St. Mary's Highschool Study Guides

geographie_final_exam_1.doc
File Size: 136 kb
File Type: .doc
Download File

geographie_final_exam_2.doc
File Size: 27 kb
File Type: .doc
Download File

Grade 9 Geography Outline


Chapter 1: Exploring Canada

A. What is the population density of Canada?
B. Define Gross National Product.


Unit 2: Methods of Geographic Inquiry

Chapter 2: Maps

A: Define what a map is.
A map is a representation of the earth’s features drawn on a flat surface

B: What basic features must be included on every map? Explain each of them.
Title: Identifies area shown and topic purpose or focus
Legend: Explains meaning of symbols and colours
Scale: Compares distance between points on the map with the actual distance between those points on the earth’s surface. Allows reader to measure distance and to calculate area
Date of Publication: Indicates if the information is recent
Direction: Represented in two ways (1) by direction arrow or symbol (2) by the use of longitude and latitude
Borders: Set the map apart from other information


C: Explain the differences between a large and small scale map. When are each of these maps used?
A large-scale map shows a large amount of detail of a small area.
A small scale map shows a small amount of detail of a large area.

D: Define cartographer
Cartographer: professional map maker.


E: There are three difference types of maps. Name each of the maps, list examples as to what they contain, and describe what each would be used for.

General Purpose Map

Thematic Map

Topographic Map

- provides many types of information on one map

-gives a broad understanding

of the location and features of an area

- designed to show information only one particular topic

- tend to be easy to understand

- use symbols to show a variety of features

- useful for examining the earth’s surface in detail

 

 

Chapter 3: Locating Places on a Map

 

A: What is a compass rose?

Compass Rose: diagram, in the shape of a flower, showing directions and bearings used to indicate direction on maps. It shows 16 compass points.

 

B: Define latitude and longitude. Using these terms, what would be the geographic centre of the world.

Latitude: distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. The equator is 0 degrees and the North Pole is 90 degrees north latitude

Longitude: degrees east and west of the Prime Meridian measured in degrees. The Prime Meridian is 0 degrees longitude.

The geographical centre of the world is in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa.

 

C: Define Prime Meridian

Prime Meridian: Line of longitude on maps or globes that joins the Noth and South Poles and runs through Greenwich England. Longitude is measured 180degrees east and 180degrees west of this line (0 degrees)

 

D: How many time zones are there in the world? How many time zones are located in Canada? If it’s 4:00 in British Columbia what time is it is Ontario? What happens in Eastern Canada before any other province?

There are 24 time zones on the earth. 6 time zones pass through Canada. If it is 4:00 in BC it is 7:00 in Ontario. Newfoundland is always half and hour ahead of the rest of Eastern Canada.

 

Chapter 4: Using Map Scales

 

A: Define Scale

Scale: Measurement on a map that represents an actual distance on the earth’s surface.

 

B: What are the three types of scales? Define each.

Direct Statement Scale

Line Scale

R.F. Scale

Words are used to describe the relationship between a distance on a map and a specific distance on the earth’s surface (eg., 1cm to 10km)

Line divided into units (eg. Km. ) that represents the actual units on the ground.

Scale on a map given as a ratio of distance on the ground such as 1:50 000, eg. 1cm on map equals

50 000 cm on the earth’s surface.

 

 

C: What is a line scale also referred to as?

A line scale is also known as a linear scale.

 

D: What does R.F. stand for?

R.F. stands for representative fraction.

 

E: How do you convert an R.F. Scale into a Direct Statement Scale? Use examples.

In order to convert the R.F. scale 1:50 000 into a direct statement scale, use the following process-

1cm = 50 000 cm

1cm = (50 000 divided by 100 000) km

1cm = 0.5 km or 1cm = 500m

 

Unit 3: Physical Connections - Canada’s Ecozones

 

Chapter 10: Geologic History

 

A: If you were a seismologist, what would you study?

A seismologist studies earthquakes.

 

B: Explain the concept of plate tectonics.

Plate tectonics is a theory that states that the earths’ outer shell consists of plates that move causing earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains and the formation of new crust.

 

C: Name each of the eras that geologic history is divided into. Describe major geological and biological events that occurred in each.

