Scales in Physical Geography www assignmentpoint com Scales
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Scales in Physical Geography www. assignmentpoint. com
Scales in Physical Geography: The processes of the life layer and the four great realms operate on various scales. These scales range from global to individual scales. www. assignmentpoint. com
• Global scale - The sun is the power source that powers most of the phenomena that occurs within the life layer. At this scale, Earth-sun relationships are very important. www. assignmentpoint. com
• Continental scale - The sun’s energy is not evenly absorbed by the Earth’s land water surface. Unequal solar heating produces currents of air and water and constitute the global atmospheric and oceanic circulation system. www. assignmentpoint. com
• Regional scale - This smaller scale observes the cloud patterns of weather systems, and their regular movements over time. These movements, along with solar control of surface temperature, form the basis of the climates of the world. www. assignmentpoint. com
• Local scale - Factors at this scale are important in determining the exact patterns of vegetation and soils. www. assignmentpoint. com
• Individual scale - Individual landforms and their associated plant and animal communities are produced by unique activities of wind or water, and develop distinctive biological communities and soil properties. www. assignmentpoint. com
Natural Environments: The Atmosphere GE 101 – Spring 2007 Boston University Myneni Lecture 02: Introduction Jan-19 -07 (7 of 14) Systems in Physical Geography: A helpful way to understand the relationships among the four realms and the life-layer is to study them as systems. Flow systems - This is a system in which matter, energy, or both, move from one location to another. 1. Pathways: The structure of a flow system that allows for movement. 2. Structure: The pattern of pathways and their interconnections. 3. Inputs and outputs: Flow systems may have matter, energy, or both entering and leaving the system. 4. Power source: Each flow system needs some type of power source. Natural systems are powered largely or completely by natural power sources. Examples of flow systems in physical geography are river systems, a food chain in an ecosystem, and the global energy balance system. www. assignmentpoint. com
