There are many mysteries and interesting phenomena in nature that physical geography deals with. Why is it hot in the tropics and extremely cold at the poles? Why is less rainfall in the interior of the continents than on the coasts? How and why is fog formed? This science is trying to find answers to all these questions.
What does physical geography study? What is its structure? What areas can be identified in her modern research? This will be discussed in the article.
What does physical geography study? Definition of science
Physical geography is one of the natural sciences, and is part of general geography. She deals with numerous problems of the structure and functioning of the so-called geographical shell of the Earth.
What is studying physical geography today? The range of interests of this science includes the structure, formation, as well as the dynamics of the functioning of various natural and territorial complexes. The most important task of physical geography at the present stage is the search for rational ways of using natural conditions and resources by man.
Physical geography originated in the IV century BC. But only after major expeditions and voyages of Columbus, Magellan, Marco Polo, humanity realized the importance of this science. It does not lose its relevance in our days, when, it would seem, our planet has already been sufficiently studied.
Objects of physical geography and directions of its research
Among the main objects of study of this science, the following should be highlighted:
- geological structure;
- relief;
- inland waters;
- climate of territories;
- inland waters;
- flora and fauna (in particular, their distribution on the surface of the planet);
- landscapes;
- natural areas, etc.
The main areas of research in physical geography include:
- patterns of formation and development of the geographic shell of the Earth, natural territorial complexes;
- theoretical and practical problems of geophysics and geochemistry of landscapes;
- problems of landscape zoning of territories, as well as typology of landscapes;
- methods and principles of studying the geographic envelope and its individual components.
System of Physics and Geography
Physical geography is usually divided into three large sections. It:
1. General geography (studies the general laws in the structure and development of the geographical shell of the planet).
2. Physical geography of continents and oceans (studies the nature of the world's largest natural complexes - continents and oceans).
3. Landscape science (studies geosystems at the regional or local level).
In general, the system of physical and geographical sciences includes a number of different scientific disciplines. Among them are geomorphology, climatology, meteorology, hydrology and hydrography, paleogeography, oceanology, soil science, biogeography, glaciology and others.
Physical geography as a discipline
Where and how is physical geography studied? The initial course of this science is taught in schools (as a compulsory subject), as well as in colleges and universities. In particular, the school studies the general physical geography of the world, the geography of continents and oceans, as well as the physical geography of Russia.
Geographical faculties, departments established at many universities in Russia and Europe. In developed countries, interest in this science is only growing. The study of physical geography at the university is not only lectures and seminars, but also interesting practical exercises, exciting excursions and trips, field studies.
Graduates of geography departments find jobs in a wide variety of fields and industries. And this is not only work “in the field”, the search for new oil fields or the conduct of meteorological observations. Tourism, pedagogy, production of goods, cartographic business - this is not a complete list of areas of activity in which a geography graduate can find application.
Finally…
Now you know what physical geography is studying. The objects of research for this science are: relief and soil, climate and minerals, flora, landscapes and natural zones of continents.
The structure of physical geography is represented by three large sections. These are general geography, geography of continents and oceans and landscape science.