Physical Geography Research Methods

Flashcards covering key concepts and methods in physical geography research.

Aristotle

Logically demonstrated earth was spherical.

Eratosthenes

Developed models of the earth using parallels and meridians.

Physical Geographers study:

Spatial considerations related to physical space and Temporal considerations related to changes of time.

Field-based Physical Geography Experiment:

Observation studies and experiments conducted in natural settings.

Lab-based Physical Geography Experiment:

Controlled experiments conducted in a laboratory setting.

Natural experiment

Occurs when a natural event acts as an experimental treatment in an ecosystem.

Benefit and Cost of Lab experiments

Allows more control over conditions and variables, but might create artificial conditions irrelevant in nature.

Benefit and Cost of Field experiments

May provide better insight into how an experimental system functions naturally, but results might be difficult to interpret due to many uncontrollable factors.

Spatial scales

Fine/broad.

Temporal scales

Short/long.

Hypothesis

A testable conjecture about how something works.

Null hypothesis

A statement or idea that can be falsified or proved wrong.

Steps in the scientific method

Generate inquiry, formalize questions, select methods, collect data, conduct experiments, and accept/reject hypothesis.