Lesson 1: Geography: Meaning, Scope And Branches
Video Lesson
Competencies
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define geography as a subject;
- Describe the scope of geography; and
- Identify the branches of geography.
Brainstorming Question
What is geography? Do you think geography has a single universally accepted definition? If not, why?
Key Terms
- Geography
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Geomorphology
- Anthroposphere
The study of the earth’s physical features, environment, and human activities, including how they interact and are distributed across the earth.
The branch of geography that deals with natural features and processes, including climate, landforms, soil, vegetation, and water bodies.
The branch of geography that focuses on human activities, cultures, economies, and political systems, and how they are spatially distributed and interact with the environment.
The study of landforms, their processes, origin, and the forces that shape them.
The part of the environment that is made or modified by humans, including human settlements, infrastructure, and activities.
1.1 Meaning of Geography.
The term “Geography” originated in ancient Greece, derived from the Greek words “Geo” and “Graphos” .
→ Geo – Earth
→ Graphos – Writing
Eratosthenes, a Greek philosopher (276-194 B.C.), is credited with coining “Geography” defining it as “the study of Earth’s description.” While broad by modern standards, this definition laid the foundation for the evolving field.
Over time, scholars have refined the meaning of geography to reflect its growing complexity. Key definitions include:
- Eratosthenes (276-196 BC) – Geography is the description of the earth.
- Alexander Von Humboldt (1769-1859): Geography connects general and specific details through mapping, measurement, and regional focus.
- Concise Oxford Dictionary (1964): Geography is the science of the Earth’s surface.
- Hartshorne, R. (1899-1992): Geography provides an organized and accurate description of Earth’s surface distributions.
- Yeates, M. (1968): Geography is a science that explains and predicts the spatial distribution of phenomena on Earth’s surface.
Alexander Von Humboldt (1769-1859)
Each definition emphasizes the study of the Earth’s surface, though the scope and method of geography continue to evolve. Despite its dynamic nature, geography remains focused on understanding the Earth and its features.
Fig. 2 Eratosthenes
1.1.1 The Scope of Geography
Can you define what scope is, is the scope of geography wide or narrow?
Geography covers a broad and diverse range of topics, constantly evolving as new discoveries are made. It explores both physical and human aspects of the Earth, focusing on causes, impacts, and interactions. Major areas include the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere, as well as economic, social, political, and environmental issues.
Geography also integrates modern technology like GPS and GIS to analyze data and solve problems.
Here’s a breakdown of its scope:
- Hydrosphere: All bodies of water (oceans, rivers, lakes, etc.).
- Biosphere: All living organisms on Earth.
- Atmosphere: Air composition surrounding the planet.
- Lithosphere: The solid rock layer covering the Earth’s surface.
- Anthroposphere: Parts of the environment modified by humans.
Geography’s key focus areas include:
- Earth’s position and movements.
- Physical features, their causes, and changes over time.
- Human-environment interactions and their mutual impacts.
- Atmospheric conditions, weather, and climate distribution.
- Earth’s materials and landforms.
- Human economic activities and their environmental impact.
Generally, geography is a holistic discipline that studies the Earth and the complex relationships within it, making use of modern technology to understand and address contemporary challenges.
A. Branches of Geography
Geography is divided into two main branches: Physical Geography and Human Geography, each with several sub-fields.
B. Physical Geography
Physical geography focuses on the natural features of the Earth, including climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, water systems, and animals, while examining their causes, effects, and interactions. Sub-branches include:
- Geomorphology: Study of landforms, their origins, and the forces that shape them.
- Climatology: Study of climate, its causes, variation, and distribution.
- Biogeography: Study of plant and animal distribution. It is sub-divided into:
- Phytogeography: Focuses on vegetation patterns and their relationship with climate and soil.
- Zoogeography: Examines animal distribution, migration, and influencing factors.
- Oceanography: Study of ocean currents, tides, and ocean floor geography.
- Soil Geography: Study of soil types, distribution, and their impact on agriculture and land use.
C. Human Geography
Human geography explores the distribution and influence of human activities, including culture, population, economics, and politics. Sub-branches include:
- Cultural Geography: Study of cultural beliefs, customs, and their spatial interaction and spread.
- Population Geography: Study of population distribution, birth/death rates, migration, and demographic statistics.
- Economic Geography: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods, and their spatial patterns.
- Political Geography: Study of political systems, boundaries, and the exercise of power across regions.
- Urban Geography: Study of cities, urban development, and internal social and spatial patterns.
- Historical Geography: Study of how places, regions, and human activities have evolved over time.
These branches highlight the broad range of physical and human phenomena that geography covers, making it an interdisciplinary and dynamic field.