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.
The Continent of Africa Might Eventually Split
Rifts could split Africa into pieces and create a new ocean that would form in the rift valleys.
New Maps For Ungulate Migration Routes Across the Western U.S.
Federal and state wildlife biologists have come together to create a unique map of ungulate migrations across the American West.
Quick Geography Facts About Planet Earth
Find quick information about planet earth including the age, mass, volume, and make up of the earth's crust.
Mount Fuji’s Snow is at a 20-Year Low
Satellite data that has tracked snow cover on Mount Fuji shows that the 2020 snow levels are the lowest since 2000.
Climate Change is Shrinking Forests in North America
The impact of climate change is reducing the amount of habitat where the trees of North America can thrive.
World’s Largest Active Geyser
Located in the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is Steamboat Geyser, the world's largest active geyser.
Flooding Can Help Protect Wetlands From Climate Change
Targeted flooding may be one tool that conservationists and wetland restoration specialists have to make wetland areas more resilient in the face of climate change.
Geography Facts About Death Valley
Learn some interesting geography facts in this article about Death Valley.
The Lowest Point in Every U.S. State
This article takes a look at the lowest elevation point in every state in the U.S.
Rivers in the United States are Changing Colors
A team of researchers analyzed Landsat images over a 38-year period and found that a significant number of large U.S. rivers are changing colors.
South America’s Only Natural Oasis
Located in the sand dunes in southwestern Peru on edge of the Atacama desert is the only natural oasis in the continent of South America.
A View of 2020 from Space
EOS Data Analytics, an AI-powered satellite analytics platform, shares satellite imagery that highlights some of the environmental tragedies that occurred in 2020 — California and Colorado fires, Hurricane Laura, Kamchatka spill, Norilsk oil spill, and the Calving on the Brunt Ice Shelf.
The Sea of Galilee’s Water Levels are on the Rise
Heavy rains have helped the water level in the Sea of Galilee to rebound.
Mega Tree Planting Efforts Around the World
As a response to the global deforestation crisis, many countries, organizations, and influencers have started mega-tree planting projects.
The World’s Biggest Seagrass Restoration Project Is Good News for Marine Life and Climate
Researchers have been conducting the world’s most extensive seagrass meadow restoration.
Sub-branches of Physical Geography
Physical geography is one of the two primary branches of geography.
Study Finds Staggering Decline in Marine Fishery Biomass
A recent global long-term fishery biomass trends evaluation has found an alarming decline in fish populations worldwide.
Three of Colorado’s Wildfires are the Largest in Recorded History for the State
Widespread drought and heat waves are helping to fuel a record-breaking fire season in Colorado.
Rapid Growth Shortens Trees’ Lifespans – and Adds to the Climate Crisis
Researchers have found that trees growing faster due to warming conditions are also dying faster.
WWF Report: Wildlife Has Declined 68% Since 1970
In their latest Living Planet 2020 report, WWF revealed that global wildlife is facing catastrophic decline.
This Island is the Westernmost Point of the United States
Located towards the end of the Aleutian Island chain, this Alaskan island is the westernmost spot in the United States.
What is a Mountain?
While it is widely assumed that a mountain is higher than a hill, there is no universally accepted definition of a mountain.
Why Do Crows Flock in Large Numbers?
Why do crows start gathering in large numbers at certain times of the year?
Paulette Returns as a Zombie Storm
Paulette briefly evolved back into a tropical storm, making it a zombie storm according to NASA and NOAA.
What is a Medicane?
Medicane is a tropical-like cyclone that forms in the Mediterranean Sea.