[Geography 1300A/B] - Midterm Exam Guide - Comprehensive Notes for the exam (12 pages long!)

• School: Western University
• Department: Geography
• Course: Geography 1300A/B
• Professor: James Voogt

Document Summary

Earth system basics and the tools of physical geography. An earth systems approach to studying physical geography. Physical geography as a science and the scientific method. In-situ observations e. g. weather observations: maps, especially topographic maps, remote sensing active, passive, modeling reduced scale physical models, numerical models. Explicitly recognizes the interrelated nature of the components. Systems have feedbacks (+/-) and states that describe their temporal behaviour (steady-state equilibrium, dynamic equilibrium, thresholds) How would you characterize the following plot in terms of system equilibrium states: dynamic equilibrium , steady-state equilibrium, threshold/tipping point. Changes either amplify it (positive feedback) or suppresses it (negative feedback) Feedbacks are processes that respond to (not initiate) change. Example feedbacks from climate change: positive. Ice & snow albedo - smaller: negative. Science seeks to create and evaluate knowledge about reality (montello & sutton p 8). Uses the scientific method a rigorous, objective, logical and systematic approach to research. Space (spatial) scales: size or wavelength of a feature.