Canadian Geo 1202

1.1 – 1.2: Identify & describe natural & human systems

Systems Intro

Systems Intro

P. 46 Pic A Pic B Pic C Pic D Pic E

A. Describe /

Name pic

B. List 3

Connections

C. Natural /

Human /

Both

The World of Systems

• System: A series of parts that together form an

interconnected whole

• Many different types of systems of various sizes

• A complex set of dynamic (continually changing)

systems makes up our world

• Two main types of systems that we need to

explore

– Natural

– Human

Natural Systems

• Systems found in nature

Ocean water circulation Weather Climate Systems

Natural Systems

• Systems found in nature

Water Drainage Systems Energy Cycles

Natural Systems

• These natural systems form the

ECOSYSTEMS that make up our

environment

– WE WILL DISCUSS ECOSYSTEMS MORE

LATER!

Human Systems

• Systems created by people

Human Settlement Transportation Systems

(air, highway, railway)

Human Systems

• Systems created by people

Communication Systems (Telephone

networks)

Information Systems

(The Internet)

Human Systems

• Activities: Human Systems handout

The Systems Approach

• Geographers are interested in discovering what

places are like & the process that makes places

the way they are

• In order to do so, they use a systems approach

to study both natural & human systems & the

relationships that occur among them

The Systems Approach

• By studying relationships among the natural and

human systems, geographers can understand

the process that makes things the way they are

and it helps them make better decisions about

the future of our planet

An Introduction to Systems

• To help strengthen your understanding of

systems, complete the “Introduction to Systems

Concept Mapping” handout

Earth’s Giant Systems

• The Earth is made up of four interconnected

spheres that all work together to shape our

planet

Earth’s Giant Systems

• Complete the three point word story for

each of the 4 Spheres

Earth’s Natural Systems

http://video.about.com/geography/The-Four-Earth-Spheres.htm

The Geo of Life: Natural

Systems

• Without nature’s systems, there would be

no life on Earth! For example…….

– Earth’s atmosphere provides oxygen to

breathe, CO2 for photosynthesis of plants, protects

us from UV rays, regulates temperature,

The Geo of Life: Nature’s Gifts

• Natural gifts include– Natural settings for recreation & tourism

– Decomposition of wastes

– Wetlands, which purify water & control flooding

– Soil, in which we can produce food

– Biological control of insects and other creatures we consider pests

– Trees and other plants which produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide ,

& purify the air

Characteristics of Natural

Systems

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

• There are two important cycles that

geographers consider when investigating

ecosystems and analyzing issues• Water cycle

• Carbon cycle

• Nature’s cycles are true cycles—they do

not have a beginning or an end, and the

elements within them keep moving around

and around.

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

– a look at the Water Cycle.

• the natural system that involves the

circulation of water to support life on Earth.

• water on Earth is continuously flowing and

changing state, from gas (water vapour),

to liquid, to solid (ice).

• there is a finite supply of water, which

means that Earth never loses or gains any

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

– a look at the Water Cycle.

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

– a look at the Water Cycle.

• Canada is considered a country with a

great deal of water because of all our

lakes and rivers.

• Contains an estimated 9% of the world’s

fresh water supply much of which is

located in uninhabited areas or in

underground rocks & acquifers

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

– the decay cycle.

• There is no waste in natural systems.

• Creatures such as fungi and bacteria act

as decomposers to eat and recycle

nature’s waste materials.

• This process of decomposition &

regeneration in nature is called the decay

cycle, & it is an important regulator of

ecosystems.

Natural Systems Work in Cycles

– the decay cycle.

Review

Human Systems

• People depend on natural systems:

– We use technology to harvest natural resources and create lifestyles that are different from one place to another.

– We can manipulate our environment. For example:

• clear forests to build farms

• create chemicals to control pests

• build transportation routes to make connections between places

• build dams to reduce flooding and create hydroelectric power

Examples of Human Systems

• Whenever you go shopping you are interacting with

Canada’s economic system and transportation system.

• Transportation systems - the interconnecting networks,

such as road and rail lines, that move people and goods.

• Economic systems - integrated activities, such as

manufacturing and transportation, that produce and

deliver goods and services.

Characteristics of Human

Systems

Infrastructure

• How does water, electricity,

and telephone service get

to your house?

• Vital services supply us

with, heat, roads, bridges

and waste removal.

• Infrastructure – the

structures or networks of

basic services needed for

the functioning of a

community or economy.

Media Watch Activity

• Water Crisis - Page 62 answer the following

1. Write one sentence that summarizes the current

situation with Newfoundland and Labrador’s

water infrastructure.

2. Make predictions about how you think the

issues highlighted in the article will be resolved.

3. What actions can you take to help ensure your

local water supply is safe and secure?

• End for Quiz 1……