Geography

Feature Writer: Dianne Turgeon
Geography is the study of Earth’s physical, biological, and cultural characteristics, including topography and climate and how plant and animal organisms interact with those features. Physical geography delves into the attributes and processes of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, which can be affected by climate, geologic forces, and human activity. Human geography encompasses the processes that influence human interaction, including human responses to the environment.
Biogeography focuses on the spatial distribution of living systems in the biosphere. Geographers study the factors that produce habitats and organisms' adaptations.
The representation of spatial data is the focus of Cartography/Maps. Science and aesthetics combine to produce a meaningful depiction of geographical information.
feature articles
Dianne Turgeon
Nov 19, 2009
Martin Waldseemüller and His Map of New World
In: Cartography/Maps
Based on the works of Ptolemy and Amerigo Vespucci, German cartographer Waldseemüller produced the first modern map of the world. In it, he gave America its name.
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Nov 13, 2009
Amerigo Vespucci
In: Cartography/Maps
Amerigo Vespucci, a Renaissance-era Italian explorer, surveyed the Americas, providing the continents' names and first maps.
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Nov 4, 2009
The Formation and Movement of Glaciers
In: Geography (general)
Chemical and physical processes determine how glaciers are made and where they travel.
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Oct 28, 2009
Types of Glaciers
In: Geography (general)
Glaciers are classified into three main types: mountain glaciers, continental glaciers, and sea ice.
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Oct 23, 2009
Features of Glacial Topography
In: Geography (general)
Glaciers leave signs of their presence on the surrounding landscape through erosion and through the sediment deposits they create.
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Oct 13, 2009
Geology of Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
In: Geography (general)
The advance and retreat of shallow seas led to the unique features found in Wind Cave. Outcrops in the park point to the region's geologic history.
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Sep 22, 2009
Geology of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
In: Geography (general)
Mammoth Cave was formed when acidic groundwater dissolved limestone bedrock. The cavern system has led to Kentucky's distinctive karst topography.
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Aug 31, 2009
Geology of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
In: Geography (general)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains unique geologic features. The park's caves were formed atypically by sulfuric acid. The park's mountains include marine fossils.
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All feature articles in Geography
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