PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Introduction

C.J. Cox
GEOGRAPHY
Geo = earth
graphy = to scribe, draw, or
map
• the science of location
• the study of spatial relationships,
(context &interconnectedness)
• an integrated science that uses
knowledge from many disciplines
 Physical Geography
• Geography: The study of where things
are.

• Physical: Environmental or natural

phenomenon

• Physical Geography: the study of the

location of, context and interaction of
environmental phenomenon
 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF
THE WORLD
• Climates
• Plants
• Animals
• Landforms
The Earth System

• System- a set of components

that are interrelated.

• Earth’s Major Subsystems -

• atmosphere
• lithosphere
• hydrosphere
• biosphere
EARTH’S
MAJOR
SUBSYSTEMS
The Earth System
• Earth’s Major Subsystems -
• atmosphere
• blanket of air that surrounds the earth
• lithosphere
• sphere of the solid crust including rocks,
landforms
• hydrosphere
• system of water including rivers, subsoil water
and atmospheric water
• biosphere
• sphere of life including plants and animals