The Meaning of Geography
Scientific study of the earth as a home of man. Study of interrelationship on natural and human phenomena on the earth’s surface.
Environment
- The surroundings
- All external conditions surrounding an organism which has influence over its behaviour.
Environment can be divided into two:
- The Physical Environment: Natural physical conditions of weather, climate, vegetation, animals, soil, land forms and drainage.
- The Human Environment: Human activities such as farming, forestry, mining, tourism, settlement, transportation, trade and industry.
Branches of Geography
- Physical Geography: Deals with the study of natural physical environment of human kind. The areas covered include:
a) Geology-study of the origin, structure and composition of the earth. It includes study of rocks.
b) Geomorphology- the study of internal and external land forming processes and land forms.
c) Climatology- the study of climate and weather
d) Pedology- the study of soils
e) Biogeography- the study of soils, vegetation and animals.
f) Hydrology- the study of water bodies
g) Spatial geography -study of space
- Human and Economic Geography: Study of people and their activities on the earth’s surface.
The areas covered include:
a) Mining
b) Forestry
c) Agriculture
d) Fishing
e) Wildlife and tourism
f) Industry
g) Energy etc.
Practical Geography
A smaller branch which equips the learner with practical skills that enhance their understanding and interpretation of human and physical geographical information.
The areas are:
a) Statistical methods
b) Map work
c) Field work
d) Photograph work