Overview
This lecture covers basic geography concepts, focusing on hemispheres, latitude, longitude, the global grid, continents, oceans, and economic terms related to geography.
Hemispheres and Division of the Globe
- The equator divides the globe into northern and southern hemispheres.
- The prime meridian divides the globe into eastern and western hemispheres.
- The Indian Ocean is located in the eastern hemisphere.
- The Arctic Ocean is entirely in the northern hemisphere.
Continents and Oceans
- The equator passes through North and South America, but the initial answer may be unclear.
- The prime meridian passes through Antarctica, Europe, and Africa.
- The seven continents are North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.
- Longitude is the distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.
- The global grid is formed by the crisscrossing lines of latitude and longitude on a map.
Key Geography Facts
- Hemispheres make it easier to locate places on the globe.
- Earth’s farthest point south is 90 degrees south.
Economic Geography
- Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hemisphere — Half of the Earth, divided by the equator or prime meridian.
- Equator — Imaginary line around the earth midway between the poles.
- Prime Meridian — Imaginary line that divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres.
- Latitude — Distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.
- Longitude — Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.
- Global grid — The network of latitude and longitude used to locate places on maps.
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — The total value of goods and services produced in a country annually.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the locations and divisions related to hemispheres, equator, and prime meridian.
- Review the definitions of latitude, longitude, and the global grid.
- Learn the names and locations of all seven continents and major oceans.