 

Eras

Beginning

End

Major Geological Events

Major Biological Events

Cenozoic

(recent life)

66

------

Ice sheets cover most of North America

Continents take their present shape

Formation of the Rocky Mountains completed

Human beings developed

Age of mammals

Moderns forms of life evolve

Mesozoic

(middle life)

245

66

Formation of the Rocky Mountains begin

Innuitian Mountains form

Shallow seas in the interior of North America at various times

Age of reptiles, such as dinosaurs

First flowering plants

First birds and mammals

Paleozoic

(ancient life)

570

245

Periods where large parts of North America were covered by shallow seas

Appalachians formed

Age of amphibians and fish

Large swamps-coal formed from this vegetation

First plants and animals appear on land

Precambrian

(earliest life)

4600

570

Precambrian shields such as the Canadian, Brazilian, African & Australian Shields formed

First multi-celled organisms

First single-celled organisms

 

 

D: List two examples of the following types of rock: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary

 

Igneous

Metamorphic

Sedimentary

Granite

Quartz

Geneiss

Marble

Limestone

Shale

 

 

E: Name the three types of mountain building forces.

Folding

Faulting

Volcanic Action

 

F: What are erosional forces?

Erosional forces (such as wind and water) wear away at the earth’s surface and deposit sediments in a different area.

 

G: With the aid of a diagram, explain the rock cycle.

 

Chapter 11: Landform Connections

 

A: Name each of Canada’s landform regions.

Innuitian Mountains

Arctic and Hudson Bay Lowlands

Western Cordillera

Interior Plains

Canadian Shield

Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands

Appalachians

 

B: Which landform region contains the world’s oldest rock?

The Canadian Shield holds the oldest rock.

 

C: Give 3 examples of metallic minerals.

Gold, Copper, Nickel

 

D: Name the three lowland regions that surround Canada

The Interior Plains

The Arctic and Hudson Bay Lowlands

The Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands

 

E: What are the interior plains part of?

The Interior Plains are part of the Great Plains of North America that stretch from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

 

F: Why is there so much oil and gas located in Alberta and Saskatchewan?

The Interior Plains (found in Alberta and Saskatchewan) were often covered by shallow seas that held coral reefs. Over time sediments from the Canadian Shield and the Rocky Mountains were eroded and compressed the dead plants and animal life This is how the oil and gas was formed.

 

G: Define escarpment

Escarpment: steep cliff formed by erosion or faulting

 

H: How were the Great Lakes formed?

The Great Lakes were gouged out when glaciers were moving across North America.

 

I: What is a rift valley and how is it formed?

Rift Valley: valley that is created when the portion of land between two faults drops down. The St. Lawrence River valley is a rift valley.

 

J: Why is this region the most populated in Canada? Explain.

This region is the most populated in Canada because it’s climate and soils are well suited to agriculture. Also, the flat land is ideal for transportation routes and the development of cities.

 

K: What is lignite?

Lignite is a form of coal.

 

L: Which landform region is located in Eastern Canada?

The Appalachian Mountains are located in Eastern Canada.

 

M: Define plateaus

Plateau: is a flat, elevated area of land

 

N: Where are the Innuitian Mountains located?

The Innuitian Mountains are located in Canada’s far north (Arctic).

 

O: Why are the resources located in the Innuitian Mountains not mined?

The mineral resources of these mountains have not been exploited because the region’s remote location makes development too costly when cheaper alternatives exist further south.

 

P: How was the Western Cordillera formed?

The Western Cordillera was the result of the collision of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The heavy Pacific Plate was forced under the North American plate causing much folding, faulting, and volcanic action.

 

Q: What is the eastern division of the range knows as?

The mostly easterly division of the Western Cordillera is made up of the Rocky and Columbian Mountain, as well as others.

 

R: How high are the Rockies?

Today, the Rockies stand 4000m above sea level.

 

S: Explain how the Interior Plateaus were formed?

 

T: How were the Coast Mountains formed?

The Interior Plateaus have been formed by the movement of the North American and Pacific plates. Since the heavier Pacific plate is sinking below the light North American plate, the pressure has caused magma to rise into the earth’s crust where it has cooled to form igneous rock. The movement of the two plates against one another has up lifted this massive block of igneous and metamorphic rock to form the Coast Mountains.

 

U: Define fiord

Fiord: long, narrow inlet of the sea with steep sides. Fiords were created by glaciers that scraped out valleys. When the glaciers melted, the sea flooded the valleys.

 

V: Why are these mountains a barrier to transportation?

