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.
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. more...
In: Cartography/Maps
Amerigo Vespucci, a Renaissance-era Italian explorer, surveyed the Americas, providing the continents' names and first maps. more...
The Formation and Movement of Glaciers
Chemical and physical processes determine how glaciers are made and where they travel. more...
Glaciers are classified into three main types: mountain glaciers, continental glaciers, and sea ice. more...
Features of Glacial Topography
Glaciers leave signs of their presence on the surrounding landscape through erosion and through the sediment deposits they create. more...
Geology of Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
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. more...
Geology of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave was formed when acidic groundwater dissolved limestone bedrock. The cavern system has led to Kentucky's distinctive karst topography. more...
Geology of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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. more...
All feature articles in Geography
All contributors in Geography
Earth's Last Frontier, The Ocean
By: Josh Grant
Globes for Kids Who Love Geography
In: Cartography/Maps
By:
Tricia Edgar
U.S. Atlantic Coast and Sea Level Rise
By: Sara E. Lewis
Maps of the World for Children
In: Cartography/Maps
By:
Tricia Edgar
All contributing articles in Geography