Physical Geography Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and terms from the Physical Geography lecture notes.

Physical Geography

The study of Earth’s natural features and processes, focusing on landscapes, climate, ecosystems, and natural hazards.

Key Focus Areas

Includes landforms, weather & climate patterns, water systems, soils and vegetation, and natural hazards.

Landforms

Natural features of the Earth's surface such as mountains, valleys, and plains.

Natural Hazards

Events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that pose risks to life and property.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that describes the structure and movement of the Earth's crust, causing earthquakes and volcanoes.

Climatology

The study of climate, focusing on long-term weather patterns and climate zones.

Hydrology

The study of water, including the water cycle and its importance to living organisms.

Evaporation

The process where water is heated and transformed into vapor.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation

Water that falls from clouds to the ground as rain, snow, or other forms.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of plants and animals across the Earth.

Soils

The upper layer of Earth, formed by weathering of rocks and organic matter, which supports plant life.

Natural Disasters

Severe and extreme weather events that can cause damage, including earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

Sustainability

Practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, crucial for weather and climate.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, representing the zones of life on Earth.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban through development and population growth.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.

Careers in Physical Geography

Includes roles such as Meteorologist, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Urban Planner, and Cartographer.