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.
Structurally Complex Forests Better At Carbon Capture, Study Shows
Researchers have discovered that structurally diverse forests are better at carbon sequestration that monocultures.
More Frequent and Intense Tropical Storms Can Change the Geography and Ecology of Coastlines
UNC researchers studied North Carolina tropical cyclones over 120 years.
An Iceberg the Size of Greater London Has Broken Off Amery Ice Shelf in Antarctica
An iceberg the size of Greater London recently broke off the from Amery Ice Shelf in Antarctica. ย
How Scientists Used Satellite Imagery to Find an Untouched Mountain Rainforest
Dr. Julian Bayliss, a Welsh researcher, used Google Earth satellite images to pinpoint a small rainforest at the summit of Mount Lico.
The Largest Seaweed Bloom Ever Took Place In 2018
In 2018, a 20 million ton Sargassum seaweed bloom formed an 8,850-kilometer belt stretching from the West African coast to the Gulf of Mexico.
In The Last Three Years Antarctica Lost Ice the Size of Greenland
A recent report published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed satellite data that showed Antarcticaโs rapid sea ice decline.
New Study Maps Out the Global Pattern of Soil-based Carbon Storage
Researchers from the Crowther Labย recently published a study in Scienceย which reviewed existing research on soil communities and how climate change will accelerate the loss of carbon stored in the world's soil.
Caltrans Plans to Build the World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing in California
With a proposed design spanning 200 feet (61 meters) across the 101 freeway, Caltrans in Southern California is moving along with plans to build the world's largest wildlife crossing and the first of its kind near a major city.
Geography Facts About the Amazon River
The Amazon River is one of the world's longest and largest rivers.ย Here are some interesting geographical facts about the Amazon River.
These Two Satellite Images Highlight the Disappearance of a Glacier
Okjรถkull was once a large glacier in Iceland located inย western Iceland on top of the volcanic mountain Ok.ย
New Findings on How Trees Impact Droughts
Recently published research looked at the question of, "Instead of looking at how drought affects the forest, how might this go the other way around?"
Greenlandโs Ice Arch Crumbles Earlier Than Normal
Across the Nares Strait, between Greenland and Ellesmere Island, lies a horizontal ice arch.
GPS Tracking Shows That Black Bears Avoid Humans During the Day
A recent study found that American black bears tend to become more nocturnal during spring in summer to avoid interacting with humans as they search for food.
Gulf of Mexico Remains the Second-largest Low-Oxygen Dead Zone on Earth
A newly released forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted that the Gulf of Mexico will again become the second-largest low-oxygen dead zone on after (after the Baltic Sea). ย
The Northernmost Permanently Inhabited Spot on Earth
Located 817 kilometers (508ย mi) from the North Pole, Alert (82ยฐ30'05" ) is the northernmost place with a permanent (year-round) population. ย
Japan’s Highest Mountain
At 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) tall, Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. ย
With the Help of GPS Trackers, 40 Tons of Trash is Removed from the Pacific Ocean
Ocean Voyages Institute (OVI), a nonprofit, recently collected 40 tons of trash from the Pacific Gyre.
Mapping Where Planting Trees Can Help with Climate Change Mitigation
Researchers have mapped out where to plant trees to mitigate climate change.
Geography of Vulnerability: Which Communities Are Most Affected by Wildfire?
Communities that live close to areas where forest and brush fires occur, at least in the United States, have been recently demonstrated to be predominately African American, Hispanic, or Native American.
Large Glacier Flour Storm Captured by Satellites
When winds in Greenland are strong enough, they can carry large plumes of glacier flour that have collected on the floor of dried out floodplains. ย
Hurricane Michael is the Fourth Category 5 Storm to Hit the United States
Hurricane Michael was determined to be the fourth Category 5 storm to make landfall in the United States.
Stokes Drift Is Pushing Microplastics Towards the Arctic
A recent publication in JGR Oceans took a look at how the physical processes of oceans affect the distribution of micro plastics around the world.
Climate Change is Intensifying Drought in Southern California
Researchers from UCLA and Columbia University discovered that the 2012โ16 drought impacted Southern California more severely than northern regions.
What Is The Difference Between Afforestation and Reforestation?
Both reforestation and afforestation representย a conversion of non-forested areasย into new forests. So what's the difference between the two terms?
Icelandโs Long Road to Reforestation
Reforestationย and afforestationย have a long tradition in Iceland, but the results are barely noticeable - only a tiny fraction of the land is now covered in forests.
The Arctic Permafrost is Thawing and It’s Causing Thousands of Landslides
Using Banks Island, Canada as a study area, researchers analyzed trends in permafrost thaw and associated landslides.