Physical Geography Fundamentals

Physical Geography

Definition Physical geography is the study of the natural features of the Earth's surface, including landforms, climate, hydrology, and ecosystems.

Branches of Physical Geography

• Geomorphology: the study of landforms, including their formation, composition, and change over time.
• Climatology: the study of climate, including temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric circulation patterns.
• Hydrology: the study of water on Earth, including its distribution, circulation, and physical properties.
• Biogeography: the study of the distribution of living organisms and ecosystems across the Earth's surface.

Key Concepts

• Latitude and Altitude: latitude affects climate, while altitude affects temperature and atmospheric pressure.
• Plate Tectonics: the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, resulting in the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
• Weathering and Erosion: the breakdown and removal of rocks, leading to the formation of landscapes.

Landforms

• Mountains: formed through plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and weathering.
• Plains: formed through erosion, deposition, and tectonic activity.
• Coastlines: shaped by waves, tides, and currents.

Climate

• Atmospheric Circulation: global wind patterns, including trade winds and westerlies.
• Precipitation Patterns: influenced by latitude, altitude, and atmospheric circulation.
• Climate Zones: including tropical, temperate, and polar zones.

Ecosystems

• Terrestrial Ecosystems: including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
• Freshwater Ecosystems: including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
• Marine Ecosystems: including coral reefs, estuaries, and open ocean.