Physical Geography

Physical geography focuses on geography as an Earth science (and is sometimes called Earth System Science).

Physical geography is a branch of geography that focuses on the study of the natural features and processes of the Earth’s surface. It includes the examination of landforms, climate, vegetation, soils, and water resources. Physical geographers use a range of scientific methods and tools to analyze and understand the complex interactions between the Earth’s physical systems.

Learn about the different branches of geography that fall under the physical geography category: climatology, geomorphology, biogeography, and more.

Annotated satellite image of the Wayombo River.

Rivers that Flow Backwards

Caitlin Dempsey

Read about how the Amazon once flowed east to west and how the strength of Hurricane Isaac once change the course of the Mississippi river.

Shaded relief map with shades of blue showing the location of an iceberg off the coast of an Antarctic island.

World’s Biggest Iceberg

Caitlin Dempsey

The largest iceberg in the world is A-23A, with an area of about 1,240 square miles.

A view of a wetland with marshes on either side of a body of water.

Water on Earth

Caitlin Dempsey

Earth holds trillions of tons of water, mostly in oceans. Only 2.5% is freshwater, primarily found in glaciers, groundwater, lakes, and rivers.

Two world maps shaded in green for 10% and 30% forest area.

Defining How Much of the World is Covered by Forests

Caitlin Dempsey

With no universal definition, mapping and comparing forest coverage around the world is challenging.

A satellite image of a peninsula with a turquoise lake.

Glacial Flour Makes Some Lakes Turquoise

Caitlin Dempsey

Glacial flour, the fine dust created as glaciers move over land, turns lakes a turquoise color by reflecting blue and green light.

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