Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Economic Systems: An Overview

1. The Role of Economics

Economics governs the management and utilization of resources to meet individual and societal needs. Economic goods encompass:

• Products: Tangible items like food, books, and computers
• Services: Intangible work performed for others, such as transportation, education, and hairdressing

2. Factors of Production

Economic activities rely on various resources known as factors of production:

• Natural Resources: Earth, water, plants, animals, etc.
• Human Resources: People and their labor (e.g., teachers, doctors, hairdressers)
• Capital Resources: Money, buildings, machinery, equipment, etc.

3. Types of Economic Systems

Economic systems vary in how they control factors of production and allocate resources:

Planned

Understanding Global Warming: Causes & Impacts

This document details the primary causes and significant consequences of global warming on our planet. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing this pressing environmental challenge.

Causes of Global Warming

Global warming is primarily driven by human activities. The three main causes include:

• The Greenhouse Effect

  This phenomenon occurs when humans extensively use energy, leading to the burning of fossil fuels. This process releases toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which accumulate in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thereby destroying the delicate atmospheric balance.

• Deforestation

  A significant environmental problem,

The Maya Civilization

The Maya were one of the most dominant indigenous societies of Mesoamerica. They were from a region that consisted of portions of Mexico, almost all Guatemala, the western part of Honduras, all of Belize, and the western part of El Salvador.

Development in Petén

- They attained their highest development in an area called Petén, which is a region of Guatemala, at the base of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Population Peak

- At its peak, the Maya population may have reached 2,000,000.

Characteristics

- They were established in the Pre-Classic period (2000 BC to AD 250) and were characterized by their many developments and discoveries.

- They demonstrated great abilities in architecture, sculpture, painting, mathematics, and astronomy.... Continue reading "Maya Civilization: Achievements, Decline, and Mysteries" »

1. Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. Criminal activity is very low, and strict laws keep life safe for residents.

2. It has a strong economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

3. One of the cleanest countries there is, the main cities are well managed and maintained.

4. Little or no pollution, with fresh air throughout the year.

5. The main Swiss cities (for example, Zurich and Gini) are generally on the Top 10 lists in the world for their high quality of life.

6. Good food available. Swiss cuisine is based on French, Italian, and German recipes for inspiration, and it shows in the variety of dishes, also is known worldwide for its cheeses, chocolates, and fondue. While it's not cheap, Swiss education... Continue reading "Discover the Beauty of Switzerland: Top Reasons to Visit" »

Due to technological evolution, improved infrastructure, and decreasing prices, people are traveling more frequently and to more distant destinations. Travelers seek new places with diverse cultures, often preferring those vastly different from their own. They crave novel experiences and emotions, from exploring unique monuments unlike those in their home country to savoring unimaginable new flavors.

This trend of visiting new countries has evolved into a pursuit of exotic activities, moving beyond conventional tourism.

The Rise of Unconventional Travel Experiences

Today, the tourism industry offers a diverse array of options beyond the ordinary. Let's explore five distinct types of unconventional tourism.

Five Types of Niche Tourism

War Tourism:

5.2. A diverse society

● Metalworking was a specialized task tat led to te appearance of artisans.
● Metal goods stimulated trade. Sailing and te invention of te weel made it easier
to transport goods over long distances.
● Some social groups started to accumulate wealt and power.
● Warriors emerged to defend te territory, livestock and possessions, under leaders
wo ruled over communities or tribes.

6.1.Wat are megalits?

● Megalits are monuments made out of big stones. Most of tem began appearing in
Europe in te 5t miyennium BC.
● To build tese monuments, uman communities ad to be sociayy coesive, ave a
big level of organization, and an understanding of construction texniques.
● Megalits probably ad a ceremonial function, associated wit religious... Continue reading "Invention by experience" »

Exam Questions: Age of Exploration

Food Preservation

1. How did they preserve food?

All meat provisions were salted, as this was the only preservation method available in the hot climate.

Ship Leadership

2. Who was the captain?

The ship's Captain, the highest-ranking licensed mariner, was responsible for its safe and efficient operation.

Crew Roles

3. Who were the cook and the maintenance staff?

Maintenance staff: Personnel who assisted their superior in carrying out assigned tasks.

Cook: A person who prepared meals, specifically for sailors.

Sailor Definition

4. Which of these definitions describes a sailor?

• a) The people who do the fighting, on the ground, in planes, or from boats.
• b) A person who navigates waterborne vessels or assists as a crew member

The Mexica were the last group of the Chichimecs to arrive in the Valley of Mexico.

Early History

• Their departure from the north was around 1111 CE. They arrived in the Valley of Mexico around 1218.
• They called themselves Mexica, not "Aztec."
• Initially, they were a small community composed of groups called calpulli.
• Population growth led to the adoption of chinampas (garden beds) for growing maize, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and other products.
• Fishing and hunting supplemented their agriculture.
• Their advanced agriculture and military strength enabled them to build a successful state and later, an empire.

The Triple Alliance and Tenochtitlan

• Many years after founding their city, Tenochtitlan, the Mexica formed an alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan.
• This

Middle-Class and Working-Class Neighborhoods in the Industrial Age

Middle-Class Neighborhoods

Middle-class neighborhoods were extensions of the historic city center, built far away from the noise and pollution of the factories. They were well-planned with straight, wide avenues, gas street lights, shops, theaters, and tram lines. Homes were usually large, well-built, and comfortable, sometimes with several floors.

Working-Class Neighborhoods

Working-class neighborhoods were built in marginal areas on the outskirts of the city, often near factories. The streets were narrow and not well-planned, and there was usually no lighting or other public services. The houses in these areas were usually small, poorly built, and uncomfortable.

Industrialization'

The Ancien Régime: 17th and 18th Century Transformations

The Ancien Régime, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, witnessed significant political, economic, and social transformations:

• Monarchs became more powerful.
• Trade increased.
• The bourgeoisie grew more powerful and wealthier.
• Humanism developed.
• Advances occurred in science and philosophy.
• New artistic styles emerged.

Main Features of the Ancien Régime (16th-18th Centuries)

• Open Economy: Characterized by craft production and trade.
• Powerful Monarchs: Absolute monarchy predominated.
• Estates System: Nobility held social power, while the bourgeoisie gained economic power.
• Culture: Humanism was a key intellectual movement.

Politics in the Ancien Régime

In the 17th century, absolute monarchy came to... Continue reading "Ancien Régime and Enlightenment: 17th-18th Century Transformations" »