ge·og·ra·phy Noun What does “geo” refer to? Earth graphy=writing The study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these.

North Arctic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Europe Asia Pacific Ocean Africa Lines of Longitude North Arctic Ocean Atlantic Ocean North America Europe Asia Mississippi Euphrates Lines of Latitude Tigris Huang (Yellow) Pacific Ocean Ganges Yangtze Indus Nile Tropic of Cancer Africa Indian Ocean East Amazon West South America Australia Tropic of Capricorn Antarctica South

What is the purpose of lines of latitude? A: They measure the distance north & south from the equator. Latitude degrees are 69 miles apart, north and south of the equator. 90 degrees north is the north pole, and 90 degrees south is the south pole. What is the purpose of lines of longitude? The (east to west) vertical longitude lines are also known as meridians. They converge (meet) at the poles. Zero degrees longitude is located at Greenwich, England (0°). This line of longitude is called the Prime Meridian. The degrees continue 180° east and 180° west where they meet and form the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean.

While the equator divides the earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, it is the Prime Meridian at zero degrees longitude that divides the earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The Eastern Hemisphere consists of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia while the Western Hemisphere includes North and South America.

The Tropics The tropics are the two lines where the sun is directly overhead at noon on the two solstices- near June and December 21. The sun is directly overhead at noon on the Tropic of Cancer on June 21 (the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere). And the sun is directly overhead at noon on the Tropic of Capricorn on December 21 (the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere).

What about Russia? The Middle East? Which three countries make up North America? Were the continents always in this position?

Which climate zone are we in? Climate Zones: What factors affect climate? latitude, altitude, winds, distance from the sea Which climate zone are we in?

Does this map look different to you? How?

What type of map is this?

Physical Maps - illustrate the physical features of an area, such as the mountains, rivers and lakes. The water is usually shown in blue. Colors are used to show relief—differences in land elevations. Green is usually used at lower elevations, and orange or brown show higher elevations.           

 Economic or Resource Maps - feature the major types of natural resources or economic activity in an area. For example, wheat on a map of Maryland tells you that wheat is grown there.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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