Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
to someone, only to discover that person does not speak your language? If so, then you are already
familiar with human systems. Figure 1-4 shows an example of the human system.
Human beings characterize Earth's surface. That is, not only do humans live here, but by constructing
cities, making farms, laying railways, and building other things, humans are an actual part of Earth's
surface. Culture, trade, commerce, and government largely determine the specific ways in which
people are part of the Earth. And because these institutions are so diverse, so, too, are the human
characteristics that are part of Earth's surface. Key aspects of human geography will be dealt with
in separate chapters. They include population characteristics (see Chapter 11), movement and migra-
tion (see Chapter 12), cultural attributes (see Chapter 13), division of Earth into political units (see
Chapter 14), economic activity (see Chapter 15), and urbanization (see Chapter 17).
Figure 1-4:
The
culture of these
Arabs is a human
system
that
differen-tiates
their part of the
world from oth-
ers.
Interacting with the world around us: Environment
and society
Do you remember a farm or piece of countryside that is now a shopping center or a housing develop-
ment? Have you ever experienced air pollution or water pollution? Have you ever had to cope with a
severe storm, flood, or earthquake (see Figure 1-5)? If so, then you are already familiar with environ-
ment and society.
