GHY 104 1st Edition Lecture 2- Geographers study patterns and processes on Earth’s surface using spatial analysis.- For ex: a bio geographer may analyze the pattern in distribution of certain kinds of plants by investigating process that may have caused that distribution ( climate, soils,continental drift, etc.)Earth’s Four Spheres- Atmosphere- gaseous layer that surrounds the earth. All aspects of weather and climate.- Hydrosphere- covers all aspects of water and bodies of water.- Lithosphere- the solid Earth, sculpted into various landforms.- Biosphere- encompasses all living organisms of the earth.- Newton in 1687: equatorial bulge from centrifugal force.Location on Earth- Latitude- Latitude is the angular distance north or south of the equator measure from the center of the south- The equator is the line of latitude that divides the earth exactly in half between the poles and is designated as 0 ⁰ (degree)- Longitude - Longitude is the angular distance east or west of a point on the earth’s surface measured from the center of the earth- A line connecting all points of the same longitude is called a meridian- Meridians not parallel – they intersect at the poles- The prime meridian running through Greenwhich, England is designated as 0⁰These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Great Circles- The shortest distance between any two points on the planet is an arc (or portion) of a great circle!Standard Time and Time Zones- Necessary for coordination of international trade, airline schedules, business, and daily living.- The International Date Line is the line 180⁰ meridian (opposite the prime meridian) and the plane where a new day begins – a 24-hour adjustment is made when you cross this line.Chapter 2: Solar Energy to Earth and the SeasonsSolar Energy to Earth and the Seasons- Earth’s Orbit- Solar Energy: From Sun to Earth- The SeasonOrbital Distances- Earth’s Orbit- Average distance from Earth to the Sun is 15,000,000 km.- Perihelion- closet at January 3 - Aphelion- farthest at July 4- Take energy 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth- Plane of Earth’s orbit is the Plane of the