Physical Geography: Definition and Meaning

Physical Geography is one of the major branches of geography, which focuses on the study of the earth’s surface features, their forms, characteristics, and associated phenomena. Furthermore, it also analyses and explains the structure and composition of the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and associated phenomena such as cloud formation, precipitation, wind movements, oceanic currents, waves, tides, the distribution of flora and fauna, etc. Likewise, physical geography covers almost all physical aspects of the earth’s surface, which study is indispensable for human life.

Study of Physical Geography Includes:

Lithosphere

it investigates and explains the structure, composition, and associated phenomena of the earth’s surface. It also explains different landforms and the process of their formation. And, the study of the lithosphere is technically known as ‘Geomorphology.’

Atmosphere

it explains the composition, structure, and characteristics of different elements of the atmosphere, such as temperature, wind, humidity, water vapour, and dust particles. Further, it also analyses and describes the different phenomena that constantly keep happening in the environment, such as, cyclonic activity, the movement of winds, temperature inversions, and precipitation. And, the study of the atmosphere is technically known as ‘Climatology.’

Hydrosphere

it focuses on the study of major characteristics of oceans and seas, which includes, its nature and significance. Further, it describes certain dynamic features of oceans and seas, such as waves, currents, tides, and also temperature and salinity. And, the study of the hydrosphere is technically known as ‘Oceanography.’

Biosphere

it explains the spatial distribution of flora (plant kingdom) and fauna (animal kingdom). Furthermore, it explains the plants’ and animals’ relationship with their physical environment. And, the study of the biosphere is technically known as ‘Biogeography.’

Significance of Studying Physical Geography

To live, we need a suitable habitat; to eat, we need edible food; to drink, we need potable water; and to wear, we need clothes. All of us know that these things, we get from our physical environment. Therefore, the study of physical geography, is indispensable for our better lives.

Following are the major significance of studying the physical geography −

• By studying physical geography, we can understand the importance of our environment in a much better way.

• Knowledge of physical geography enables us to understand all those phenomena, which are happening around us and around the world, and also how these phenomena are related to human activities.

• Study of physical geography helps us to understand the various natural as well as man-made issues such as earthquakes, landslides, soil erosion, droughts, floods, etc. and helps in mitigating these issues.

• Study of physical geography enables us to understand the distribution of different plants, which are beneficial for human living. Further, it also investigates and explains the importance of biodiversity and suggests us to protect and conserve the endangered species.

• Study of physical geography, not only helps to understand the climate and local weather patterns, but also predicts the future possibilities of climatic and weather phenomena and it helps the human beings to design their life-style accordingly.

• Understanding of the hydrology, especially the water cycle, oceanic waves, currents, and tides, helps us to harness energy from such natural resources.

• Knowledge of physical geography makes us understand the importance of the mountains; for example, the strategic presence of the Himalayan mountains is highly beneficial for India in many ways, such as, it provides protection (in terms of security); it modifies the weather of India and makes it favourable; and it provides various natural resources to the people of India.

• Understanding of physical geography helps people to make better associations with their environment. A balanced relationship and conservation of the environment both are essentially required for sustainable growth.

• Study of physical geography also helps human beings to increase the yield of crops and fruits.

• Study of physical geography also suggests what type of industry can be established in a specific geographic region, which ultimately helps in increasing output.

• Study of physical geography identifies the areas, where we can find the natural resources, such as oil and petroleum, coal, diamond, gold, and many other minerals.

• Study physical geography helps in setting up the hydro-power station, railways, roadways, and other related infrastructure.

Conclusion

The significance of studying physical geography does not stop here, but rather it also suggests how to secure the future. For example, by conserving the environment, judicious use of natural resources, and by controlling the unstoppable growth of the human population.

The relationship between physical geography and human beings is inseparable; therefore, the study of physical geography makes human life healthy and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does physical geography help us understand the Earth's landforms and natural processes?

Physical geography plays a crucial role in helping us understand the Earth's landforms and natural processes. Likewise, it helps us to understand −

• Formation of different landforms formed by water, air, weather, temperature, etc.

• Volcanic activity and related landforms

• Landslides, and many more.

What are some examples of physical geography features?

Major examples of physical geography features are −

• Mountains

• Plateaus

• Rivers

• Plains

• Volcanoes

• Glaciers, etc.