ 15 degrees average per zone The International Date Line: Where all New Days Begin Moving through time zones to the west, subtract 1 hour for each. (If it is 5 am in Wyoming, what time is it in the next time zone to the west?) As it turns midnight in the time zone of the IDL, the new day begins. At first, the new day is just in the 1st time zone, but 1 hr. later it spreads to the next zone to the west, and so on. Prime Meridian and Standard Time?? Figure 1.14 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *