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.
2023 Wildfires in the Western United States
So far in early August of 2023, the wildfire season in the western United States has not been as intense as prior years when a years-long drought was raging.
World’s Largest Freshwater Wind Farm
The world's largest freshwater wind farm is the 89-turbine installation in Lake Ijssel located south of the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands.
Potential Collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
A new study predicts that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) could potentially collapse within this century.
Florida’s Burmese Python Invasion
The introduction of the Burmese Python into Florida has resulted in the decline of many native mammals in the Florida Everglades.
When Did the Anthropocene Begin?
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch defined by the significant influence of human activity on Earth's ecosystems and geology.
Five Basic Types of Sand Dunes
Sand dunes are mounds, hills, or ridges of sand built by wind. Learn about the five basic types of sand dunes.
El Niño Has Arrived
After a triple dip of La Niña conditions spanning three years, researchers have officially declared the onset of El Niño on June 8, 2023.
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.
Why Sierra Nevada Forests Are Becoming Climate Mismatched
Scientists found that many Sierra Nevada conifer forests are no longer suited to today's climate, increasing the risk of long-term forest decline.
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
Discover where turkey vultures, black vultures, and California condors live across the United States and what shapes their distribution.
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.
Painted Lady Butterflies Have the World’s Longest Known Migration
Learn how painted lady butterflies complete the world's longest known butterfly migration, traveling up to 9,000 miles between Europe and Africa.
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.
How California’s Ancient Tulare Lake Reappears
Tulare Lake used to be the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
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.
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:Â 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.