Intro to World Geography

What is geography?

• The study of spatial variation• How – and why – things differ from place

to place on the surface of the earth• The study of how observable spatial

patterns evolved through time

Spatial variation: predominant religion

Why spatial variation exists: earthquakes

Changes over time: deforestation

What is geography?

• Geography is a spatial science• Spatial behavior of people• Spatial relationships between places• Spatial processes that create or

maintain those behaviors and relationships

Spatial behavior of people: population

Spatial relationships between places: trade

Spatial processes: commuting and urban form

The Five Themes of Geography

A Framework for Studying the World

North Carolina Geographic Alliance

PowerPoint Presentations2007

Theme 1: Location

• Where is It?• Why is It

There?

Two Types of Location• Absolute• Relative

Absolute Location• A specific place on the Earth’s

surface• Uses a grid system• Latitude and longitude• A global address

North CarolinaAbsolute Location

• North Carolina36° N Latitude 79° W longitude

• Chapel Hill35° 55' N Latitude 79° 05' W Longitude

Relative Location• Where a place

is in relation to another place

• Uses directional words to describe– Cardinal and

intermediate directions

North Carolina• North Carolina is bordered by

Virginia on the north, South Carolina and Georgia on the south, and Tennessee on the west.

• The Atlantic Ocean forms North Carolina's east coast.

• North Carolina is one of the Southeastern States

Theme 2: PlacePhysical Characteristics• Land Features• Mountains,

plains, and plateaus

• Climate• Bodies of Water

North Carolina: Physical Characteristics

http://www.wetmaap.org/Cape_Hatteras/ch_tm_2.html

Photos above: Steve Pierce

Theme 2: PlaceHuman Characteristics

• People• Culture• Language• Religion• Buildings and

Landmarks• Cities

North Carolina: Human Characteristics

National Geographic Magazine

http://www.rivinus.com/camerastuff/charlotte_nc.htm

Top right:http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/unc/nonsport/school-bio/unc-oldwell2-lg.jpg

Theme 3: Human Environment InteractionHow People Interact With Their

Environment

People . . .• Adapt to Their Environment• Modify Their Environment• Depend on Their Environment

http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/corbis/DGT119/BAG0017.jpg

North Carolina: Human Environment Interaction

http://aam.wcu.edu/grant/images/Fontana%20Dam%20Shirley.jpg

http://www.ee.duke.edu/~sag8/Duke/02-03/PiKA/Fall%20Break/Fall_Break_02.htm

http://www.dukemagazine.duke.edu/dukemag/issues/091002/images/mallc.jpg

Theme 4: MovementThe Mobility of• People• Goods• Ideas

How Places are linked to one another and the world

North Carolina: Movement

http://www.marad.dot.gov/Gallery/MoreheadCity/pages/Ming%20Europe.htm

http://www.evertize.com/land/images/I-40-64%20interchange.JPG

Theme 5: RegionsWhat Places Have in

Common• Political Regions• Landform Regions• Agricultural Regions• Cultural Regions

North Carolina: Regions

http://home.neo.rr.com/rodsphotogallery/NaturalWonders/SeaSand/Images/JockeysRidge.jpg

http://www.shorebirdworld.org/fromthefield/Images/Hatteras%20Light.JPG

http://www.homestead.com/pncfa/files/piedmontmap.jpg

http://www.ncbbi.org/images/piedmont-images/piedmont-nc-heartland-golf.jpg

Steve Pierce

Remembering the 5 themes• If you can’t remembering what

they are just ask MR. HELP!!!•M – Movement• R – Regions•HE – Human Environment interaction• L – Location• P - Place

Your assignment• Describe you and your family using the 5

Themes of Geography.• Make sure you use every theme.• Type your biography, double space.