Physical Geography
Physical geography covers the topics relating to the surface of the earth - the landforms, glaciers, rivers, climate, oceans, earth-sun interaction, hazards, and more.
Geodesy and the Size and Shape of the Planet Earth
Learn all about the size of the earth, the shape of the earth, and how its size and shape are measured in the science known as geodesy, from the About.com expert Geography GuideSite.
Learn all about the size of the earth, the shape of the earth, and how its size and shape are measured in the science known as geodesy, from the About.com expert Geography GuideSite.
An Overivew of Icebergs
A comprehensive overview of icebergs from their formation from ice sheets to their movement in the world oceans to their tracking and monitoring to their melting.
A comprehensive overview of icebergs from their formation from ice sheets to their movement in the world oceans to their tracking and monitoring to their melting.
Watershed - Overview of Watersheds and Watershed Management
An overview of watersheds, the relationship of watersheds to rivers and streams, and information about watershed management from the About.com expert Geography Site.
An overview of watersheds, the relationship of watersheds to rivers and streams, and information about watershed management from the About.com expert Geography Site.
Wetlands - About Wetlands
An overview and information all about wetlands. Learn about wetlands from this informative article from the About.com expert geography site.
An overview and information all about wetlands. Learn about wetlands from this informative article from the About.com expert geography site.
Ocean Waves - Learn About Ocean Waves
An overview of ocean waves, which are caused by the friction of wind over open ocean water. Learn all about ocean waves from this geography article on About.com.
An overview of ocean waves, which are caused by the friction of wind over open ocean water. Learn all about ocean waves from this geography article on About.com.
Names for Water Bodies
Find out the similarities (and differences) between different types of water bodies, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Find out the similarities (and differences) between different types of water bodies, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Uniformitarianism
James Hutton, known as the father of geology, suggested that the earth was much older and that processes occurring in the present were the same processes that had operated in the past, and would be the processes that operate in the future. This concept became known as uniformitarianism and can be summarized by the phrase 'the present is the key to the past.'
James Hutton, known as the father of geology, suggested that the earth was much older and that processes occurring in the present were the same processes that had operated in the past, and would be the processes that operate in the future. This concept became known as uniformitarianism and can be summarized by the phrase 'the present is the key to the past.'
Prepare for Tsunami
Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for a tsunami. Find out what to do if you live in a tsunami hazard area, learn what a tsunami warning means, discover what to do when you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, and learn some common tsunami myths.
Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for a tsunami. Find out what to do if you live in a tsunami hazard area, learn what a tsunami warning means, discover what to do when you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, and learn some common tsunami myths.
Tornado - Overview of Tornadoes
Everything you ever wanted to know about tornadoes and tornado alley. Tornadoes are the most destructive of any local atmospheric phenomena.
Everything you ever wanted to know about tornadoes and tornado alley. Tornadoes are the most destructive of any local atmospheric phenomena.
Topographic Prominence - Overview of Topographic Prominence
An overview of topographic prominence, the concept of looking at the local relief of a location based on the local terrain.
An overview of topographic prominence, the concept of looking at the local relief of a location based on the local terrain.
Tides
An easy-to-understand overview of how the sun and moon create tides that affect the earth's oceans; includes graphics.
An easy-to-understand overview of how the sun and moon create tides that affect the earth's oceans; includes graphics.
Terminator Line
Learn about the terminator line on the earth that separates light from darkness.
Learn about the terminator line on the earth that separates light from darkness.
Summer Solstice - Overview of the Summer Solstice
June 21 is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the beginning of summer for the earth north of the equator.
June 21 is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the beginning of summer for the earth north of the equator.
Stream Order - The Classification of Streams and Rivers
The classification of streams or rivers was developed to measure the size of the waterways of the world. Learn about stream order from this overview on the About.com Geography Site.
The classification of streams or rivers was developed to measure the size of the waterways of the world. Learn about stream order from this overview on the About.com Geography Site.
Solar Radiation and the Earth’s Albedo
An overview of the energy and heat, known as radiation, that is received on earth from the sun. Learn about solar radiation and albedo, the reflection of the sun's energy from the About.com geography site.
An overview of the energy and heat, known as radiation, that is received on earth from the sun. Learn about solar radiation and albedo, the reflection of the sun's energy from the About.com geography site.
Soil
An overview of the soil of the lithosphere, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
An overview of the soil of the lithosphere, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Rivers - An Overview of Rivers
Rivers provide us with food, energy, recreation, transportation routes, and of course water for irrigation and for drinking. Learn all about rivers from the About.com Guide to Geography.
Rivers provide us with food, energy, recreation, transportation routes, and of course water for irrigation and for drinking. Learn all about rivers from the About.com Guide to Geography.
