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.
This Remote Island Has the Highest Density of Trash in the World
The remote island of Henderson Island is accumulating trash at a rate of 26.8 items per day. With over 671.6 items of debris per square meter along its beaches, this island has the highest density of trash in the world.
Geography Facts About the Mississippi Watershed
The Mississippi watershed is the largest drainage basin in North America.
The Foot-trembling Bird Gets the Worm
Foot-trembling is a foraging technique used by some species of birds to find prey beneath the surface of the ground.
This Lake Looks Like a Christmas Tree
The main body of Lake Dukan takes on a triangular shape that looks like a Christmas tree.
3D Map of Puerto Rico’s Forest Shows How Hurricane Maria Reduced Tree Height
Researchers who compared before and after LiDAR measurements of Puerto Rico's tropical forests found that Hurricane Maria damaged or uprooted 40-60% of the tallest trees.
Mapping the Last Wilderness
An international group of scientists led by James E. M. Watson and James R. Allan mapped the worldโs remaining terrestrial wilderness in 2016.
Industrial Fishing Has a Global Impact on Bird Populations
A study published in Current Biology - from theย Sea Around Us project at the University of British Columbia and French National Center for Scientific Research in Montpellier - provides evidence that industrial fishing practices are starving seabirds around the world.
These Wolves in Minnesota are Very Very Territorial
Researchers with theย Voyageurs Wolf Projectย released maps showingย 68,000 GPS-locations of seven wolves being tracked. ย
Climate Change Impacting Sea Turtles
What Mass Audubon describes as a, โweather system of gale force windsโ is now causing frozen turtles to wash up on New England beaches.
A Brief Introduction to Medieval Music
Music was an important aspect of Medieval life.
The Link Between Organisms and the Movement of Continents
New research indicates that sediment subducting beneath tectonic plates may regulate their movements.
Smoke from the Camp Fire is Making Northern California Air Among the Unhealthiest in the World
The continual arrival of smoke from the Camp Fire has pushed cities in the northern California area to air pollution levels to some of the highest around the world.
Planting Trees with Drones
BioCarbon Engineering is working withย Worldview International Foundation and Worldview Impact Foundationย to develop an innovative way to speed up tree reforestation projects with the use of drones.
Understanding Climate Change Through Historical Shipping Logs
Geographic information and weather data recorded by ship crews are a valuable source of historical information that could be utilized to understand how our climate has changed.
Analysis of U.S. Climate in August 2018
For the summer of 2018, the contiguous United States lived through its 4th warmest summer on record, tying with the summer of 1934.
What a Study of a 130-year-old Brain Coral Means for Open Ocean Health
A team of researchers at Princeton University were able to measure the nitrogen in the coral skeleton to analyze nitrogen pollution, and found it on a far lower level than what had been previously estimated.
Lowest Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Extent for 2018
2018 has tied with 2008 and 2010 for the โsixth lowest summertime minimum extentโ for the Arctic based on satellite records.
Study Shows Southern African Ancient Baobabs Are Dying
A study published in the journal Nature Plants found that 9 of out of 13 oldest, and 5 of 6 most massive baobab trees died during the study, many of them suddenly.
Earth from Above: Green River
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured a segment of the river around Boxknot Bend just north of Canyonlands National Park.
Florida’s Growing Red Tide
This yearโs red tideย is so severe that it has forced Florida to declare a state of emergency.
Largest Fires in Californiaโs History
In California, the officially hottest month on the record- July - was topped with the most severe wildfire season that Californians have ever witnessed.ย
The Largest Endorheic Lake in the World
The largest endorheic lake also happens to be the largest overall lake in the world.ย ย
World Highest Minimum Temperature Record Broken, and Many Follow
The city of Quiryat, Omanon experienced a new world recordย for the highest minimum temperature on the night of June 26, 2018.ย
Slower Hurricanes Means More Dangerous Hurricanes
A recent study from NOAAโs Center for Weather and Climate, has found that hurricane speed has slowed significantly in the past six decades
Human Eyesight is Sharper Than It Is For Most Animals
A team of researchers from Duke University assesses the visual acuity of over 600 species encompassing insects, birds, mammals, fish, and other animals.
Cormorant: Raven of the Sea
Cormorants are a family of about 40 aquatic birds, mostly of medium to large size. All species of cormorants are ...