Definition of Geography: Concepts and Branches

Study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.
Divided into two main branches: Physical Geography and Human Geography.

Focuses on natural features and processes.
Key areas include:
- Landforms: mountains, plains, plateaus, and valleys.
- Climate: long-term weather patterns and variations.
- Biogeography: distribution of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Hydrology: study of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Examines human activities and their relationship with the environment.
Key areas include:
- Population Geography: study of population distribution, density, and demographics.
- Cultural Geography: explores cultural practices, traditions, and their spatial distribution.
- Economic Geography: analyzes economic activities and their spatial organization.
- Political Geography: studies the impact of political processes on geographical spaces.

Cartography: the art and science of map-making.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): technology for mapping and analyzing spatial data.
Remote Sensing: acquiring information about the Earth through satellite or aerial imagery.
Spatial Analysis: examining patterns and processes in geographic data.

Location: the position of a place on the Earth's surface (absolute vs. relative).
Place: the physical and human characteristics that define a location.
Region: an area defined by common features (formal, functional, perceptual).
Movement: the flow of people, goods, and ideas across space.
Human-Environment Interaction: how humans adapt to and modify their environment.

Continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic.
Mountain Ranges: Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alps.
River Systems: Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, Mississippi.

Encompasses the study of Earth's landscapes, environments, and the interactions between humans and their surroundings.
Divided into two main branches: Physical Geography and Human Geography.

Concentrates on natural systems and features of the Earth.
Key areas include:
- Landforms: Types include mountains, plains, plateaus, and valleys, each defined by their geological composition.
- Climate: Investigates long-term weather patterns and variations across geographical areas.
- Biogeography: Studies the distribution of ecosystems and biodiversity across regions.
- Hydrology: Focuses on water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, and their role in the environment.

Analyzes human activities and their connections to the environment.
Key areas include:
- Population Geography: Examines distribution, density, and demographic trends of human populations.
- Cultural Geography: Investigates cultural practices, traditions, and their geographical distributions.
- Economic Geography: Explores the spatial organization of economic activities and resource allocation.
- Political Geography: Considers the impact of political processes on geographic contexts and space.

Cartography: Art and science of creating maps to represent geographic data.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Technology used for mapping and spatial data analysis, enhancing location-based decision-making.
Remote Sensing: Techniques for gathering information about the Earth from satellite or aerial imagery.
Spatial Analysis: Method of examining patterns and processes within geographic data to identify relationships and trends.

Location: Refers to a place's position on Earth's surface, categorized as absolute (specific coordinates) or relative (described in relation to other locations).
Place: Consists of the physical and human characteristics that define a location, creating its identity.
Region: An area characterized by shared features, classified as formal (defined by official boundaries), functional (serving specific functions), or perceptual (based on personal impressions).
Movement: Describes the flow of people, goods, and ideas over space, influencing cultural and economic exchanges.
Human-Environment Interaction: Examines how humans adapt to and alter their natural surroundings for survival and societal development.

Continents: Seven major landmasses: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Oceans: Five principal oceans: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic.
Mountain Ranges: Notable ranges include the Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, and Alps, each significant for their height and ecological diversity.
River Systems: Major rivers include the Nile, Amazon, Yangtze, and Mississippi, vital for ecosystems, economies, and cultures.

Climate Change: Affects weather patterns, sea levels, and biodiversity, posing significant risks globally.
Urbanization: Rapid city growth raises challenges such as housing, transportation, and resource management.
Resource Management: Focuses on sustainable practices for the consumption and conservation of natural resources to ensure long-term availability.
Geopolitics: Investigates how geographical features influence political relationships, conflicts, and national strategies.