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Chapter 1: Geography of the United States
What can geography teach us about the United States?
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1.1 Introduction Geography impacts history
geo: earth; graph: describing Geography-study of our physical world and how we interact with it Includes: Climates Hemispheres Latitude/longitude Physical features Maps
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1.2 Understanding the Globe
Earth and globe are spheres 3D ball Maps show 3D Earth as flat Accuracy? Cardinal Directions North, East, South, West Intermediate Directions NE, SE, SW, NW Compass vs Compass Rose
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1.2 Understanding the Globe
Hemispheres-imaginary lines dividing the earth into equal parts North and South Hemispheres Divided by the equator East and West Hemispheres Dividing by the prime meridian 4 Oceans Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic 7 Continents Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Austrailia
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1.3 Understanding Latitude and Longitude
The study begins Absolute location Use lines of latitude and longitude Parallels of latitude Run from east to west Show how far north or south Distance between lines is always the same Equator 0° Above: north latitude Below: south latitude North Pole 90°N and South Pole 90°S Arctic Circle, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and Antarctic Circle
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1.3 Understanding Latitude and Longitude
Meridians of Longitude Run from the North Pole to the South Pole Show how far east or west Half circles; not parallel Prime Meridian 0° East: east longitude West: west longitude 180° longitude equal distance east and west from prime meridian Locations are listed: latitude (N or S), longitude (E or W)
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1.4 Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms
Defining landforms and bodies of water Water Ocean: large body of salt water Sea: smaller body of salt water Gulf: part of a sea or ocean that cuts into land Bay: similar to, but smaller than a gulf Lake: a body of water surrounded by land River: flowing water Source: where the river begins Mouth: where a river opens to an ocean or lake Tributary: a small stream that runs into a river
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1.4 Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms
Mountain: land above surrounding land with steep sides Mountain range: row of connected mountains Plain: mostly flat land with few trees Peninsula: land surrounded by water on three sides Cape: small/skinny piece of land jutting out into water Island: land surrounded by water Valley: low area between ranges of mountains or hills Delta: soil deposited at the mouth of a river in the shape of a triangle
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1.5 Physical Features of the United States
United States is 3rd largest country Behind Russia and Canada (based on land) Bordered by 3 bodies of water Pacific ocean (largest), Atlantic (next) Mountain Ranges Rockies Appalachian Sierra Nevada Mount Whitney
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1.5 Physical Features of the United States
Plains Great Plains Used to be buffalo, now farm land Gulf Coastal Plain Experience flooding, rich soil Waterways Rivers and lakes Provide routes for transportation Largest river is the Mississippi Rio Grande Columbia River
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RF: Where Geography Meets History
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