Physical Geography Subfields Quiz

Physical Geography

Introduction

Physical geography is a subfield of geography that deals with the study of the natural features of the Earth, such as landforms, bodies of water, atmospheric phenomena, and the processes that shape them. It is often contrasted with human geography, which focuses on human societies and their spatial organization. Physical geography is a broad discipline with many subfields, each investigating different aspects of the natural environment.

Subfields of Physical Geography

Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of plant and animal species across the globe and the geographic patterns they form. This field can be further divided into several areas of research, such as island biogeography, paleobiogeography, phytogeography, zoogeography, and phylogeography.

Climatology

Climatologists study long-term weather patterns called climate and its effects on living organisms. They investigate atmospheric processes, local weather conditions, and global climate changes. Some topics within climatology include studying specific periods of time in history or focusing on a particular location.

Geomorphology

Geomorphology examines Earth's landforms, terrain, and the processes that shape them. This includes understanding how landforms develop from tectonic movement and climatic influences. Topics within geomorphology may involve erosion processes and how these impact the disappearance of landforms.

Hydrology

Hydrology focuses on water in all its forms, including water underground, overground, and in the atmosphere. This field looks at various aspects of water, such as its distribution, movement, and properties.

Pedology

Pedology is concerned with the study of soils, their formation, characteristics, and classification. Soil plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth and is influenced by factors such as climate, vegetation, topography, and human activities.

Oceanography

Oceanography explores the physical properties of bodies of water, including their geological structure, circulation patterns, and chemical composition. It also covers marine biology and ecology, ocean currents, and weather patterns over the sea.

Astronomical Geography

Astronomical geography examines the relationship between the moon, sun, stars, and planets with respect to Earth's surface features. This field involves investigating phenomena like the correlation between lunar cycles and tides along coastlines.

History of Physical Geography

The origins of physical geography can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the term "geography" was coined by Greek mathematician Eratosthenes. Over time, this field evolved and expanded, eventually leading to the establishment of professional organizations such as the Royal Geographic Society in Great Britain and the National Geographic Society in the United States. Today, geography is taught in schools worldwide and remains an essential tool for understanding the Earth and its inhabitants.