1. Physical Geography by Alan Arbogast Chapter 1
Introduction to Physical Geography
Lawrence McGlinn
Department of Geography
State University of New York - New Paltz
© 2007, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

2. © 2007, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
What is Geography?
Geography is the science that studies the relationships between natural and cultural systems and the interdependence of the two over space and time
Geography from “geo” meaning Earth and “graphen” meaning to write about or to graph
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Scope of Geography
Much more than memorizing locations
Spatial attributes of Earth’s surface & how they vary from place to place
Geography as Interdisciplinary Science
Human and Physical Geography
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Geography is
The science that studies the relationships among
Natural systems
Geographic areas
Society
Cultural activities
And the interdependence of all of these over space
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5. Defining Physical Geography
Spatial Analysis of physical components and natural processes of Earth
Key to processes is incoming solar radiation
Interconnected processes constitute natural systems
Physical Geography stresses interconnections
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6. Earth Systems Concepts
Systems theory  
Open systems
Closed systems
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Earth Systems
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8. Earth Systems Concepts
System feedback
Positive feedback
Negative feedback
System equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium
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System Feedback
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Figure 1.4

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Earth’s Four Spheres
Atmosphere
Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
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11. Physical Geography by Alan Arbogast Chapter 2
The Geographer’s Tools
Lawrence McGlinn
Department of Geography
State University of New York - New Paltz
© 2007, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

12. © 2007, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Tools
Geographic grid: latitude and longitude → big imaginary grid system draped over the Earth; provides a common reference system for describing locations
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Earth’s Dimensions
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Geographic Grid
Latitude
Parallels
Equator
N & S Hemispheres
Parallels run east/west,
but measure locations
that are north/south
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Geographic Grid
Longitude
Meridians
Prime Meridian
Int. Dateline
Meridians run
north/south, but
measure locations
that are east/west
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16. Prime Meridian and Standard Time
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Standard Time
A day begins at the International Dateline
Areas west of the line are one day ahead of those east of the line
Each 15º of longitude is equivalent to a 1 hour time zone
Earth = 360º sphere / 24 hours = 15º
24 time zones
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Standard Time
You are located at 20ºE longitude and it is 6am where you are. Your Friend is located at 50ºW longitude. What time is it where your friend is?
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Tools: Maps
What Is a Map?
1. A map is a two-dimensional (flat) representation of the whole Earth or a specific region of the Earth.
2. A map is a generalized view of an area, as seen from above, that is reduced in size.
3. A map is a tool that is used to depict spatial information and to analyze spatial relationships.
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Maps
Cartography – The Study of the design and production of maps.
Thematic Map – A map showing one or a limited number of types of information, e.g. a map of rainfall and/or temperature
Globe – The most visually complete and accurate way to represent the Earth.
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Maps
Map Projections – Representation of the 3-dimensional Earth on a 2-dimensional surface
Inherent Distortion
2 types of projection:
Conformal – Shape OK
Equivalent – Size OK
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Maps
Conformal
Projection
The Mercator Projection is a conformal projection with correct shapes for landmasses but great exaggeration of size near the poles.
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23. © 2007, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Maps
Equivalent Projection – This Albers Equal-Area Projection (the standard projection for the continental US) is an example of an equivalent projection. Size is consistent throughout this map, but shape is distorted, especially toward the poles and toward the equator.
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Maps
Map Scale – The distance ratio between features on a map and features in the real world (linear)
Means of converting distance on a map to distance in the real world
Large scale – small area, fine detail
Small scale – large area, little detail
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Maps
Isolines – Lines connecting points of equal value on a map.
Isobars – Air pressure
Isohyets – Precipitation
Isotherms – Temperature
Contours – Elevation/Topography
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26. Tools: Digital Technology
Remote Sensing – Data collected from aerial photography and satellite imagery.
GPS – Global Positioning System – System of satellites & receivers to plot location.
GIS – Geographic Information System - System to manipulate & display spatial data.
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Remote Sensing
Aerial Photography
Discern Spatial
Patterns
Resource Inventory
Emergency
Management
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Tsunami - Dec. 2004
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Remote Sensing
Geostationary Satellites
GOES (Weather)
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GPS
Global Positioning System
24 satellites orbit earth every 12 hours
Time of signal to receiver gives distance
Triangulation gives location
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GIS
Geographic Information Systems
System for storing, analyzing and manipulating spatially referenced data
Data consists of layers of one variable such as: vegetation, landforms, or soils
Layers can be overlaid/combined for analysis or display
Applications include: resource management, planning, hazard assessment, etc.
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