Geography and Earth Sciences Overview

Definition and Origins of Geography

• Geography is a science focused on understanding Earth’s processes and features.
• The term "geography" comes from "GEO" meaning earth and "Graphos" meaning description.
• Eratosthenes of Cyrene is credited with coining the term and proving the Earth is round.
• Strabo authored "Geographica," a foundational text that introduced key geographical concepts.
• Ptolemy created maps and defined "Geographia," incorporating planetary order theories.

Historical Influences

• Marco Polo's travels in the 12th century contributed significantly to geographic knowledge in Europe.
• The modern concepts of geography emerged in the 19th century.
• Alexander Von Humboldt is often referred to as the father of modern geography.
• Carl Ritter emphasized the study of cultural, historical, and economic phenomena in geography.
• Friedrich Ratzel introduced the theory of geographical determinism, linking geography and human behavior.

Geographic Information Systems

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are vital tools for mapping and analyzing spatial data.

Multidisciplinary Nature

• Geography interacts with various fields such as ecology, urbanism, architecture, tourism, and history.

Branches of Geography

• Physical Geography: Studies natural features and processes of the Earth.
• Human Geography: Examines human interactions and impacts on the environment.
• Biological Geography: Focuses on the distribution of biological species across the Earth.

Geographic Phenomena

• Geographic phenomena are temporary processes occurring on Earth's surface.
• Geographic facts are the stable and permanent elements of the Earth's crust.

Landscapes

• Natural Landscape: Unaltered by human influence; shaped by soil, water, climate, and flora.
• Cultural Landscape: Altered or created by human activities; influenced by population, production, and communication patterns.