Physical geography (also know as geosystems or physiography) is a subfield of geography that focuses on the systematic study of patterns and processes within the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. It aims to understand the physical layout of the Earth, its weather and global flora and fauna patterns. Many areas of physical geography make use of geology, particularly in the study of weathering and erosion. The geology of other planets is discussed at geological features of the solar system.
Physical geography as a scientific discipline is usually contrasted with and complemented by its sister science human geography.
Areas of study edit
Geomorphology edit
Hydrology edit
Glaciology edit
Biogeography edit
Climatology edit
Pedology edit
Coastal/Marine studies edit
Oceanography edit
Geodesy edit
Palaeogeography edit
Environmental geography edit
Landscape ecology edit
External links edit
- Physiography by T.X. Huxley, 1878, full text, physical geography of the Thames River Basin
- Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition, by M. Pidwirny, 2006, full text