Physical Geography Basics

Studies the natural features of the Earth's surface
Subfields:
- Geomorphology: study of landforms and landscapes
- Hydrology: study of water on Earth's surface
- Glaciology: study of glaciers and ice sheets
- Biogeography: study of the distribution of plants and animals
Key concepts:
- Plate tectonics: movement of the Earth's lithosphere
- Weathering and erosion: processes that shape the Earth's surface
- Landforms: mountains, valleys, plains, and plateaus

Study of the relationship between culture and the environment
Key concepts:
- Human-environment interaction: how people interact with and impact the environment
- Cultural landscape: the physical environment shaped by human culture
- Sense of place: emotional connection to a particular location
- Identity and place: how culture and identity are tied to specific locations
Subfields:
- Urban cultural geography: study of urban spaces and cultures
- Rural cultural geography: study of rural spaces and cultures
- Historical cultural geography: study of past cultural landscapes

Study of the design and management of urban spaces
Key concepts:
- Urbanization: growth of cities and urban populations
- Urban form: physical layout and structure of cities
- Zoning: regulation of land use in urban areas
- Transportation planning: design of transportation systems in cities
Goals of urban planning:
- Sustainability
- Equity
- Economic development
- Quality of life
Types of urban planning:
- Master planning: comprehensive planning for entire cities
- Urban design: design of public spaces and buildings
- Transportation planning: design of transportation systems
- Urban renewal: revitalization of urban areas

Examines the natural features of the Earth's surface, encompassing various subfields.
Geomorphology investigates landforms and landscapes, while hydrology explores water on Earth's surface.
Glaciology delves into the study of glaciers and ice sheets, and biogeography examines the distribution of plants and animals.
Key concepts include plate tectonics, which involves the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, and weathering and erosion, which shape the Earth's surface.
Landforms, such as mountains, valleys, plains, and plateaus, are also crucial in physical geography.

Focuses on the Earth's atmosphere and its phenomena, including short-term weather conditions and long-term climate patterns.
Climate zones, including tropical, temperate, polar, and alpine, are characterized by distinct average atmospheric conditions.
Latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and wind patterns are significant factors influencing climate.
Tropical, desert, temperate, polar, and alpine climates are distinct types, each with unique characteristics.

Investigates the interconnectedness of culture and the environment, examining human-environment interactions and cultural landscapes.
Sense of place and identity are tied to specific locations, shaping human experiences and perceptions.
Subfields include urban cultural geography, rural cultural geography, and historical cultural geography.
Human-environment interactions involve the impact of human activities on the environment and vice versa.

Concerned with the design and management of urban spaces, aiming to create sustainable, equitable, and economically thriving cities.
Urbanization, the growth of cities and urban populations, is a central concept in urban planning.
Urban form, zoning, and transportation planning are crucial aspects of urban planning.
Goals of urban planning include sustainability, equity, economic development, and quality of life.
Master planning, urban design, transportation planning, and urban renewal are distinct approaches to urban planning.