Transcript GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS
OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER 2
INTRODUCTION
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Every region is based on the criteria used to define
it.
One could theoretically superimpose an infinite
number of regional schemes on North America.
The authors choose to subdivide North America
based on the regions depicted on the map on page
6.
 Primarily based on human criteria
Maps on pages 19, 27, 29, 31, and 33 are based on
physical criteria - AND ARE JUST AS VALID!!!
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF
NORTH AMERICA
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Topography
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Extremely large topographic regions (map on
page 19).
Based on physical relief
Regions are generally oriented north-south.
Impacts
 Barriers to movement
 Canalize transportation networks
 Source of natural resources
PHYSIOGRAPHY
E. J. PALKA
CLIMATE
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Climate
 Patterns are indicated on the map on page 29.
 Based on "Koppen Classification,” the most
widely used climate classification system.
 Vegetation types are a direct response to
climate.
 Regional boundaries in his scheme delineate the
temperature and precipitation association with
vegetation limits.
CLIMATE
PATTERNS
CLIMATE
 Geographic
controls
Latitude
 Relationship between land and water
 Continentality
 Maritime influence
 Topography
 Impact of air masses and wind systems
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CLIMATE
(CONTINUED)
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Latitude
Temperature is a function of an area's
exposure to the direct rays of the sun.
 Exposure is maximized at the equator and
minimized at the poles.
 Consider the earth-sun relationship
during the course of the year and its effects
on various latitudes in the form of
seasonality.
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CLIMATE
(CONTINUED)
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Relationship Between Land and Water
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Land tends to heat and cool more rapidly than water.
Large bodies of water > moderating effect on climate
Compare the annual temperature ranges
 Coastal locations versus the interior of the continent
Continentality
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Non-equatorial places far from large bodies of water
experience greater seasonal extremes of temperature
than do coastal communities.
Maritime influence
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Locations close to large bodies of water experience
minimal fluctuations in temp range.
CLIMATE
(CONTINUED)
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Topography (specifically elevation)
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Impact of Air Masses and Wind Systems
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Higher elevations are cooler than lower elevations.
Adiabatic cooling rate of rising air: 5.5º per 1,000 ft.
Prevailing wind patterns across the U.S. provide
distinct climatic patterns.
North American Pattern
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Western U.S. - topography is the key control
East - latitude is significant in determining variations in
temperature and precipitation.
KEY TERMS
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Orographic Rainfall
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Leaching
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Precipitation that results when moist air is lifted over a
topographic barrier, such as a mountain range
A process of soil nutrient removal through the erosive
movement and chemical action of water
Tree line
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Either the latitudinal or elevational limit of normal tree
growth
Beyond this limit, climatic conditions are too severe for
such growth.
VEGETATION
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North's America's regions (map on page 31)
Climax vegetation
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The final stage in the succession of a vegetative
community
Stable climate and soil conditions and protection
from human disturbance
Prairie wedge
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An unusual and controversial eastward extension
of the grasslands across Illinois and into western
Indiana
The use of fire by Native Americans??
VEGETATION
PATTERNS
SOILS
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North American soil types (map on page 33)
Soil
A mixture of weathered rock and organic matter
 Shaped & altered by the physical environment over time
 Described in terms of distinguishing properties…
 color
 texture
 structure
 ability to hold water and air
 degree of acidity or alkalinity
Where soils are well developed, vertical zonation may occur,
producing distinct layers or soil horizons.
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SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
BRYCE CANYON UTAH
MINERAL RESOURCES
 Metallic Minerals - see map on page 38
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Fossil Fuels - include oil, gas and coal
 Oil and Gas Fields - see map on page 35
 Coal - see map on page 36
 Major Fields
 Appalachian
 Eastern Interior
 Western Interior
 Western
FOSSIL FUELS
TYPES/GRADES OF COAL
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Anthracite
 Hardest and lowest in moisture content
 Appalachian Field
 Home heating
Bituminous
 Coke for use in steel-making & burning in power plants
 Overwhelming percentage of the coal presently mined
Lignite
 A soft, brownish coal
 Much less economic value than either anthracite or
bituminous
Peat
 Softest and highest in water content
GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS
OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER 2