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.
Causes of Wildfires in the United States
Every year, thousands of wildfires rage across the United States, consuming millions of acres.
Wildfire Smoke From Canada is Affecting Parts of the United States
Smoke from the June 2023 Canadian wildfires is affecting the Midwest and northern regions of the United States.
Zombie Forests in the Sierra Nevada
Climate change is creating a vegetation climate mismatch in the conifer forests of California's Sierra Nevada.
Chaparral in California
Chaparral ecosystems in California are characterized by dense shrubs and rocky terrains and span from maritime zones to mountain slopes.
Blue Carbon Explained
Blue carbon is the carbon captured and stored by the world's oceanic and coastal ecosystems.
Geography of Vultures in the United States
The United States is home to three species of vultures: turkey vulture, black vulture, and the California condor.
Cities are Changing Cloud Formations
Researchers looked at cloud patterns over urban areas for 447 cities in the United States using satellite imagery.
Snowmelt is Starting in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains
Due to colder weather and more strong atmospheric rivers, the 2023 Sierra Nevada snowpack levels in California are significantly above average.
These Butterflies Have the Longest Known Migration Route
Each fall, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) migrate from Europe to subtropical Africa. Individuals can travel as far as 4,000 kilometers.
Sargassum in the Atlantic Ocean Reaches a New Spring High
Researchers using remote sensing data from NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites have measured the largest ever March density in the Great Sargassum Belt.
Wildlife Conservation in the Face of Climate Change: The Importance of Protected Areas
Protected areas are important for providing refuge to amphibians and reptiles impacted by climate change.
California’s Wet Winter Brought Back an Ancient Lake
The once-vanished Tulare Lake reemerged after an exceptionally wet California winter, reclaiming a portion of its historic expanse in 2023.
What is the Difference Between a Sea and an Ocean?
A look at the geographic definitions of oceans and seas.
Why Salt Flats Have a Honeycomb Pattern
Recently published research explains the scientific reason behind the honeycomb shapes found in salt flats.
Oceans Produce Half of the World’s Oxygen
The oceans produce over half of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere, making them a vital source of oxygen for life on our planet.
Geography of Superblooms in the United States
California's wet winter rains help drive the simultaneous blooming of a large number of wildflowers in the state's desert regions.
A to Z Geography: Wisconsin
Wisconsin's geography is dominated by its location in the Great Lakes region, which has created a diverse landscape of fertile farmland, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers.
A to Z Geography: Wyoming
Wyoming, the 10th largest state in the United States, is a landlocked state located in the western part of the ...
Glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula are Moving Faster During the Summers
Antarctic Peninsula glaciers are speeding up: Analysis of 10,000+ satellite images from 2014-2021 shows increased seasonal velocity in 105 glaciers.
Geography of Alaska
Alaska's geography is characterized by its vast and rugged wilderness, diverse wildlife, towering mountains, expansive coastlines, and unique geological features.
Why are Most Meteorites Found in Antarctica?
More meteorites have been found in Antarctica than all other continents combined. Why is that?
What is a Closed Lake?
Closed lakes are bodies of water that do not drain into an ocean or river.
Over One Million Barriers on European Rivers
Over one million barriers disrupt Europe's rivers, impacting their flow, ecology, and economies.
Geography of Bees
Bees, crucial pollinators, inhabit every continent except Antarctica. With over 20,000 species, they face threats from climate change and habitat loss.
Using Ancient DNA to Reconstruct Past Ecosystems
Two-million-year-old DNA from Greenland's permafrost reveals a rich ancient ecosystem, including mastodons, showing past climate impacts and adaptation.
Geography Facts About the World’s Largest Active Volcano
Hawaii's Mauna Loa is the world's largest subaerial volcano as well as the world's largest active volcano.