Physical Geography

From Encyclopediak

Physical Geography, that department of geography which treats of the surface of the earth and those forces which arc constantly at work producing changes on the surface, such as the atmosphere, wind, rainfall and erosion. Physical geography is, therefore, somewhat complex and is naturally divided into the following departments.

Climatology. This treats of the atmosphere and of temperature. When considered solely in its relation to the weather, it becomes meteorology. See Atmosphere, Meteorology, Rain, Wind, Weather Bureau.

Hydrography. The department of hydrography is concerned with the study of the sea, including all branches of the ocean and the coast waters. It also includes the study of tides and marine currents. See Currents, Marine Tides.

Physiography. Physiography treats of the changes on the earth's surface and is nearly identical in scope with surface geology. In the United States some authorities use the term synonymously with physical geography. See Erosion.

Life. Animal and vegetable life are dependent upon the conditions described in the foregoing departments, and the last work of physical geography is to treat the distribution of life upon the earth and to show the dependence of the animal and vegetable kingdoms upon these conditions. Since man is the crowning work of creation, special attention is given to the races of men, their distribution, habits of life and industries, all of which depend upon geographical conditions.