Final answer:
Physical geography, which is the study of natural phenomena on the Earth's surface, includes areas of study such as geomorphology, glaciology, coastal geography, climatology, and biogeography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical geography falls under the broader discipline of geography, which is the spatial study of the earth's surface. In physical geography, scholars focus on natural phenomena and the various physical aspects of the planet.
Some of the major areas of study within physical geography include:
- Geomorphology: This field studies the earth's surface features and the processes that shape them.
- Glaciology: This branch of geography deals with glaciers and their effects on the landscape.
- Coastal geography: This area focuses on coastal regions and the dynamics of coastal environment.
- Climatology: It involves the study of climates, climate variability, and climate change.
- Biogeography: This branch examines the distribution patterns of species across different geographic regions.
While physical geography emphasizes the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, it also involves understanding the relationships among these parts.
The discipline bridges the social sciences with the physical sciences, and includes tools such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning System), and remote sensing to study both physical and human landscapes.
Moreover, physical geographers may explore the earth's place in the solar system or engage in environmental geography, which requires a blend of knowledge in physical and human geography.