Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Physical geography today
A key characteristic of physical geography is its diverse subject
matter. This has, on the one hand, encouraged the growth of
specialisms and, on the other, required physical geographers to
look outwards towards other subjects. A simplifi ed representation
of the current structure of physical geography is shown in
Figure 9. In this diagram, the specialisms are complemented by
their links with other disciplines. The main specialisms, such as
geomorphology and climatology, correspond with the different
spheres and are summarized in the box. The interdisciplinary
linkages allow physical geographers to work, for example,
with geologists, biologists, or archaeologists; and although
not interdisciplinary, collaboration with human geographers
might be included here. At the centre of the diagram, integrated
physical geography involves the study of whole geo-ecosystems:
more than one element of the landscape - not just landforms,
vegetation, soil, or climate - and the scale may vary. Examples
of the landscape units that provide the basis for integrated
physical geography include hillslopes, river drainage basins, lake
catchments, cities, mountain regions, and the whole Earth.
Specialisms of physical geography
Six main specialisms can be recognized, each covering a
major component of the geo-ecosphere. All involve study of
the Earth's surface today and in the past and how it is likely
to change in the future, both naturally and with increasing
human impacts.
Geomorphology focuses on landforms and their formative
processes, especially the Earth-surface processes involving
weathering and erosion, transport and deposition by water,
wind, and ice. 'Mega-geomorphology' includes global-scale
landforms, such as mountain ranges.
