NAME

ATOHUNSE AMINAT BUKOLA

MATRIC NUMBER
223333

COURSE
GEO 302

QUESTION
REVIEW AND SYNTHESIZE AT LEAST 4 DEFINITIONS OF GEOGRAPHY
The following are some of the definitions of Geography:
(1)Geography is the study of the interrelations of all physical and cultural phenomena occurring
on the Earth's surface (Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859). His definition emphasizes the
comprehensive nature of geography. He sees it as the study of all physical and cultural
phenomena on Earth's surface, highlighting the interconnectedness of these elements.
(2)Geography is the description of the earth's surface (Ptolemy). His definition is concise,
describing geography as the mere description of the Earth's surface. It reflects an early
perspective on the discipline, focusing on observation and documentation.
(3)Geography is the study of how people make places, organize space, and interact with their
environments (Yi-Fu Tuan). Geography, according to Tuan, is the study of how people create and
shape places. It involves understanding how individuals organize space and interact with their
surroundings. His definition emphasizes the human perspective and the dynamic relationship
between people and their environments
(4)Geography is the science of the relationship between physical and human phenomena in a
specific environment (Jean Brunhes). Geography is about exploring how the Earth's physical
features shape and are shaped by human activities in a specific area. It's the study of the
relationship between the environment and human phenomena.
(5)According to my own understanding of Geography, it is the science of location of places on
the earth, description of places and phenomenon and also the analysis of the interaction between
the spatial environment and man In terms of the activities of man in the environment taking man
as an important agent in the environment.
To a layman, Geography entails the description of the earth alone. However, Geography does not
only describe the surface of the Earth and it’s features. It also investigates the Inter-relationship
between man and his environment and allows man to give Intelligent interpretations to events
that occur in his environment. It is concerned with the study of the size, shape and movements of
the Earth and other heavenly bodies, the landmasses and bodies of water, climate, vegetation and
events while also dealing with the spatial distribution of animals and natural resources, as well as
human activities.
Geography is challenging to define because it is such a broad and all-encompassing field. The
field can be divided into two primary areas of study: Human Geography and Physical
Geography.
Human Geography is the study of people in relation to the spaces they inhabit. These spaces
can be cities, nations, continents, and regions, or they can be spaces that are defined more by the
physical features of the land that contain different groups of people. The sub-disciplines includes
Population Geography, Health Geography, Political Geography etc
Physical Geography is the branch of the science and some of the elements studied in physical
geography are climate zones, storms, deserts, mountains, glaciers, soil, rivers and streams, the
atmosphere, seasons, ecosystems, the hydrosphere. Sub-disciplines under this include
Climatology, Geomorphology, Hydrology etc.