GGR101

FIRST TAKE-HOME TEST

WINTER 2012

This test is basically a review test of the material we have covered in the first three chapters (or two weeks) using our on-line textbook. INSTRUCTIONS: The test has been sent to you as an attachment for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will save paper as each of you can independently print it and hand in your answers on Tuesday next week. It will be easier to grade if you simply download the test and then print your answers after each question (except in the odd case where a labeled diagram is required you can add that neatly in a space by hand after printing your answers or on a separate sheet) Secondly, it avoids the problem of handwriting that is difficult to decipher. Thirdly, you have the final copy of the test on your computer. And finally, you can delete the intro and these instructions in you final draft to save some space. NOTE: The test follows the sequence of the textbook! PLEASE USE EITHER A COLOR OR ITALICS FOR YOUR ANSWERS. NAME: 1. Why is geography referred to as an integrative science? (3)

2. In one clear statement explain why the mountains in Fig. 1.1 (Appalachians) and those in Fig. 1.2 (Cascades) appear so different. (2) 3. What is the human-environmental tradition in geography? (2)

4. Not only a body of content knowledge, it is. (View Why Geography Education Matters and complete Joseph Kerskis statement. (2) 5. Geographers are interested not only in place or location but also in spatial patterns. Study Fig 1.4 and note the positions of the major sub-tropical deserts (mostly clustered along the 25 to 30 degree latitudes in both hemispheres. Why are they all located at these latitudes? The North African Sahara and the Australian deserts are substantially larger than those found in N and S America and Southern Africa. What do you think might account for this difference in size? What oceanic feature enhances desert formation at these latitudes? (6)

6. The continuum of geography shows the disciplines spawned by traditional geography and how these continue to remain interdependent. (a) What are the two broad components of Geography as a discipline? (2) (b) Give a short definition of the following related disciplines: (i) biogeography (ii) hydrology (iii) Pedology (iv) demography (4) 7. What is the relationship of Physical Geography to Earth Science? (2)

8. Why in using the scientific method in geographic inquiry is it normal practice to reject the null hypothesis rather than the hypothesis itself? (2) 9. Study fig. 1.11 showing precipitation across Oregon. What physical feature creates such a clear line between the two areas of the state? From which direction do you think rain-bearing winds blow across Oregon? Why is the east visibly drier than the west? (6) 10. Why do you think Models are so useful to geographers? (3)

11. Scientist can only look at the existing universe and speculate how it all first began. When a new sun is born what is the process that occurs to produce its energy? What is believed constitutes the so-called building blocks of future planets according to this explanation? (4) 12. What impact do sunspots have on the Earth? How is the Earth protected from these high energy outpourings? What is the visible evidence of this process occurring in both hemispheres? (6) 13. Why is the Earth not a perfect sphere but rather an oblate sphere? 14. What three factors working in concert produce our seasons on Earth? (2) (3)

15. Study figure 2.12. Now copy the figure neatly in a space below this question and neatly add and label the following: (a) A layer of atmosphere (no thicker than the height of the NP axis in the diagram) (2) (b) Neatly labeled explanations as to why A will receive more solar radiation with resultant higher temperatures than B. (6) (c) Fill in a third beam of solar energy to strike Greenland (approx. 66 deg. N) with a neatly labeled note to explain what its length of day will be and why. (4) 16. Write a short accurate explanatory note on the equinoxes. 17. What is happening at the mid-ocean ridges? (5) (2)

18. Mention two main differences between an open and a closed system? 19. What is dynamic equilibrium?

(2) (2)

20. How would an increase in global glaciation act as a positive feedback to further glaciation? (3) 21. How does nitrogen enter the soil and why is it essential to life. 22. Where is most of the carbon in the Earth system stored? 23. What percentage of the atmosphere is made up of the constant gases? 24. Give two reasons why the variable gases vary (use actual examples). 25. CO2 has increased by 70 PPM since 1960. How significant is this? 26. Mention four generators of atmospheric methane. (4) (2) (2) (2) (2) (4)

27. Listen to the NPR broadcast All Things Considered on the impact of clouds in controlling atmospheric temperature and suggest why this needs rethinking. (4) 28. In what way do temperature inversions help scientist establish the structural layering of the atmosphere? (3) 29. As a functional layer the ozone layer is very important. Why? 30. What is the greenhouse effect and why is it significant? Bonus points: Why is it called the GREENHOUSE effect? (4) (4) (4)

With the bonus points the test totals 110 points but it will be calculated out of 100. ALL THE BEST WITH THE TEST! TOTAL: ---------100