World Geography
Flash Cards
Mapping
What is another name for longitude?
meridians
What is another name for latitude?
parallels
What identifies direction on a map?
The compass rose
What is a thematic map?
A map that has a theme
Example: population density map
What is this map projection?
Mercator Projection
Used by ship captains to navigate, because it has straight longitude &
latitude lines
What is the map projection?
The Polar Projection
Used by airline pilots
What is this map projection?
The Robinson Projection
Used in classrooms and for
data representation
What type of lines are these?
Longitude lines
They run north & south, but measure east & west
What type of lines are these?
Latitude lines
They measure north & south
What is absolute location?
Location defined by longitude & latitude
What is relative location?
A relationship between 2 places
Example: near my house, or around the corner
What are contour lines?
Lines of equal elevation
Can maps change over time?
Yes
What is the only true representation of the earth?
The globe
What is GIS?
Geographic Information System
It is a computer system used for making map
What are the 3 characteristics of climate?
TemperaturePrecipitation
Seasons
What are the 4 elements of climate?
Influence of latitudeInfluence of winds
Influence of elevationProximity to water
What are the 4 world climate regions?
Low latitudesMiddle latitudesHigh latitudes
Desert & Highlands
What 3 things have caused European maps to change in the
1900s?
World War IWorld War II
When communism fell in the 1990s
How many countries were added to maps after the Soviet Union
broke up in the 1990’s?
15
When did the map of Africa change?
1914, after World War I
The Europeans left their colonies in Africa
What was Israel’s name before 1948?
Palestine
What are 2 other names for Taiwan?
Formosa & Republic of China
What is another name for the Sea of Japan?
The East Sea
What country has the most tornadoes?
The U.S.
In what ocean do hurricanes occur?
The Atlantic Ocean
In what ocean do typhoons occur?
The Pacific Ocean
Storm is similar to a hurricane.
Are any maps accurate?
No
What 4 ways are maps distorted?
SizeShape
DistanceDirection
Where do monsoon winds blow?
Asia
What are 3 reasons man builds dams?
Irrigation Control flooding
Hydroelectric power
What is the world’s most polluted city?
Mexico CityMexico
What Russian city had a nuclear meltdown?
Chernobyl
Name 4 regions effected by acid rain
GermanyScandinavia
ChinaEastern North America
Name 3 places effected by deforestation?
Amazon Rain forestNepal
Malaysia
What is a formal region?
Places with similar attributes
Example: city, state, country
They have formal borders
What is a functional region?
Places connected by movement
Example: Hampton Roads