Transportation is difficult because it would be impossible to build bridges over the mountains and extremely difficult to blast tunnels through these mountains. This leaves the small number of passes which are inadequate to the need of transportation in this area.

 

Chapter 12: Climate Connections

 

A: Explain the difference between weather and climate.

Weather is the day-to-day characteristics of atmospheric conditions. Whereas climate is a long term pattern of weather.

 

B: Why does Canada’s climate have so much variety?

Canada’s climate has so much variety because:

            1. Canada extends a great distance from north to south.

            2. Different elevations produce different climate conditions.

            3. Coastal regions have different climates from inland regions.

            4. Wind and pressure systems move weather conditions from one part of the country to       another.

 

C: What are the six factors that affect climate?

Latitude

Ocean Currents

Wind

Elevation

Relief

Nearness to Water

 

D: How does latitude affect climate conditions in Canada?

Canada spreads over a great distance from north to south. Energy from the sun that hit’s the earth close to the equator is covers a small area of land. The same amount of energy that hit’s the earth at a more northerly location is spread over a larger area because of the spherical shape of the earth. Places such as the Northern part of Canada experience colder temperatures than those near the equator because the same amount of energy is spread over a larger area.

 

E: What does relief refer to?

Relief refers to differences in elevation of the earth’s surface.

 

F: What is the rate of cooling when air rises?

Air cools 1 degree for every 100m of elevation before the point of condensation. After the point of condensation, air cools 0.6 degrees every 100m.

 

G: Using specific places in Canada, describe what a maritime and continental climate is.

Type

Maritime

Continental

Definition

Climate type that is strongly influenced by the closeness of an ocean or other large water body. The annual temperature range tends to be small and precipitation is high.

Climate type that develops away from the influence of the ocean. The annual temperature range tends to be large and precipitation is low.

Examples

Gander, Newfoundland

Victoria, British Columbia

St. John, New Brunswick

Prince George, British Columbia

Alert, North West Territories

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

London, Ontario

Kamloops, British Columbia

 

 

H: Name the currents found of the Western and Eastern coasts of Canada.

The Warm North Pacific Current can be found on Canada’s western coast.

The Warm Gulf Stream can be found on Canada’s eastern coast.

The Cold Labrador Current can be found by Canada’s northeastern coast.

Together the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current combine to make the foggiest place in the world, off the coast of Newfoundland.

 

I: Define air mass and air pressure.

Air Mass: large body of water having the same moisture and temperature throughout.

Air Pressure: weight of air.

 

J: Which way do the prevailing winds move across Canada?

The Canadian ‘Westerlies’ blow westward across Canada.

 

K: Why does precipitation occur?

Precipitation occurs for two reasons:

            1. Air cools as it rises

            2. As air cools, water vapour condenses more than it expands.

L: Why does air rise?

Air can rise for any of the three following reasons:

           1.It rises to cross an area of high elevation. (Relief Precipitation)

           2.It rises because it has absorbed heat from the earth surface.(Convectional Precipitation)

           3.It rises because there is a cooler, denser air mass flowing beneath it that forces it up.                   (Cyclonic Precipitation)

 

M: With the aid of a diagram, fully explain the three types of precipitation.

Relief Precipitation

Warm air rises up the windward side of a mountain (west side). As the moist air rises, it expands and cools. The moist air then condenses into water droplets. Once these droplets get heavy enough, they fall to the ground. As the cool air slopes down the leeward side of the mountain, condensation does not take place, therefore there is a decrease in precipitation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convectional Precipitation

As the ground heats up, the air around it rises. The rising air expands and cools and the water vapour within it condenses into a cloud. Water droplets within this cloud eventually fall to the ground as rain, hail, or snow. Convectional precipitation is often the cause of summer thunderstorms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyclonic Precipitation

A large, low-pressure system formed when a warm and cold air mass collide. The denser cold front forces the warmer, less dense front upwards. This warm air condenses and causes precipitation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N: What types of climate would you find in each of the landform regions?

 

O: What are Canada’s climate regions?

            Arctic

            Taiga

            Cordilleran

            Pacific Maritime

            Boreal

            Prairie

            Southeastern

            Atlantic Maritime

 

Chapter 13: Soil and Natural Vegetation

 

A: What four main parts are found in a true soil? Explain each of them.

