Maps, Landforms, and Maps, Landforms, and ClimateClimate

Physical GeographyPhysical Geography

Two Tools of GeographersTwo Tools of Geographers1. Globes (more accurate)

2. Maps

- all maps distort the earth in some way

• Map projections: ways of showing the curved earth on a flat surface

• Four main map projections

1. Mercator Projection

2. Peters Projection

3. Interrupted Projection

4. Robinson Projection

Two Tools of GeographersTwo Tools of Geographers

Map ProjectionsMap Projections

1. Mercator Projection

- the “big box”

- accurate near the equator

- land is distorted at the poles

Map ProjectionsMap Projections

2. Peters Projection

- the rectangle

- correct areas of land and sea

- some continents appear longer than they really are

Map ProjectionsMap Projections

3. Interrupted Projection

- correct areas of land and sea

- cuts out parts of oceans

- makes measuring distance impossible

Map ProjectionsMap Projections

4. Robinson Projection- the oval; most used- correct sizes and shapes of land masses- fairly accurate distances

- Distortions occur along the edges

Types of MapsTypes of Maps

• Physical- show topography: physical features of a place or region

• Population- show how many people live in an area

• Climate- show what the typical climate is like in an area

• Political, etc.

• Physical

Types of MapsTypes of Maps

• Population

Types of MapsTypes of Maps

• Climate

Types of MapsTypes of Maps

Major LandformsMajor Landforms

• Four major landforms

1. mountains

2. hills

3. plateaus

4. plainsRivers and lakes are NOTNOT landforms! They are waterforms.

ClimateClimate

• Climate: the average weather a place has over a period of 20 to 30 years (pg. 778)

• What is the difference between climate and weather?

• How can climate affect the way we live? (think about the 3rd theme of geography- interaction)

ClimateClimate

• Factors that affect climate

- latitude (how close to equator?)

- proximity to oceans- oceans act as climate mediators

- elevation (height above sea level)

ReviewReview

• 4 Map Projections– Mercator, Peters, Interrupted, Robinson

• 3 types of maps– Physical, Population, Climate

• 4 Major Landforms– Mountains, hills, plateaus, plains

• Climate– Factors that affect climate