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Physical geography
Remote Sensing And Geographic Information System Applications (GL 223)
University of Kerala
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PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Physical geography is the branch of geography concerned with the study of natural features and processes of the earth's surface, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. It is a broad and diverse field, encompassing everything from the study of rocks and minerals to the behavior of hurricanes and the distribution of plant and animal life.
The earth's surface is made up of a complex interplay of physical and environmental processes. Physical geography seeks to understand the forces and factors that shape the earth's surface, from the motion of tectonic plates to the impact of climate change.
One of the key areas of study in physical geography is geomorphology, which is concerned with the study of landforms and the processes that shape them. This includes the study of mountains, valleys, coastlines, and other physical features of the earth's surface. Geomorphologists study the ways in which rivers, glaciers, winds, and other natural forces shape the landscape, and how the landscape in turn affects these forces.
Another important area of study in physical geography is climatology, which is concerned with the study of the earth's climate and weather patterns. Climatologists study the various factors that influence climate, including temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure. They also study the ways in which climate is changing over time, and the potential impacts of these changes on the environment and human societies.
Hydrology is another key area of study in physical geography. Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They also study the ways in which water interacts with other physical and environmental processes, such as erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient cycling.
The study of the earth's biosphere, or the living organisms that inhabit the planet, is also a major area of focus in physical geography. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of plant and animal life on the earth's surface, and seeks to understand the factors that influence this distribution, such as climate, geology, and human activity.
Finally, physical geography also encompasses the study of the earth's atmosphere, including weather patterns, climate change, and the chemical composition of the air. Atmospheric scientists study the various gases and pollutants that make up the earth's atmosphere, and the ways in which these gases interact with each other and with the earth's surface.
Overall, physical geography is a vast and diverse field that seeks to understand the complex interplay of physical and environmental processes that shape the earth's surface. By studying these processes, physical geographers can help us better understand the natural world and the impacts of human activity on the planet.
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Physical geography
Course: Remote Sensing And Geographic Information System Applications (GL 223)
University: University of Kerala