Minerals: the minerals in soil come from rock known as the parent material. The minerals become part of the soil when the rock is broken down by weathering into smaller particles of sand, slit, and clay. Many of these minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous , and potassium are nutrients needed by plants for growth.

 

Bacteria and Organic Materials: When plants and animals die, they are decomposed by bacteria in the soil. Decaying organic materials release nutrients. Decaying organic material form humus which provides nutrients and moisture for plants. Humus fives soil its dark colour.

 

Air: Plants need air around their roots. A high humus level helps produce air in the soil because the loose, decaying materials allow for many air pockets. Air spaces are also created by worms, insects, and small animals which tunnel through the soil.

 

Moisture: Water dissolves nutrients in the soil and is then taken up by plants through their roots. Water is also necessary in the chemical and physical processes that weather rock and decay organic materials.

 

B: Draw a typical soil profile and outline what each layer consists of.

 

C: Describe the difference between leaching and calcification.

Leaching: removal of minerals from soil by water as it moves downward through the soil. Leaching occurs in wet climates.

 

Calcification: process by which, in dry climates, water carrying dissolved minerals moves upward through the soil. At the surface the water evaporates, leaving the minerals behind. The surface soil is then considered calcified.

 

D: Name each of the various vegetation regions found in Canada

            1. Tundra

            2. West Coast Forest

            3. Cordilleran Vegetation

            4. Boreal and Taiga Forest

            5. Grassland

            6. Mixed Forest

            7. Deciduous Forest

 

E: Define natural vegetation.

Natural Vegetation: plants that grow in an area without the influence of humans.

 

F: Define what a transition zone is

Transition Zone: area where the characteristics of one region gradually change into another.

 

G: Describe the type of vegetation and climatic conditions found in each of the vegetation regions.

Vegetation Region

Types of Natural Vegetation

Temperature Characteristics

Precipitation Characteristics

Soil Characteristics

Tundra

Shrubs, mosses, lichens, small flowers

Cold, short growing season

Very little precipitation

Most areas less than 400cm

Thin soil

permafrost

Boreal and Taiga Forest

Coniferous and deciduous trees

Cold, short growing season

Wet climate

Acidic soils

Mixed Forest

Coniferous and deciduous trees (spruce, fir, pine, maple, oak, birch)

Warm summers cold winters

Regular, abundant, precipitation

Top soil rich in minerals

Suitable for farming

Deciduous Forest

Deciduous trees

Long, hot summers, relatively cool winters

Plentiful precipitation

Similar to mixed forest

More humus and less acidic

Grassland

Trembling aspen, willow and spruce

Grass, sage bush, and cactus

Dry, warm climate

Little precipitation

Limited amount of humus produced in soil

Cordilleran Vegetation

Coniferous trees

Warmers in valleys, coolers on the mountains

Heavier rainfall on the Westside than on the eastside

Soils of all types

West Coast Forest

Douglas fir, Sitka, spruce, red cedar, and western hemlock

Mild climate

Heavy rainfall

Minerals found deep in soil

 

 

H. Which of the vegetation regions contains the tallest trees?

The West Coast Forest contains Canada’s largest trees.

 

Chapter 14: Canada’s Ecozones

 

A: How many ecozones are there in Canada?

There are 15 ecozones in Canada.

 

B: Which ecozone do we live in? Describe its climate, vegetation and industry.

We live in the Mixedwood Plains.

Climate

Cool, short winders (-7); relatively long, mild summers (20); precipitation 700 to1000mm; growing season 180 to 260 days

Vegetation

Coniferous (white pine, eastern hemlock, red pine) mixed with deciduous (sugar maple, red oak, basswood); little natural vegetation remains

Industry

Total population 14 016 000; GDP $325.2 billion; urbanization, manufacturing, agriculture, recreation

 

 

Unit 4: Cultural Connections

 

Chapter 16: The Treaty Process

 

A: Define First Nation

First Nation: group of Aboriginal people who share the same culture and heritage.

 

B: Which Native peoples make up the First Nations?

The Indian, Inuit, and Metis.

 

C: Explain the treaty making process.

 

D: Name the treaty that made the native groups give up land.

The Indian Act on 1876.

 

E: Treaties did not solve problems for the Natives. What two main reasons explain why the treaties failed this group? Explain using examples.

 

F: Explain the differences between a comprehensive treaty and a specific claim.

 

Chapter 17: Immigration

 

A: How can we best describe Canada’s population?

