History Alive!

Chapter One: Geography of the United States

In this chapter we will learn:

• how to read a globe

• how to use latitude and longitude

•14 important geographic terms

•15 physical features

History Alive!

Chapter One: Geography of the United States

Before we begin the chapter,

We will do our best to identify

Where on the globe we can find

the United States.

Then we will try to identify

all 50 states.

1.2 Understanding the Globe• Earth is a huge sphere, like a ball. Most maps show the earth’s surface as flat. A globe is a sphere. Because of this, it provides an accurate map of our planet.

• Compass: An instrument for finding directions. • Cardinal Points: the four main points on a compass – north, east, south, and west.

• Intermediate Points: points in between cardinal points – northeast, northwest, northwest, southeast, and southwest.

1.2 Understanding the Globe

• Equator: An imaginary line circles Earth halfway between the north and south pole and divides the Earth into two half spheres, called hemispheres.

•Prime Meridian: Another imaginary line that cuts the Earth in half from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Equator

Prime Meridian

Western Eastern

1.2 Understanding the Globe

• Over 70% of our planet is covered in water, mainly oceans.

• Oceans are the largest bodies of water. There four oceans. From largest to smallest, they are– Pacific Ocean– Atlantic Ocean– Indian Ocean– Arctic Ocean

1.2 Understanding the Globe

• Oceans surround large landmasses called continents

• The seven continents on Earth, from largest to smallest, are Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.

1.3 Understanding Latitude and Longitude

• latitude and longitude – types of measurement that can pinpoint any spot on Earth

• Latitude lines – run west to east (p.14)– Always have the same distance in between

them. – Are measured starting at the equator. – Equator – 0 ° latitude– North Pole - 90° latitude– South Pole - 90° latitude

1.3 Understanding Latitude and Longitude

• Longitude lines – lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. – Not always the same distance apart– Starting place for measuring them is the

Prime Meridian– Prime Meridian is at 0 degrees longitude

1.3 Understanding Latitude and Longitude

• To note a place on Earth, first name its latitude, then its longitude.

• For example, one location on Earth’s surface is at 30 degrees N, 90 degrees W. Can you find this location on the map on page 15?

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic terms, or names, for water:– Sea: A body of salt water that is smaller

than an ocean.

The Dead Sea

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic terms, or names, for water:– Gulf: A sea or ocean that cuts into a

landmass.

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic terms, or names, for water:– Bay: Similar to a gulf, but usually smaller

and has a wide opening to the sea.

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic terms, or names, for water:– Lake: A body of fresh water that is

surrounded by land.

Possum Kingdom Lake

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Water also flows in the form of rivers. (page 16)– Source: Where the river begins– Mouth: Where the river empties into a

larger body of water– Tributary: A smaller stream that feed into

a river.

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Landforms: masses of land, such as continents, islands, and peninsulas.– Mountain: usually have steep sides and rise at

least 2000 feet above sea level. – Mountain range: a row of connected mountains– Plains: land that is mostly flat, with few trees.

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic Terms for Landforms:– Peninsula: land that is surrounded by water on

three sides– Cape: an extension of land jutting out into the

water that is usually smaller or thinner than a peninsula.

1.4 Understanding Geographic Terms for Water and Landforms

• Geographic Terms for Landforms:– Island: Land that is completely

surrounded by water– Valley: The low area between ranges of

mountains or hills– Delta: formed when soil is deposited at

the mouth of a river.

1.5 Physical Features of the United States: Oceans

• The U.S is located on the continent of N. America.

• It’s the world’s third largest country.• Bordered by the:

– Pacific Ocean on the west.– Atlantic Ocean on the east– Gulf of Mexico on the Southeast

1.5 Physical Features of the United States: Mountains

• The Rockies are the largest mountain in North America. They run north to south from Alaska to New Mexico.

• The Appalacians are the second largest mountain range.

• The Sierra Nevada mountain range is in the western portion of the U.S.

1.5 Physical Features of the United States: Plains

• While observing Earth from space, you would see areas covered by huge plains.

• Great Plains

• Gulf Coastal Plains

1.5 Physical Features of the United States: Rivers

• One of the most striking features of the US is the system of rivers of lakes

• These have provided routes for ships and power for industry, which have helped the US become a wealthy nation.

• The largest river in the US is the Mississippi River.

In this chapter, we learned about:

• The geography of the United States

• How a globe shows the shape of the Earth, as well as physical features

• How points of the compass show directions.

• Latitude and longitude lines

• Useful geographic terms