Physical geography
Encyclopedia : P : PH : PHY : Physical geography
Physical geography or physiography is a subfield of geography that focuses on the systematic study of patterns and processes within the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. It aims to understand the physical layout of the Earth, its weather and global flora and fauna patterns. Many areas of physical geography make use of geology, particularly in the study of weathering and erosion. The geology of other planets is discussed at Geological features of the solar system.
Physical geography as a scientific discipline is usually contrasted with and complemented by its sister science Human geography.
Fields of physical geography
| Fields of Physical Geography | Related Fields |
|---|---|
| Geomorphology | Landforms |
| Hydrology | Water cycle, Water resources |
| Glaciology | Glacier |
| Biogeography | Species |
| Climatology | Climate |
| Pedology | Soil |
| Coastal/Marine studies | Coasts |
| Oceanography | Oceans and seas |
| Geodesy | Gravity, Magnetic field |
| Palaeogeography | Continental drift |
| Environmental geography | Environmental science |
| Landscape ecology | Nitrogen cycle |
See also
- Continent
- Desert
- Earth's atmosphere
- Ecology
- Environmental science
- Environmental studies
- Geostatistics
- Island
- Ocean
- Oceanography
- River
- Sea
- Soil
- Timeline of geography, paleontology
- Weathering
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