Physical Geography Basics

Physical Geography

Definition and Scope

• Physical geography is the study of natural features and processes of the Earth's surface
• Examines the physical environment and its interactions with human populations

Branches of Physical Geography

• Geomorphology: study of landforms, their formation, and changes over time
  • Includes topics such as mountains, valleys, plateaus, and coastal features
• Hydrology: study of water on the Earth's surface and underground
  • Includes topics such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and oceanography
• Climatology: study of climate and weather patterns
  • Includes topics such as atmospheric circulation, temperature, and precipitation
• Biogeography: study of the distribution of plants and animals across the Earth's surface
  • Includes topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact on the environment

Key Concepts

• Latitude and Longitude: coordinates used to locate points on the Earth's surface
• Altitude and Elevation: measure of height above sea level
• Topography: study of the shape and features of the Earth's surface
• Weathering and Erosion: processes that shape the Earth's surface over time
• Plate Tectonics: theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere and the formation of landscapes

Major Features of the Earth's Surface

• Mountains: formed through plate tectonics and volcanic activity
• Oceans: largest bodies of water that cover over 70% of the Earth's surface
• Deserts: regions with low rainfall and high temperatures
• Islands: landmasses surrounded by water
• Continents: large landmasses that make up the Earth's surface

Physical Geography

Definition and Scope

• Physical geography studies the Earth's natural features and processes, as well as their interactions with human populations.

Branches of Physical Geography

Geomorphology

• Studies landforms, their formation, and changes over time.
• Examines mountains, valleys, plateaus, and coastal features.

Hydrology

• Examines water on the Earth's surface and underground.
• Covers rivers, lakes, groundwater, and oceanography.

Climatology

• Examines climate and weather patterns.
• Includes atmospheric circulation, temperature, and precipitation.

Biogeography

• Studies the distribution of plants and animals across the Earth's surface.
• Examines ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact on the environment.

Key Concepts

• Latitude and longitude are coordinates used to locate points on the Earth's surface.
• Altitude and elevation measure the height above sea level.
• Topography is the study of the Earth's surface shape and features.
• Weathering and erosion are processes that shape the Earth's surface over time.
• Plate tectonics is a theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere and the formation of landscapes.

Major Features of the Earth's Surface

• Mountains form through plate tectonics and volcanic activity.
• Oceans are the largest bodies of water, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface.
• Deserts are regions with low rainfall and high temperatures.
• Islands are landmasses surrounded by water.
• Continents are large landmasses that make up the Earth's surface.