What is Geography???

5 Themes of Geography

What is Geography?

Geography = the study of people, places and the environment

Geography comes from 2 Greek words “Geo” = Earth “graphy” = Writing

Geography = writing about the Earth

Two Types of Geography

Physical Geography Location, Landforms

Cultural Geography Human

Characteristics, Regions, Movement

5 Themes of Geography

1 - LocationGeography helps you think of things

spatiallyWhere things are located and how they got

there.

2 Types of Location

Absolute Location EXACT place on Earth something

can be found using latitude and longitude

Melbourne, Australia = 38S, 145E

Relative Location Location of one place in relation to

another place. Canada is north of the United States Giving directions to your house We use this one the most!!!

5 Themes of Geography

2 – PlaceChanges over time based on human and

physical characteristics (features)Volcanoes erupt, glaciers move, forests burnPeople build new cities and expand old cities

2 Types of Place

Physical Characteristics Climate (typical weather

over long period) Landforms Bodies of water Plant/animal life

Human/Cultural Characteristics Cities, towns,

governments, cultural traditions

Human created features

5 Themes of Geography

3 – Region

Geographers group places into regions Region = a group of places that

have physical features or human characteristics in common

Geographers compare regions to understand the differences and similarities among them. Geographer interested in language

may group countries based on the language they speak.

2 Types of RegionsNatural Regions 10 natural regions based on a unique combination of

plant/animal life and climate

2 Types of Regions

Cultural RegionsAn area in the world where many people

share similar beliefs, history, and languages

There may be multiculturalism in one region – but one overall cultural trait (USA)

5 Themes of Geography

4 – Movement

The movement of people, goods, ideas as well as plants, animals and other physical features.

Migrate vs. EmigrateMigrate = move from one area to another usually within a country

Emigrate = to move from one country or region to another (leaving) Permanent intentions

People take with them their customs and ideas

Immigrate = to come to a country of which you are not a native to live (coming)

Push – Pull Theory

Push = problems in one place push people out Poverty, overcrowding, lack of jobs, schools, prejudice, war

Pull = better opportunities pull people to a new place Higher standard of living, employment, rights, freedoms,

safety

Irish potato famine (1.5 million in 1840’s-1850’s)

Cubans flee for Florida

Barriers to MovementNatural barriers can prevent people from migrating

DifficultMountain ranges, canyons,

raging rivers

EasierOceans, lakes, navigable

rivers, flat land

5 Themes of Geography5 – Human-Environment Interaction

The interaction between the people and their environment

How people affect their environment & how the environment affects people. Can be positive and negative

Planting trees, irrigation = positive Clear-cutting trees = negative

Occurs because humans depend on, adapt to and modify the world around them.

Human Adaptation

Humans have often adapted their way of life to their environment

What they wear, eat, do to make a living Modern technology has made a close adaptation

to the environment not as necessary

InteractionPeople and the environment continually interact with each other

Public transportation Less gas consumedLess air pollutionHealthier lives for people