The various aspects of weather, climate, water, landforms, soils and vegetation are examined. The impact of humans on the physical environment, and the effects of the physical environment on humans, are addressed. A weekly two-hour laboratory emphasizing practical map, aerial photograph, satellite imagery and computer analysis is required. An in-depth examination of the landforms of the Earth and the processes and factors that create them. Landforms related to folding, faulting, volcanism, weathering, mass movements, flowing water, glaciers, wind, waves and currents are examined.
Practical applications involve field trips and map and aerial photograph interpretation.
Study of the elements, factors and processes affecting Earth's weather and climate. Topics include the atmosphere, temperature, atmospheric moisture, air pressure, winds, storms, world climates and climate change. The atmospheric causes and implications of environmental issues such as ozone depletion, acid rain and the greenhouse effect also are explored. An introduction to the spatial organization of human activities. Population distributions, world cultural patterns, organization of agriculture and urbanized societies including land use, transportation and communications.