Human Geography Flashcards

This deck delves into spatial patterns, cultural influences on people and places, migration trends, factors affecting human development, and the geopolitical dynamics of contemporary states. (65 cards)

1
Q

Define:

spatial pattern

A

Arrangement or distribution of various phenomena across geographical space.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Identify:

5 type of spatial patterns.

A
  1. Population distribution - clustered or dispersed settlements
  2. Economic Activity - industrial belts
  3. Cultural Landscape - land use patterns
  4. Political Geography - state borders
  5. Environmental Impacts - pollution patterns
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define:

demographic pattern

A

Trends and variations in population characteristics over time and space.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Identify:

Characteristics of demographic patterns.

A
  • Population size and density
  • Age structure
  • Sex ratio
  • Fertility rate
  • Mortality rate
  • Migration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define:

culture

A

A complex web of shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors.

Culture is a powerful force that shapes the characteristics and perspectives of individuals, communities, and nations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain:

4 ways culture impacts society.

A
  1. Provides individuals with a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose.
  2. Dictate appropriate behavior in various social situations.
  3. Language shapes how we think, express ourselves, and understand the world.
  4. Art and music reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular group.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain:

How does culture shape places and regions?

A
  • Built Environment: Cultural influences shape the physical landscape, including architecture, urban planning, and infrastructure.
  • Cultural Landscapes: Cultural landscapes, such as historic sites, sacred places, and traditional settlements, embody the cultural heritage of a region.
  • Economic Activities: Cultural factors influence economic activities, such as agriculture, industry, and tourism.

Example: the distinctive architectural styles of different cultures reflect their values and aesthetic preferences. Gothic cathedrals in Europe and traditional Japanese pagodas are distinct and iconic.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Explain:

How does culture drive change and adaptation in society?

A
  • Diffusion: The spread of cultural traits, such as language, religion, and customs, can lead to cultural exchange, hybridization, and innovation.
  • Change: Cultures are dynamic and constantly evolving. Changes in technology, globalization, and migration can lead to cultural shifts and adaptations.

Example: K-Pop has rapidly spread across the globe, influencing fashion trends, music tastes, and even language.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Identify:

4 major types of migration.

A
  1. Internal Migration
  2. International Migration
  3. Forced Migration
  4. Voluntary Migration
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Explain:

Patterns of migration.

A
  • Step Migration: A series of smaller migrations, often from rural to urban areas, with each step bringing the migrant closer to their final destination.
  • Chain Migration: Migration of people to a specific location because relatives or members of the same nationality previously migrated there.
  • Rural-to-Urban Migration: The movement of people from rural areas to urban centers, often driven by economic opportunities.
  • Counterurbanization: The movement of people from urban areas to rural areas, often in search of a quieter lifestyle or to escape urban problems.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Identify:

Causes of migration.

A
  • Job opportunities, higher wages, and better living standards.
  • Family reunification, education, and cultural experiences.
  • Persecution, conflict, and instability.
  • Natural disasters, climate change, and resource scarcity.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Explain:

Two types of internal migration.

A
  • Interregional Migration: Movement between regions within a country, often from rural to urban areas.
  • Intraregional Migration: Movement within a region, such as from suburbs to city centers or vice versa.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Identify:

What scales do geographers use to analyze migration?

A
  • Local: Migration within a city or region.
  • National: Migration within a country.
  • International: Migration between countries.
  • Global: Large-scale migration flows across continents.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe:

Effects of migration.

A
  • Demographic Impact: Changes in population size, age structure, and diversity.
  • Economic Impact: Remittances, labor shortages, and skill gaps.
  • Social Impact: Cultural exchange, integration challenges, and social tensions.
  • Political Impact: Shifts in voting patterns, changes in social policies, and international relations.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Explain:

Economic factors that impact human development.

A
  • Income Inequality: Unequal distribution of wealth can limit access to essential services and opportunities.
  • Economic Growth: A strong economy can provide jobs, improve living standards, and fund social programs.
  • Infrastructure: Adequate infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, is essential for economic development and social progress.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Explain:

Social factors that impact human development.

A
  • Education: Access to quality education empowers individuals and promotes social mobility.
  • Healthcare: Adequate healthcare ensures physical and mental well-being, reducing mortality rates and improving quality of life.
  • Gender Equality: Equal opportunities for women and men contribute to social and economic development.
  • Social Security: Social safety nets, such as pensions and unemployment benefits, can protect vulnerable populations.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Define:

Human Development Index

A

Composite index used to rank countries by level of human development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Identify:

3 aspects of the HDI.

A
  1. Life expectancy at birth.
  2. Expected years of schooling for children and mean years of schooling for adults.
  3. Standard of living measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Explain:

How has economic development reshaped the global landscape?

A
  • As economies develop, people migrate from rural to urban areas in search of jobs and opportunities, which leads to rapid urbanization, often resulting in the growth of megacities and urban sprawl.
  • To support economic growth, countries invest in infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, and airports, which leads to improved connectivity and accessibility, but also environmental impacts like deforestation and habitat loss.
  • Results in regional disparities, with wealth and opportunities concentrated in certain areas.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Define:

state

Context of geography

A

Independent, sovereign political entity that exercises control over a specific territory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Identify:

4 characteristics of a contemporary state.

