Fundamental of Physical Geography Notes
Core Concepts
- What is Geography?
- Why Should Geography Be Studied?
Integrative Aspects
- Geography as an Integrating Discipline
- Dimensions of Geography
Branches of Geography
- Physical Geography and Natural Sciences
- Systematic Approach
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Biogeography
- Regional Approach
Importance
- Physical Geography and Its Importance
Theories of Origin
- Early Theories: Origin of the Earth
- Modern Theories: Origin of the Universe
Formation Processes
- The Star Formation
- Formation of Planets
Solar System Components
- Our Solar System
- The Moon
- Theory of the Origin of the Moon
Earth’s Evolutionary Stages
- Evolution of the Earth
- Lithosphere
- Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
- Origin of Life
Sources of Information
- Direct Sources
- Indirect Sources
Earthquakes
- Why Does the Earth Shake?
- Earthquake Waves
- Emergence of Shadow Zone
- Types of Earthquakes
- Measuring Earthquakes
- Effects and Frequency of Occurrences
Structure of the Earth
- The Crust
- The Mantle
- The Core
Volcanism
- Volcanoes and Volcanic Landforms
- Types of Volcanic Landforms
Theories and Evidence
- Continental Drift
- Evidence Supporting the Continental Drift
Plate Movements and Theories
- Post-drift Studies
- Convectional Current Theory
- Mapping the Ocean Floor
- Ocean Floor Configuration
- Sea Floor Spreading
Plate Tectonics
- Theory and Movement Rates
- Forces Behind Plate Movement
- Movement of the Indian Plate
Geomorphic Processes
- Endogenic Processes
- Diastrophism
- Volcanism
- Exogenic Processes
Weathering Processes
- Types of Weathering
- Chemical
- Physical
- Biological
- Effects and Significance of Weathering
Mass Movements and Erosion
- Types of Mass Movements
- Erosion and Deposition
Soil Formation
- Process of Soil Formation
- Soil-Forming Factors
Processes and Landforms
- Running Water
- Erosional Landforms
- Depositional Landforms
- Groundwater
- Erosional and Depositional Landforms
- Glaciers
- Erosional and Depositional Landforms
- Waves and Currents
- High Rocky Coasts
- Low Sedimentary Coasts
- Erosional and Depositional Landforms
- Winds
- Erosional and Depositional Landforms
Atmospheric Composition
- Components of the Atmosphere
- Layers and Structure of the Atmosphere
Solar Radiation and Insolation
- Solar Radiation
- Variability of Insolation at the Earth’s Surface
- Solar Radiation Passage through the Atmosphere
Heating and Heat Budget
- Heating and Cooling of the Atmosphere
- Terrestrial Radiation
- Heat Budget of the Planet Earth
- Variations in the Net Heat Budget
Temperature and Its Variations
- Temperature
- Inversion of Temperature
Atmospheric Pressure
- Vertical and Horizontal Variation of Pressure
- Global Distribution of Sea Level Pressure
Forces Influencing Wind
- Forces Affecting Wind Velocity and Direction
- Pressure and Wind Relationships
Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
- General Circulation of the Atmosphere
- Seasonal Winds
- Local Winds
- Land and Sea Breezes
- Mountain and Valley Winds
Weather Systems
- Air Masses
- Fronts
- Extra Tropical and Tropical Cyclones
- Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Water Processes
- Evaporation and Condensation
- Dew and Frost Formation
- Fog and Mist
Cloud Types and Precipitation
- Types of Clouds
- Precipitation
- Types of Rainfall
Global Rainfall Patterns
- World Distribution of Rainfall
Climate Classification
- Koeppen’s Scheme of Climate Classification
- Group A – Tropical Humid Climate
- Group B – Dry Climates
- Group C – Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates
- Group D – Cold Snow Forest Climates
- Group E – Polar Climates
Climate Change Overview
- Historical Climate Patterns
- Causes of Climate Change
- Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases
The Hydrological Cycle
- Water Cycle Processes and Components
Ocean Floor Relief
- Divisions of the Ocean Floors
- Minor Relief Features
Temperature and Salinity of Oceans
- Temperature Distribution
- Horizontal and Vertical
- Salinity Distribution
- Horizontal and Vertical
Waves and Tides
- Characteristics and Types of Waves
- Types of Tides and Their Importance
Ocean Currents
- Types of Ocean Currents
- Surface and Deep-Water Currents
- Cold and Warm Currents
- Major Ocean Currents
- Effects of Ocean Currents
Biodiversity Concepts
- Definitions and Levels of Biodiversity
- Importance of Biodiversity
Loss and Conservation of Biodiversity
- Causes of Biodiversity Loss
- Conservation of Biodiversity