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Glite Dictionary
physical geography

physical geography

1 3.9
The study of Earth's natural features and how they change, like mountains and rivers
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪzɪkəl dʒɪˈɡræfɪ/
translation icon : geografía física
  • Susan earned a bachelor's degree in geology and physical geography from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

Examples

  • The attractions of this vast region for tourism are not immediately apparent in its physical geography.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Physical geography has, and continues to have, a major influence on military operations in Iraq.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The character of the particulates above Mexico City relates directly to the local physical geography.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Finally, few industries in the valley that burn fossil fuels have adapted to the effects of the local physical geography.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Physical geography and topography contribute significantly to the high concentration of certain pollutants in Mexico City.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The city's dramatic physical geography intensified this north-south division, given steep topographic barriers, but political factors were primarily to blame.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The study of physical geography helps us understand how climate affects different landforms and ecosystems.

  • Experts in physical geography analyze soil types and vegetation patterns to predict agricultural productivity.

  • In physical geography, we learn about the processes that shape the earth's surface, like erosion and volcanism.

Synonyms

physiography
vsphysical geography
  • Specialized
9.5

The study that looks at the earth's surface, including mountains, climate, and soil

is the part of geography that focuses on those natural features and processes

Surface Forms

physical geography singular
physical geographies plural

Morphology

physical + geography

The meaning 'the branch of geography concerned with natural features and processes' is directly derivable from combining 'physical' (relating to natural/tangible matter) with 'geography' (the study of Earth's surface). This compositional pattern is common and mirrored in many languages (e.g., Spanish 'geografía física'), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the intended academic sense.

Etymology

Physical geography names the study of the Earth's natural parts: physical means the land, water, and climate, and geography means the description of places. So it means the study of 'natural features' and how they change on the Earth's surface.