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.
Earth’s Largest Shield Volcano
Scientists have discovered the Earth's largest volcano using bathymetric and gravity mapping.
UCLA Researchers Map the Biodiversity of Los Angeles County
UCLA researchers have mapped the biodiversity of Los Angeles County.
Niue Designated the First Dark Sky Nation
The Pacific island nation of Niue has made history as the first designated dark sky nation on Earth.
Study Shows Loss of Forest Linked to Spread of Disease
A study out of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment has shed new light on the many impacts to humans and wildlife that come through the practice of deforestation.
Help Map the World’s Coral Reefs
NASA has invited video game enthusiasts and people with a scientific bent to help them map the world’s coral reefs.
Amphan is the Strongest Super Cyclone Ever Recorded in the Bay of Bengal
Amphan is a powerful cyclone that has formed in the Bay on Bengal.
Arthur is the First Named Storm of the 2020 Hurricane Season
Arthur is the first named storm of the 2020 hurricane season which officially begins on June 1, 2020.
Poplar Fluff is Highly Flammable
This video captured from a burn in Parque del Cidacos de Calahorra in Spain, shows the speed at which poplar fluff is burned.
Lowest Latitude Sea Ice South of the Arctic
One of the lowest latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere where sea ice forms in the Northern Hemisphere is the Sea of Okhotsk.
There are Three Billion Fewer Birds in North America Than 50 Years Ago
Scientists have noticed a steep decrease in both rare and common bird species tha are found in North America.
Atmospheric Ozone Hole Over Arctic Region
A combination of atmospheric factors have led to the creation of the lowest levels of ozone in a decade over the Arctic.
2020 Hurricane Season is Likely to be More Active Than Usual
A newly released hurricane outlook from the Weather Channel expects the upcoming 2020 hurricane season to be more active than normal.
Review | A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety
This is a self-help book about how each of us, both personally and together, can deal with the angst of confronting this seemingly intractable problem of climate change.
2020 Earth Day Marks the 50th Anniversary
On April 22, 2020, a big environmental jubilee is taking place - the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
These Maps Show How Early Spring Arrived in Parts of the United States
Spring arrived up to three to four weeks early in parts of the contiguous United States in 2020.
This Newly Identified Strain of Bacteria Eats Rarely Recycled Plastic
Scientists have identified a strain of bacterium that is able to break down plastic and use that plastic as its food source.
Physical and Chemical Weathering of Rocks
Weathering is the breaking down of rock material by physical or chemical processes.
Urban Fish Get Less Sleep
Researchers looked at the effect of different nighttime light levels on the production of melatonin in European perch.
Review | Rivers of Power
Rivers shape the surface of our planet and play a role in human history. Review of Rivers of Power by G.T. Dempsey.
As the Ozone Layer Recovers it is Changing Wind Patterns
Researchers from the University of Montreal used satellite data and climate modeling to understand how the recovery of the ozone layer has affected the Earth's atmosphere.
Review | Dangerous Earth
G.T. Dempsey reviews Ellen Prager's Dangerous Earth: What We Wish We Knew about Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Climate Change, Earthquakes, and More.
Giant Sequoia Forest Earns Protected Status
A privately owned forest comprised of giant sequoia trees has recently earned protected status, thanks to a long-term effort by California’s Save the Redwoods League.
Higher Carbon Dioxide Makes Grasslands Less Nutritious for Grasshoppers
One group of researchers looked at more than 40 species of grasshopper in the Konza Prairie in Kansas to see the effect of changing plant nutrients on insect populations.
Fire and Drought in the Amazon is Decimating Dung Beetle Populations
Fire and drought are killing off dung beetles in the Amazon.
Australia’s Yarrabubba is the Oldest Impact Crater on Earth
Recently published research indicates that the Yarrabubba impact structure in Australia may be the world's oldest.