Geographic Skills Exam Review January 29, 2025

The study of the Earth's surface, its features, and the interactions between people and their environment.

A branch of geography that focuses on the distribution of human populations, cultures, economies, and interactions.

A branch of geography that examines the physical features of the Earth, such as landforms, climate, vegetation, and water bodies.

The precise location of a place on the Earth's surface, often expressed using coordinates like latitude and longitude.

The relative position of a place in relation to other places or features. This is usually based on its location within a larger area or its connection to other locations.

A way of organizing geographical information using visual representations like maps, charts, and graphs. These methods help us understand spatial patterns, relationships, and trends.

A type of question that requires applying geographic knowledge, concepts, and skills to analyze specific situations, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

A kind of question that assesses communication skills by asking you to express your understanding of geographical concepts and ideas through writing or speaking.

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks the significant impact of human activity on the Earth's systems.

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that the continents were once joined together and have drifted apart over millions of years.

The 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of targets adopted by the United Nations in 2000 to address global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and disease. They aimed to improve the lives of people in developing countries.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. They address a broader range of issues, including climate change, inequality, and sustainable consumption and production patterns, and aim to achieve a more equitable and sustainable world.

The MDGs focused primarily on reducing poverty and improving living standards in developing countries. The SDGs, however, have a broader scope, addressing not only poverty but also environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development.

Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Plate tectonics is the theory that the Earth's outer layer is made up of large plates that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.

Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly over land. They sculpt the landscape, creating distinctive features like U-shaped valleys, moraines, and eskers.

The overall weather patterns of a region over a long period of time, typically 30 years or more.

The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

The process of human activities leading to long-term changes in Earth's climate system, primarily through the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Strategies to lessen the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategies to adapt to the effects of climate change that are already happening or are likely to happen in the future.

A type of climate characterized by moderate temperatures and relatively even precipitation throughout the year. These climates are typically found in coastal regions, where ocean currents moderate temperatures.

A type of climate characterized by large temperature variations throughout the year and low precipitation. These climates are typically found in the interior of continents, far from moderating influences of the ocean.

A type of climate that exhibits characteristics of both maritime and continental climates, with varying degrees of moderation. It is a transition zone between the two.

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, leading to a warming effect on the Earth's surface. The most prevalent greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

A process where a change in one part of a system leads to a further change in the same direction, amplifying the original change. For example, the melting of Arctic sea ice, due to rising temperatures, reduces the reflectivity of the Earth's surface, leading to further warming.

The study of the characteristics of a population, such as age, sex, income, education, and ethnicity.

The difference between the birth rate and the death rate in a population.

The difference between the number of immigrants entering a country and the number of emigrants leaving a country.

The overall growth rate of a population, taking into account both natural increase and net migration.

A measure of a country's overall well-being, based on factors such as life expectancy, education levels, and income.

Countries characterized by low levels of income, high rates of poverty, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Countries characterized by high levels of income, advanced infrastructure, and high levels of education and healthcare.

Individuals who move to a different country to live permanently, primarily for economic opportunities, education, or safety.

Factors that push people to leave their home country, such as poverty, war, or lack of opportunities.

Factors that attract people to a new country, such as better job prospects, education, or freedom.