Physical Geography Overview - All About Physical Geography
An overview of the subject of physical geography and its various aspects from your About.com Guide to Geography.
An overview of the subject of physical geography and its various aspects from your About.com Guide to Geography.
The Earth's Elliptical Orbit Around the Sun - Aphelion and Perihelion
An overview of the earth's orbit around the sun, including the times when it is closest to the sun and farthest from the sun, known as perihelion and aphelion, respectively.
An overview of the earth's orbit around the sun, including the times when it is closest to the sun and farthest from the sun, known as perihelion and aphelion, respectively.
Ocean Currents - An Overview of Ocean Currents
Learn about ocean currents and how they circulate water in the oceans around the planet, from the About.com geography site.
Learn about ocean currents and how they circulate water in the oceans around the planet, from the About.com geography site.
Mars Geography
In the tradition of ancient geography, this feature describes a far-away and unfamiliar place, the planet Mars.
In the tradition of ancient geography, this feature describes a far-away and unfamiliar place, the planet Mars.
The Longest Day of the Year
The summer solstice is the longest day in the year but it's not the day of earliest sunrise or sunset - learn more about this intriguing occurrence, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
The summer solstice is the longest day in the year but it's not the day of earliest sunrise or sunset - learn more about this intriguing occurrence, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Lapse Rate - Overview of Lapse Rate
An overview of the atmospheric phenomenon known as lapse rate. Lapse rate explains the decrease or increase in temperature of a parcel of air that rises or lowers.
An overview of the atmospheric phenomenon known as lapse rate. Lapse rate explains the decrease or increase in temperature of a parcel of air that rises or lowers.
Landscape Ecology - An Overview of Landscape Ecology
An overview of the field of study known as landscape ecology, discipline that explores the spatial aspects of ecology and the biosphere.
An overview of the field of study known as landscape ecology, discipline that explores the spatial aspects of ecology and the biosphere.
Karst and Sinkholes
Dangerous sinkholes and beautiful caverns are two results of landscapes known as karst topography. Learn about these features from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Dangerous sinkholes and beautiful caverns are two results of landscapes known as karst topography. Learn about these features from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Intertidal Zone
Discover the fascinating intertidal zone, where land, ocean, and air meet.
Discover the fascinating intertidal zone, where land, ocean, and air meet.
The Hydrologic Cycle - Overview of the Hydrologic Cycle
A summary of how water gets from ocean to land to river and back again, through the hydrologic cycle from your About.com Guide to Geography.
A summary of how water gets from ocean to land to river and back again, through the hydrologic cycle from your About.com Guide to Geography.
The Gulf Stream - An Overview of the Gulf Stream Current in t…
The Gulf Stream is a strong, fast moving, warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Learn all about the Gulf Stream from this article from the expert Geography at About.com site.
The Gulf Stream is a strong, fast moving, warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Learn all about the Gulf Stream from this article from the expert Geography at About.com site.
Glacier Deposition and Moraines
The rock and soil picked up and transported by glaciers creates new landscapes as it is eventually deposited by melting and retreating glaciers. Learn about deposition and moraines of glaciers.
The rock and soil picked up and transported by glaciers creates new landscapes as it is eventually deposited by melting and retreating glaciers. Learn about deposition and moraines of glaciers.
Geomorphology - An Overview of Geomorphology
A great overview of geomorphology, which is the science of landforms with an emphasis on their origin, evolution, form, and distribution across the physical landscape. This overview of geomorphology is part of the About.com Geography site.
A great overview of geomorphology, which is the science of landforms with an emphasis on their origin, evolution, form, and distribution across the physical landscape. This overview of geomorphology is part of the About.com Geography site.
Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Learn about the four spheres of the earth - the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.
Learn about the four spheres of the earth - the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere.
The Four Seasons - An Overview of the Four Seasons
Learn about the start dates for each of the four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Find out about the earth-sun interaction on the June Solstice, December Solstice, March Equinox, and September Equinox, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Learn about the start dates for each of the four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Find out about the earth-sun interaction on the June Solstice, December Solstice, March Equinox, and September Equinox, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Floods and Flooding - An Overview of Floods and Flooding
River and coastal flooding are the most frequently occurring natural disaster and floods are increasing in occurrence more rapidly than any other disaster. This article from Geography at About.com provides an overview of flooding and floods.
River and coastal flooding are the most frequently occurring natural disaster and floods are increasing in occurrence more rapidly than any other disaster. This article from Geography at About.com provides an overview of flooding and floods.
Erosion - Information on Erosion
Learn about water, wind, ice, and waves - the agents of erosion that wear away at the surface of the earth, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Learn about water, wind, ice, and waves - the agents of erosion that wear away at the surface of the earth, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Coriolis Effect - An Overview of the Coriolis Effect
Learn about the Coriolis effect, which appears to deflect items moving on or above the earth's surface based on the rotation of the earth.
