Final answer:
Geographers categorize elements of the natural environment by studying physical geography, which includes natural phenomena like rivers and mountains, and using tools like GIS and GPS. They analyze the elements and processes that shape ecosystems and climates, and how these influence human societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geographers categorize elements of the natural environment by dividing geography into physical geography and human geography realms. Physical geography deals with the spatial study of natural phenomena and physical features like rivers, mountains, climate, and ecosystems. Elements such as landforms, weather patterns, and biomes are key components. They also employ methods including GIS, GPS, and remote sensing to analyze and understand the natural environment.
Environments include two broad classes of ecosystems: aquatic and terrestrial. Geographers explore these along with the biological characteristics that are influenced by latitude, altitude, temperature, and rainfall, which define the physical processes shaping regions.
Various categories like the Köppen-Geiger classification system are developed by geographers for identifying different climate types. Key takeaways in geography involve the study of the earth's surface, regions, spatial nature of physical and human landscapes, and the role geography has played in shaping human societies throughout history.