Geografija 1

Geografija 1: Introduction to Physical Geography Module 1: Earth in Space 1.1 The Solar System

Earth is the third planet from the Sun. Key motions :

Rotation (24 hours) → causes day and night. Revolution (365.25 days) → causes seasons.

1.2 Earth’s Shape and Size

Oblate spheroid (bulges at equator, flattened at poles). Equatorial circumference: ~40,075 km. Axial tilt: 23.5° – responsible for seasonal variations.

1.3 Geographic Coordinates

Latitude (parallels): 0° Equator to 90°N/90°S. Longitude (meridians): 0° Prime Meridian (Greenwich) to 180°E/180°W. Importance : locating any point on Earth. geografija 1

Module 2: Lithosphere (Earth’s Solid Crust) 2.1 Internal Structure

Crust (continental 30–70 km; oceanic 5–10 km) Mantle (2,900 km thick) Core (outer liquid, inner solid)

2.2 Plate Tectonics

Lithospheric plates move due to convection currents. Boundary types :

Divergent (constructive) – mid-ocean ridges. Convergent (destructive) – subduction zones, mountains. Transform (conservative) – faults (e.g., San Andreas).