Learn about the Coriolis effect, which appears to deflect items moving on or above the earth's surface based on the rotation of the earth.
California Earthquake - Information About California's Recent…
This page provides clear direction for locating information about California earthquakes that have just occurred or past historical California earthquakes.
This page provides clear direction for locating information about California earthquakes that have just occurred or past historical California earthquakes.
Biogeography - An Overview of Biogeography
An overview of biogeography, the geographic distribution of plants and animals over the surface of the earth. This article is part of the expert Geography site at About.com
An overview of biogeography, the geographic distribution of plants and animals over the surface of the earth. This article is part of the expert Geography site at About.com
Basin and Range - An Overview of Basin and Range Topography
The prominent topography of the Basin and Range Province in the Western United States is due to a very specific geologic feature, which is only found in a few other basins and ranges around the world.
The prominent topography of the Basin and Range Province in the Western United States is due to a very specific geologic feature, which is only found in a few other basins and ranges around the world.
Avalanches - An Overview of Avalanches
Learn about the deadly hazards of the mountains, avalanches.
Learn about the deadly hazards of the mountains, avalanches.
Aquifers - An Overview of Aquifers and the Ogallala Aquifer
A comprehensive overview of aquifers and information about the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States, from Geography at About.com.
A comprehensive overview of aquifers and information about the Ogallala Aquifer in the United States, from Geography at About.com.
Glaciers
A comprehensive overview of glaciers. Includes the types of glaciers, how glaciers carve the land, and the importance of glaciers. From Colin Stief of Geography at About.com.
A comprehensive overview of glaciers. Includes the types of glaciers, how glaciers carve the land, and the importance of glaciers. From Colin Stief of Geography at About.com.
Frequency of Earthquakes
A chart showing the number of earthquakes based on magnitude, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
A chart showing the number of earthquakes based on magnitude, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Atmosphere Composition
A listing of the composition of the atmosphere of the earth, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
A listing of the composition of the atmosphere of the earth, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is the world's second driest region (icy Antarctica is first). Although the Tropic of Capricorn passes through the region, the Atacama lies in the rain shadow of Chile's Coast Range, which squeezes out the moisture from the atmosphere.
The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is the world's second driest region (icy Antarctica is first). Although the Tropic of Capricorn passes through the region, the Atacama lies in the rain shadow of Chile's Coast Range, which squeezes out the moisture from the atmosphere.
December Solstice (Summer in the Southern Hemishpere)
An overview of the December solstice.
An overview of the December solstice.
Deserts
Learn about the deserts of the world and other arid lands, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Learn about the deserts of the world and other arid lands, from your About.com Guide to Geography.
Magnetic Reversal
Discover all about the magnetic reversal of the earth's poles throughout the planet's history. The poles have reversed 170 times in the past 100 million years. Find out when it will happen next!
Discover all about the magnetic reversal of the earth's poles throughout the planet's history. The poles have reversed 170 times in the past 100 million years. Find out when it will happen next!
Modified Mercalli Scale
The 12-step scale used to measure the felt and observed intensity of earthquakes.
The 12-step scale used to measure the felt and observed intensity of earthquakes.
Oxbow Lakes
Discover the fascinating truth behind oxbow lakes, billabongs, and bayous.
Discover the fascinating truth behind oxbow lakes, billabongs, and bayous.
Preparing for Floods
Floods are the most common natural disaster. Learn more about floods, the definition of a 100-year-flood, and how to prepare.
Floods are the most common natural disaster. Learn more about floods, the definition of a 100-year-flood, and how to prepare.
Ring of Fire
Find out more about the arc of volcanoes which circles the Pacific Ocean.
Find out more about the arc of volcanoes which circles the Pacific Ocean.
Soil Size Classification
From clay to gravel, each soil partical fits into its own category.
From clay to gravel, each soil partical fits into its own category.
The Equator, Hemispheres, Tropic of Cancer, and Tropic of Capricorn
The facts about the key lines of latitude that relate to the position of the sun and the angle of the earth.
The facts about the key lines of latitude that relate to the position of the sun and the angle of the earth.
The Physical Environment
This online physical geography textbook is an amazing resource. Its images and graphics really help to provide detailed information about the basics of physical geography.
This online physical geography textbook is an amazing resource. Its images and graphics really help to provide detailed information about the basics of physical geography.
The Rock Cycle
Discover how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are created and how they can be recycled as part of the rock cycle of the earth's crust.
Discover how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are created and how they can be recycled as part of the rock cycle of the earth's crust.