A
  1. Territory: A defined geographical boundary that separates it from other states.
  2. Population: A permanent population residing within its territory.
  3. Government: A sovereign government that has the authority to make and enforce laws within its territory.
  4. Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority to govern a territory independently.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Identify:

Forces that drive cooperation between states.

A
  • Global trade
  • Collective security concerns
  • Cultural exchange

Examples: World Trade Organization, UNESCO, United Nations, NATO, USMCA, BRICS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Describe:

political entity

A
  • Distinct governmental body that engages in political activities.
  • Can be either independent or dependent.

An independent political entity is sovereign, meaning it is self-ruled and self-regulated. Dependent political entities are controlled to some extent by other political entities.

Another term for a political entity is polity. A country is a political entity on a larger scale, with its own governmental body conducting political activities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the difference between federal and unitary systems of government?

A
  • In a federal country, the power and sovereignty is constitutionally divided and shared between the national (federal) government and units (states).
  • In a unitary country, the power and sovereignty belongs to the national government, which might transfer some of it to territorial units.

Great Britain, France, and Italy are examples of a unitary government. The U.S. is an example of a federal government.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
# Explain: Physical and cultural boundaries.
* **Physical Boundaries**: Natural barriers that divide regions. Examples include mountains and ridges forming the boundary between Chile and Argentina. * **Cultural Boundaries**: Divisions based on cultural differences such as religion, ethnicity, language, or social interaction. Examples include the language boundary between French and English speakers in Canada.
26
# Identfy: constituency
Body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.
27
# Explain: morphology | (in human geography)
* Study of the shape, structure, and layout of human settlements and landscapes. * Examines how physical forms, such as cities, towns, and villages, are organized and how they develop over time in relation to social, economic, and environmental factors. ## Footnote **Human geography** is the branch of geography that studies the effects of physical features and the atmosphere on humans and vice versa.
28
# Identify: **5 shapes** of states in **state morphology**.
* Compact states * Elongated states * Prorupted states * Fragmented states * Perforated states ## Footnote **State morphology** is the shape and form of state boundaries.
29
# Define: supranationalism
It is the idea or practice of **separate entities** or governments voluntarily coming together or forming associations to create policies that provide some mutual benefit to all involved. ## Footnote These **alliances** often transcend national boundaries and involve decision-making related to legal and economic policies, politics, conflict, and military issues. An example of supranationalism is the World Trade Organization (WTO), an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade. The organization makes trade rules, negotiate trade agreements, and settles trade disputes between nations.
30
How do centripetal and centrifugal forces play a part in **politics**?
* **Centripetal** forces pull people together, creating national unity and holding a country together. * **Centrifugal** forces push people apart, promoting regional identities and discouraging national unity.
31
# Describe: demography
Study of the **size, density, and distribution** of human population.
32
# Identify: **3 periods of population growth** in demography.
1. The pre-agricultural period 2. The agricultural period 3. The industrial period
33
# Explain: **Difference** between a highly developed country and a developing country.
* A **highly developed country** - highly industrialized and has high per capita income levels. * A **developing country** - has limited industrialization and has low per capita income levels.
34
# Explain: **2 theories** of global population.
* **Malthusian Theory**: It said that at some point in the future, the world's population will hit a wall and collapse. * **Expanding Technology Theory**: It says that humanity has always managed to innovate when properly incentivized to do so.
35
Describe a **minority** and give examples.
* Someone who is classified by their **distinctive identity**, either culturally, ethnically, racially, or by another subordinate characteristic. * A minority may have **less access to resources** than the majority or may be viewed as a weaker person because of his or her distinctive characteristics. * A **racial minority** is a group of people who share distinguishable biological traits; an **ethnic minority** is a group of people who share a cultural background; both are subordinated by society.
36
# Explain: **Difference** between race, ethnicity, and nationality.
* **Race** is a division of people based on physical characteristics. * **Ethnicity** is a categorization based on language or common ancestry. * **Nationality** refers to citizenship in a particular nation.
37
What is **ethnic cleansing** and what are its impacts?
* **Forcible removal** of a certain ethnic, racial, or religious group, usually to create an ethnically homogeneous area. * Conducted by **official government forces**, militias, insurgent groups, or civilians. * Considered a **crime against humanity**.
38
What is the **difference** between behavioral and humanistic geography?
* **Behavioral geography** studies how experiences, beliefs, and assumptions influence human decision-making and behavior in different spaces and places. * **Humanistic geography** examines people's relationships with places and spaces.
39
# Define: cultural diffusion
It refers to when certain cultural values, ideas, or even cultures are **adopted by different cultures**. ## Footnote These other cultures then either **blend or merge** with the adopted culture depending on circumstances such as level of influence or geographical proximity to the adopted culture.
40
# Identify: 3 types of **cultural diffusion**.
1. Stimulus diffusion 2. Expansion diffusion 3. Relocation diffusion
41
# Define: cultural geography
Study of **how people and their environment interact**.
42
What are **pull and push factors** that attract and force people to migrate?
* **Pull**: Better employment opportunities in another country. * **Push**: War, famine, threat on personal life, and political instability.
