GG101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Spatial Analysis, Geomorphology, Biogeography
Document Summary
Define and describe geography and physical geography. Review the subject matter of physical geography. The study of the distribution and characteristics of physical and human phenomena and the processes and relations that shape and organize those distributions. The key focus is on where are features distributed, what are their characteristics and how they are formed. The spatial analysis of all the physical elements and process systems that make up the environment; energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soil, animals, plants and microorganisms. Meteorology and climatology study of weather and climate hydrology study of water. Geomorphology study of landforms and landscapes pedology study of soils. Biogeography study of the geography of organisms. Empiricism: knowledge is gained through experience and careful observation. Positivism: a rigorous scientific method is used whereby a hypothesis of some natural process is formulated and that hypothesis is tested by designing an appropriate field, lab, or mathematical experiment.
