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Activity 3: Glossary of terms
Activity 3: Glossary of terms
In your own words, define each of the following processes or terms that have shaped/changed Darling Harbour.
Access to the Syllabus Glossary may assist: https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/hsie/geography-11-12-2022/glossary
Urban renewal
Globalisation
Population growth
Urban decay
Migration
Urbanisation
Climate change
Microclimate
Urban heat island
Key Geographic Processes
Our world is complex and dynamic. Its influenced by a myriad of interconnected processes. This section explores four fundamental geographic forces that have reshaped Barangaroo: globalisation, climate change, microclimates, and population growth. These processes operate at varying scales, from the global to the local, and their interactions have profound implications for human societies and natural environments. Understanding these forces is essential for comprehending the challenges and responses that have occurred in Barangaroo.
Globalisation
Globalisation
Globalisation is a geographic process that reshapes the world, creating new opportunities and challenges for individuals, societies, and the environment.
It is a complex process involving the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of people, cultures, economies, and societies worldwide. Advancements in technology, transportation, and communication drive it.
Key characteristics of globalisation as a geographic process include:
Economic integration: The globalisation of markets and production, with multinational corporations operating across borders. It involves the free flow of goods, services, and capital.
Cultural exchange: The rapid spread of ideas, information, and cultural products across the globe. This leads to a homogenisation of cultures, though local cultures often adapt and resist global influences.
Political interconnectedness: Increased cooperation and interdependence between nations, often through international organisations and agreements. This includes the globalisation of governance and policy-making.
Technological convergence: The rapid diffusion of technology worldwide led to a global information society. This has facilitated globalisation in other areas.
Spatial implications: The uneven distribution of the benefits and costs of globalisation across different regions and countries, leading to increasing disparities.
Climate Change
Climate Change
Climate change is a complex geographic process characterised by long-term temperature and weather patterns shifts. Primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, it is affecting life on Earth in unprecedented ways.
It is a global challenge with far-reaching geographic implications. Understanding its spatial patterns and impacts is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Key characteristics of climate change as a geographic process include:
Global temperature rise: A long-term increase in average global temperatures that impacts ecosystems and human societies.
Changing precipitation patterns: Alterations in rainfall and snowfall distribution, resulting in droughts, floods, and changes in agricultural productivity.
Rising sea levels: The expansion of ocean water due to warming and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, leading to coastal erosion, inundation, and displacement.
Extreme weather events: Increased frequency and intensity of weather events like hurricanes, heatwaves, and wildfires.
Ecosystem disruption: Changes in habitats, biodiversity loss, and shifts in species distribution.
Spatial inequality: Uneven impacts of climate change across different regions and populations, with developing countries often facing the most severe consequences.
Microclimate
Microclimate
A microclimate is a localised atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the macroclimate of the surrounding area. These variations are influenced by a combination of factors, including topography, vegetation, bodies of water, and human activities.
Understanding microclimates is crucial for various fields, including agriculture, urban planning, and climate change studies. It allows for more precise analysis and adaptation to local climatic conditions.
Key characteristics of microclimate as a geographic process include:
Spatial scale: Microclimates are relatively small-scale atmospheric conditions, often confined to specific locations like urban areas, valleys, or slopes.
Influencing factors: Topography, vegetation, bodies of water, and human activities (such as urban heat islands) significantly impact microclimates.
Temperature variations: Microclimates exhibit temperature differences from the surrounding area, often leading to warmer or cooler conditions.
Moisture variations: Differences in humidity and precipitation patterns can also characterise microclimates.
Impact on human activities: Microclimates influence human comfort, agriculture, and urban planning.
Population Growth
Population Growth
Population growth is a fundamental geographic process that involves changes in the number of people within a specific area over time. Various factors influence it, including birth rates, death rates, and migration.
Population growth significantly affects resource consumption, environmental impact, and social and economic development. Understanding population dynamics is essential for addressing urbanisation, ageing populations, and resource scarcity challenges.
Key characteristics of population growth as a geographic process include:
Natural increase: The difference between birth and death rates within a population.
Migration: The movement of people from one place to another, which can be internal (within a country) or international.
Population density: The number of people per unit area varies significantly across different regions.
Population distribution: Where people live, influenced by climate, resources, and economic opportunities.
Demographic transition: The shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates is often associated with economic development.
Age structure: The population composition by age groups affects factors like labour force participation and dependency ratios.
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