Geography Notes PDF

Key Terms -Landform regions -Temperature range -Continental climate -Maritime climate -adiabatic/lapse rate -Global warming -Greenhouse effect -Carbon sinks and sources Topics -Landform regions -Types and calculations of climate -Climate graphs -Factors affecting cl...

Key Terms -Landform regions -Temperature range -Continental climate -Maritime climate -adiabatic/lapse rate -Global warming -Greenhouse effect -Carbon sinks and sources Topics -Landform regions -Types and calculations of climate -Climate graphs -Factors affecting climate -Global warming Land from regions Canada's landform regions include the Western Cordillera, with its tall mountains and valleys in the west; the Interior Plains, flat grasslands in the center, good for farming and rich in oil and gas; and the Canadian Shield, a rocky area with many lakes and forests, known for its mineral resources. The Appalachian Mountains in the east are older and have rolling hills and forests, while the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands are flat, fertile lands with many cities and farms. In the far north, the Arctic and Hudson Bay Lowlands are cold, flat regions with tundra and permafrost. Finally, the Boreal Forest stretches across much of the country, with dense forests important for wildlife and climate. Each region has its own distinct features, making Canada's landscape diverse and varied. Temperature Range: The temperature range is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures recorded over a specific period, typically over a year. It measures how much temperatures fluctuate in a particular location. Areas with a high temperature range tend to have extreme temperature differences between summer and winter, such as in continental climates. In contrast, regions with a low temperature range experience more stable and moderate temperatures year-round, like coastal areas with maritime climates. Continental Climate: A continental climate is characterized by large temperature variations between summer and winter. This type of climate is typically found in areas far from large bodies of water, where there is less moderating influence from the ocean. Winters tend to be cold, with summers often being hot. Regions like the central United States, parts of Canada, and much of Russia have continental climates, where temperature differences can be extreme due to the lack of nearby water bodies. Maritime Climate: A maritime climate is influenced by the presence of oceans or large bodies of water nearby. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it heats up and cools down slowly, which helps moderate temperatures in coastal regions. This leads to milder winters and cooler summers compared to continental climates. Maritime climates are found in places like the west coast of Canada and Western Europe, where the ocean plays a significant role in keeping the temperature more stable throughout the year. Adiabatic/Lapse Rate: The adiabatic lapse rate refers to the rate at which air temperature decreases as altitude increases. This happens because as air rises, it expands and cools. The dry adiabatic lapse rate is about 10°C for every kilometer the air rises, while the moist adiabatic lapse rate is slower (around 6°C/km) because moist air releases latent heat when it condenses. This principle is important in understanding weather patterns and mountain climates, where air rises and cools as it moves over higher elevations. Global Warming: Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, mainly caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures. The primary cause of global warming is human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Global warming has serious environmental impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. It occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor), absorb and re-radiate heat from the sun, trapping warmth in the Earth’s atmosphere. This effect is crucial for maintaining temperatures that support life. However, the intensification of the greenhouse effect due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, has led to an enhanced greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming and climate change. Carbon Sinks and Sources: Carbon sinks are natural or artificial systems that absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than they release, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 and mitigate global warming. Examples of carbon sinks include forests, oceans, and wetlands, as well as certain agricultural practices. On the other hand, carbon sources release more CO2 into the atmosphere than they absorb. Major carbon sources include the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. Together, carbon sinks and sources play a critical role in balancing Earth's carbon cycle. 4o mini