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.
Pacific Ring of Fire
The Ring of Fire refers to theย long chain of volcanoes and earthquake zonesย that encircleย much of the Pacific Ocean.
Review | Extinctions: Living and Dying in the Margin of Error
This book sets out, in some nine chapters, both the โturbulentโ journey of that one species living 3.7 billion years ago to the 8.7 million today and the human activity threatening that biodiversity.
53% of U.S. Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Waters are Unmapped
According to a new report by the United States' federal Interagency Working Group on Ocean Coastal Mapping, 53 percent of the country's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes water is still unmapped.
Geology Quick Facts for Each U.S. State
Listed here are the official state rock, gemstone, mineral, and fossil for each U.S. State.
How Did Ida Turn Into Such a Strong Hurricane?
Oceanographer Nick Shay explains how eddies, part of whatโs known as the Loop Current, help storms rapidly intensify into monster hurricanes.
4 Things to Learn About Hurricane Ida
These four resources explain why the New Orleans area is at high risk for severe hurricanes and what role climate change plays in these devastating storms.
Introduction to Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife corridors are overpasses and underpasses that connect natural regions and provide safe transit for migratory animals through human infrastructure.
These Clouds Only Predictably Form in Australia
Morning Glory clouds are a unique and rare cloud formation only predictably seen in the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia during spring.
The Growth of Crows in Cities
Since the 1960s, more and moreย crows have been abandoningย their rural winter roosts in favor of cities and towns.
Review | Drought, Flood, Fire: How Climate Change Contributes to Catastrophes
"Drought, Flood, Fire: How Climate Change Contributes to Catastrophes" is written by a scientist who understands how to meaningfully inform his non-scientist readers.ย ย
Kleptotrichy: Birds Who Steal Fur
Scientists recently released their findings on why birds pull fur from animals, which is a potentially risky behavior.
2021 Wildfires in the U.S. and Canada
Climate change is causing wildfires to burn longer and more frequently in some northern latitudes.
North American Monsoon
The North American Monsoon is a pattern of increased rainfall that occurs across much of the southwestern USA and northern Mexico, often commencing in July and ending in September.ย
Geography of American Bison
Learn about the American Bison, which once roamed North America in large herds.
Mapping Trees in West Africa
Researchers used high resolution satellite imagery and machine learning to map trees in West Africa.
California’s Drought is Driving Reservoirs to Near Historic Lows in 2021
The second year of California's drought is driving down water levels in the state's reservoirs in 2021.
Geography of U.S. Lakes
Within its borders, the United States is home to a vast wealth of lakes.
The Sonoran Desert is Losing Plants Due to Climate Change
Between 1984 and 2017, a team of researchers utilized Landsat imagery to examine changes in vegetation in the Colorado Desert in Southern California.
California’s Largest Lake
Floodwater from a broken irrigation canal gate in 1905 created California's largest lake.
Alaska’s Coastline is Longer Than All the Other 49 States Combined
Here are some geography facts about Alaska's coastlines.
How Ocean Currents Move Pollution Around the World
How does pollution from plastic, trash, and oil spills move around Earth's oceans?
Geography Facts About the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains form the longest mountain range in North America. Here are some geography facts about this mountain range.
Storms of the 2021 Hurricane Season
While the official 2021 hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30, 2021, the first storm of the season has already happened.
NASA Completes the First Global Survey of Fluctuations in Lakes and Reservoirs
ICESat-2 launched in September 2018) with its satellite laser altimeter, allowing NASA to perform the first global survey of freshwater fluctuations.
