Physical Geography

Physical geography focuses on geography as an Earth science (and is sometimes called Earth System Science). Learn about the different branches of geography that fall under the physical geography category: climatology, geomorphology, biogeography, and more.

This photo from the International Space Station shows the location of Salton Sea between Imperial and Coachella Valleys. Image; NASA, June 12, 2002

California’s Largest Lake

June 22, 2021 by Caitlin Dempsey

Floodwater from a broken irrigation canal gate in 1905 created California’s largest lake.

Side by side satellite images showing the water level in Lake Oroville between June 2019 (left) and June 2021 (right).

California’s Drought is Driving Reservoirs to Near Historic Lows in 2021

June 21, 2021 by Caitlin Dempsey

The second year of California’s drought is driving down water levels in the state’s reservoirs in 2021.

Cropped Equal Earth map showing the location of the state of Alaska. Source: Equal Earth Political Map, public domain.

Alaska’s Coastline is Longer Than All the Other 49 States Combined

June 21, 2021 by Caitlin Dempsey

Here are some geography facts about Alaska’s coastlines.

A native bee pollinates a native flower near Logan, Colorado. Photo: Mark Vandever, USGS.

Geography of Bees

May 29, 2021 by Caitlin Dempsey

Bees are critical pollinators that many plants require for survival.

The magnetosphere, or magnetic field encircling Earth, is seen in this image.

True North, Magnetic North, and Grid North

May 29, 2021 by Caitlin Dempsey

There are a few definitions of north.