We can best describe Canada’s population as a “tossed salad” or a multicultural society.

 

B: Why did people want to come to Canada?

 

C: What 3 provinces do most immigrants settle? Why?

Most immigrant chose to settle in Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia. The major cities of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal have various cultural groups provide familiar products and services. Also jobs and opportunities are more plentiful in a large city.

 

D: Explain the difference between push and pull factors.

Pull Factor: factor such as freedom of speech or employment opportunities that attract a person to a country.

Push Factor: factor, such as unemployment or the lack of freedom of speech, that makes people want to leave their country and move to another one.

 

E: Describe the three types of immigrants that Canada accepts. Use examples to clarify your answer.

Independent Immigrant

A person (either business immigrant or skilled worker) who comes to Canada by themselves. E.g., A YUP fresh out of university.

Family Immigrant

Comes to a country by being sponsored by a family member to help them. E.g., A man sponsoring his wife and children.

Refugees

Is fleeing from their home country in fear of persecution (e.g., war)

 

F: How many points does one need in order to be accepted as a skilled worker?

To be accepted as a skilled worker, a person must receive 70 points in a complicated system that is designed to identify which people are most contribute to Canada’s economy.

 

G: Explain the difference between an emigrant and an immigrant.

Immigrant: person who moves to a new country with the intention of settling there.

Emigrant: a person who leaves their country of origin to live permanently in another country.

 

Chapter 18: Settlement Patterns

 

A: Define population distribution and population density

B: Does Canada have a dispersed or concentrated settlement?

C: Use a diagram to fully explain the 3 types of settlement patterns in Canada

D: Explain the multiplier effect.

E: What is a diversified urban center?

F: Give examples of the various urban centers found in Canada.

 

Unit 5: Economic Connections

 

Chapter 20: Types of Industry

 

A: Which industry takes raw materials from the earth?

B: Which industry takes these raw materials and manufactures them into finished goods?

C: What is tertiary industry also known as?

D: Using the various types of industry, explain how a car ends up on a showroom floor.

 

Chapter 21: Fishing

 

Chapter 22: Farming

 

Chapter 23: Forestry

 

Chapter 24: Canada’s Mineral Wealth

 

A: Define mineral
Mineral: valuable substance that is taken from rocks by mining.


 

B: Define metallic and non-metallic minerals. Give three examples for each.

Metallic Minerals: minerals that yield a metal when processed. E.g., iron, gold, silver

Non-metallic Minerals: minerals that yield non-metals when processed. E.g,salt, potash, asbestos

 

C: What is a fossil fuel?

Fossil Fuel: any mineral that can be burned to produced energy (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil)

 

D: What is Canada’s mining rating when compared to the rest of the world?

Canada ranks third in the world in the production of minerals.

 

E: Explain what occurs when minerals are processed.

 

F: Explain the differences between the three types of mining found in Canada.

Strip Mining

Open Pit Mining

Underground Mining

Is used to extract minerals, such as coal and oil sands, that are located in horizontal layers near the surface

Is used to extract mineral that are located near the surface but may be extended deep into the earth

Is used to extract mineral ores located deep in the earth

 

G: Clearly explain three issues that face Canada’s mining industry.

 

Chapter 25: Energy- Powering our Nation

 

A: Explain how oil and gas is created

B: Define anticline trap

C: Explain how geologists search for oil and gas

D: What is the difference between a flowing and non-flowing well?

E: What province produces the most oil and natural gas in Canada? Why?

F: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of hydro-electricity.

G: What is thermal-energy? Give advantages and disadvantages.

H: How does a nuclear-electric generator work?

I: What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear-electric generating stations?

 

Chapter 31: Canada’s International Relations

 

A: Describe the three main roles played by the United Nations in the world.

B: Describe one key role that Canada  has played within the UN.

C: Which agency manages most of Canada’s foreign aid?

D: Explain the term globalization.

E: What does MNC stand for?

 

Chapter 32: Canada’s Foreign Trade

 

A: What is a tariff?

B: Why must Canada import and export?

C: What is a trade surplus?

D: What is a trade deficit?

 

Chapter 34: Water Resources

 

A: Using a diagram, explain how the hydrologic cycle works.

B: What are the advantages/disadvantages of using groundwater aw a source of freshwater?

C: List four reasons why the demand for water will probably increase in the future.

D: Describe three ways in which water may become contaminated.

E: Which form is the most dangerous?