Geography is a field of science dedicated to the study of the earth Landscapes and features Inhabitants—something that lives there Phenomena—something that happens What is geography?

Political maps What can a map tell us? Locations & boundaries of places What can a map tell us?

Physical maps Land formations and water What can a map tell us?

Elevation maps What can a map tell us? Distance above or below sea level What can a map tell us?

Population maps What can a map tell us? How many people live in a certain area Population density—people in a given area What can a map tell us?

Climate maps Weather patterns and temperatures What can a map tell us?

Natural resource maps What can a map tell us? Where and what type of resources are available What can a map tell us?

Map tools How do we read maps? Compasses show direction Cardinal directions: North, East, South, and West How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Map keys (aka legends) use symbols to identify locations of real things How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Distance scales help find actual distance between locations on a small map How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Map grids use numbers and letters to divide maps into small sections How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Latitudes or parallels Horizontal lines on a world map/globe Run east/west across the world Middle point known as the equator How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Longitude or meridians Vertical lines on a world map or glove Run north/south around the world Middle point called “prime meridian” How do we read maps?

Map tools (cont.) How do we read maps? Hemispheres Equator runs east/west and splits earth into northern and southern hemispheres Prime meridian runs north/south and divides earth into eastern and western hemispheres How do we read maps?

Landforms are natural features of the earth’s surface Mountains High elevation (known as peak) Usually formed through tectonic plate activity Plains Flat, dry area created by glaciers Good for agriculture—fertile soil Glaciers Dense, slowly flowing body of ice Created Great Plains during Ice Age What types of land formations exist?

What types of land formations exist? Deserts Arid (very dry) climate Lacks vegetation or animal life Wetlands Saturated with water and lots of wildlife Rivers Flowing body of water Often floods during wet seasons and deposits nutrients into soil Good for farming Lakes Depression filled with water Formed through tectonics, landslides, craters, glacial activity What types of land formations exist?

How is America divided up? United States of America States Counties Not in Alaska (boroughs), Louisiana (parishes), or Connecticut or Rhode Island (too small) Cities, towns or townships, villages, etc. How is America divided up?