Geography

Geography is a social science that focuses on the spatial distribution of human and physical phenomena. Simply we can say it is the study of earth and its processes. One of the most important branches of geography is physical geography. Review of the physical geography is an important issue of the study of Geography.

Physical Geography

Physical Geography is simply the study of unification of a number of earth sciences which gives general in site into the nature of the man’s environment. It is the branch of natural science. It explains the spatial characteristics of the various natural phenomena associated with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere­, and lithosphere.

According to Farlex(2007),

“Physical Geography is the study of the natural features of the earth surface especially in its current aspects, including land formation, climate, currents distribution of fauna & flora”.

Review of the Physical Geography

As a field of study, it may also incorporate the way humans shape climate,biogeographi­c, and geomorphic phenomena. It is the integrated study of three subdisciplines. They are-
1. Climatology
2. Biogeography and
3. Geomorphology

Detail of these three fields are described as follows:

1. Climatology

Climatology is the scientific study of climates, including the causes and long-term effects of variation in regional and global climates. It also studies how climate changes over time & is affected by human actions. Mainly it is the study of about climatic part of geography.

2. Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geologic space and through geological time.

3. Geomorphology

Geomorphology is the study of landforms, their processes, form, and sediments at the surface of the earth. It also studies about origin and evolution of topographic and bathymetric features. Mainly it is the study of landform.

Physical geography is important to know about our world & how to improve it as well as conserve it. It deals with the study of processes and patterns in the natural environment like the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrospher­e, and lithosphere, as opposed to the cultural environment. By studying the review of physical geography, we have got the real concept of Physical Geography.

Author:
Nargis Akter Shapna
Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of Barisal, Bangladesh