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.
North America’s Lowest Point on Land is Currently a Lake
Two recent heavy rainfall events have filled Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America on land, up with water.
Geography of Lightning Strikes in the United States
Researchers recently mapped out data from the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) between 2017 and 2022 to see where lightning strikes the most across the contiguous United States.
Why Climate Change is Making Some Animals More Nocturnal
Increase daytime heat linked to climate change is driving some wildlife to become more active at night.
Individual Seabird Adaption to Climate Change
Scientists tracked the migratory patterns of 145 seabirds to map how individual shearwaters are adapting to climate change.
Geography of Atolls
Atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs, islands, or a series of islets that encircle a lagoon either partially or completely.
The Role of Secondary Forests in Reducing Atmospheric Carbon
Secondary forests play an important role in carbon capture strategies aimed towards reducing atmospheric carbon.
Using GIS to Map an Individual Animal’s Home Range
GIS can be used to map the estimated home range based on the collected point locations of individual animals as they move through an environment.
What is the Outlook for California’s Atmospheric Rivers?
During the winter months, atmospheric rivers carry enormous amounts of water to the state of California.
What is England’s Highest Mountain?
Found at 978 metres (3,209 ft) above sea level, Scafell Pike is located in Lake District National Park in Cumbria.
Sea Otters are a Keystone Species
Keystone species are plants or animals, like the sea otter, whose presence in an ecosystem plays a crucial role in its health.
Mapping Glacier Loss in Western Canada
Researchers are using remotely sensed data and satellite imagery to map glacier loss in Western Canada.
Geography of Penguins
Penguin are agile swimming birds with habitat that ranges from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands.
Geography Facts About the Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean is the Earth's windiest, southernmost ocean and plays a vital role in Earth's environmental health.
Exploring Rainbows and Moonbows
Rainbows and moonbows occur when light is refracted through drops of water in the sky.
What is Snowliage?
Snowliage is when an early winter storm creates a bright white snowfall that contrasts with the red, oranges, and yellow fall foliage of trees.
The Highest 11 Mountains in the United States
Learn about the highest 11 mountains in the United States.
Reintroduction of the Mexican wolf nears 25th anniversary
Reintroduction efforts to improve Mexican wolf populations in the wild began in 1998 and recent populations now exceed 200 wolves.
When Will We Reach the 1.5°C Mark with Climate Change?
The Earth is 1°C warmer than pre-industrial times, and it's unclear when we'll reach the 1.5°C climate threshold.
What are Those Clumps in Trees?
A dense clump of dried leaves and twigs in a tree is mostly likely a squirrel's nest, known as a drey.
Monarch Butterfly Overwintering in California
November and December are the best times to see large clusters of monarch butterflies overwintering in the coastal groves of California.
Marine Spatial Planning Index
The goal of marine spatial planning (MSP) is to balance ocean space use and environmental protection.
U.S. States With the Most Extreme Elevation Spans
Here are the states with the greatest difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points.
The Role of Internal Waves in Climate Change
Scientists from the UK and US have identified underwater internal waves as crucial in understanding and addressing climate change.
Study: More U.S. Homes Burn in Grassland and Shrubland Fires than Forest Wildfires
A new study in Science reports that in the United States, grassland and shrubland fires tend to be more extensive and burn more houses than forest fires.