43
What is the primary cause of **climate change**?
Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. ## Footnote Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
44
List **three significant impacts** of climate change on global ecosystems.
* Loss of biodiversity * Changes in habitat distribution * Increased frequency of extreme weather events ## Footnote Climate change affects ecosystems by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, which can lead to habitat loss and increased stress on species.
45
# Fill in the blanks: The melting of polar ice caps contributes to \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
rising sea levels ## Footnote As polar ice melts, it adds to the volume of ocean water, leading to higher sea levels, which can cause coastal flooding and erosion.
46
How does **deforestation** contribute to climate change?
By reducing the number of trees that absorb CO2, increasing atmospheric carbon levels. ## Footnote Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces this capacity, contributing to higher greenhouse gas concentrations.
47
What is an **example** of a climate change adaptation strategy?
Building sea walls to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels. ## Footnote Adaptation strategies aim to reduce vulnerability to the effects of climate change, such as infrastructure improvements and changes in agricultural practices.
48
Which **international agreement** aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels?
The Paris Agreement ## Footnote Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, aiming to strengthen the global response by limiting temperature rise and enhancing adaptive capacities.
49
What is **urbanization**?
The process by which rural areas become urban through population growth and infrastructure development. ## Footnote Urbanization often leads to increased economic opportunities, improved infrastructure, and access to services, but can also result in challenges like overcrowding and pollution.
50
List **three factors** that contribute to the growth of megacities.
* Rural-to-urban migration * Economic opportunities * Improved transportation and infrastructure ## Footnote Megacities, defined as cities with over 10 million inhabitants, often grow rapidly due to these factors, which attract people seeking better living conditions and job prospects.
51
# Fill in the blank: A city with a population of over 10 million people is referred to as a \_\_\_\_\_\_.
megacity ## Footnote Megacities are significant for their economic, cultural, and political influence, but they also face unique challenges such as managing resources and providing services to their large populations.
52
What are **some common challenges** faced by megacities?
* Overcrowding * Pollution * Traffic congestion * Inadequate infrastructure ## Footnote These challenges can impact the quality of life in megacities, requiring innovative urban planning and policy solutions to address them effectively.
53
How does rural-to-urban migration **impact** urban areas?
It increases population density, often leading to urban sprawl and pressure on infrastructure and services. ## Footnote Rural-to-urban migration is driven by the search for better employment opportunities and living conditions, but it can strain urban resources if not managed properly.
54
What role does **economic opportunity** play in urbanization?
Economic opportunity attracts people to urban areas, driving population growth and development. ## Footnote Cities often offer diverse job markets and higher wages, which are key incentives for people moving from rural areas to urban centers.
55
What are '**push factors**' in migration?
* **Economic hardship**: Lack of jobs, poverty * **Political instability**: War, persecution * **Environmental issues**: Natural disasters, climate change ## Footnote Push factors are conditions that drive people away from their homeland. They often involve negative circumstances or events that make living in the home country difficult or dangerous.
56
What are '**pull factors**' in migration?
* **Economic opportunities**: Job availability, higher wages * **Political stability**: Peaceful government, personal freedoms * **Better living conditions**: Access to education, healthcare ## Footnote Pull factors attract individuals to a new location, often offering the promise of a better quality of life or more favorable conditions than their current situation.
57
# Fill in the blank: The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas is known as \_\_\_\_\_\_.
urbanization ## Footnote Urbanization is often driven by the search for better employment opportunities, access to services, and improved living standards.
58
List **three common reasons** for voluntary migration.
* Economic improvement * Educational opportunities * Family reunification ## Footnote Voluntary migration is typically motivated by the pursuit of better living conditions, career advancement, or joining family members who have already relocated.
59
What is a **significant consequence** of migration on urban areas?
Increased population density, which can lead to challenges such as housing shortages, strain on infrastructure, and environmental degradation. ## Footnote While migration can bring economic growth and cultural diversity to urban areas, it also requires careful planning and resource management to address the accompanying challenges.
60
How do environmental factors **influence** migration patterns?
Environmental factors such as climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity can force people to relocate to safer or more sustainable areas. ## Footnote Environmental migration is becoming increasingly significant as climate change alters habitats and living conditions, prompting both temporary and permanent relocations.
61
What is a **cultural landscape**?
A geographic area that includes cultural and natural resources associated with a historic event, activity, or person.
62
# Fill in the blanks: The spread of cultural elements from one area to another is known as \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
cultural diffusion
63
List three types of **cultural diffusion**.
* **Relocation Diffusion**: Spread through physical movement of people. * **Expansion Diffusion**: Spread of a feature in a snowballing process. * **Hierarchical Diffusion**: Spread from a person or node of authority to other persons or places.
64
How does globalization **impact** cultural landscapes?
Globalization leads to the homogenization of cultural landscapes, often resulting in the spread of popular culture and loss of local traditions.
65
What role do **physical geography and environment** play in shaping cultural landscapes?
Physical geography influences settlement patterns, architectural styles, and land use, shaping how cultures adapt to their environment.