Geography Basics

Geography is the study of the Earth’s physical and human features, their spatial relationships, and the processes that shape them. It is a broad and interdisciplinary field that incorporates elements of natural science, social science, and the humanities.

Geographers seek to understand the complex interactions between the natural environment and human societies, and the ways in which these interactions vary across different regions and cultures.

This category contains articles about introductory concepts in geography. Find resources, books, lesson plans, and maps for teaching geography to all ages. A fun way to learn about geography is through the use of quizzes which are also listed in this category.

A comma-shaped cloud pattern on a storm seen on a satellite image.

Extratropical Cyclones in the United States

Caitlin Dempsey

Extratropical cyclones are powerful storms forming between 30°–60° latitude, driven by temperature contrasts.

A photo looking up towards the sky of conifer trees on a blue sunny day.

Land Carbon Storage Declined Sharply in 2023

Caitlin Dempsey

Global land carbon storage saw a significant decline in 2023, driven by extreme droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves.

A satellite image of the wester Pacific Ocean showing four active storms.

Storms in the Western Pacific Ocean

Caitlin Dempsey

The western Pacific experienced a rare event in November 2024 with four simultaneous storms.

A map with gradients of purple to against an off white map of continents in the Arctic.

Planting Trees in the Arctic May Contribute to Climate Change

Caitlin Dempsey

Afforestation in Arctic regions may accelerate permafrost thaw, releasing stored carbon and potentially exacerbating climate change.

Image from NASA's Aqua satellite showing Saharan dust and a phytoplankton bloom (bright blue) off the coasts of France and Spain.

Desert Dust Triggers Photoplankton Blooms in the Ocean

Caitlin Dempsey

Saharan dust carries vital nutrients across oceans, triggering phytoplankton blooms that boost marine productivity and influence global carbon cycles.

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