Physical Geography is a core concept and a major branch of the natural science of geography, also known as physiography. It is the study of the processes and patterns in the Earth's natural environment, focusing on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. The field's origins trace back to the Greek classical period, where early scholars like Eratosthenes (276–194 BC) first used the word "geography" and measured the Earth's circumference. Until the late nineteenth century, geography was almost exclusively a natural science, with works like Strabo's Geography serving as descriptive gazetteers of the known world.
Physical Geography works by dividing the natural world into specialized sub-disciplines that investigate specific processes. Key mechanisms include Geomorphology, which studies the formation and change of Earth's surface landforms; Climatology, which analyzes long-term weather patterns and climate change; Hydrology, which explores the movement and properties of water on Earth; and Biogeography, which examines the spatial distribution of plants and animals.
This concept connects directly to Human Geography, which focuses on the built environment and human-environment interactions, and Technical Geography, which involves tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The discipline has evolved significantly since the mid-twentieth century, moving beyond mere description to embrace quantification, modeling, and a greater focus on process-based investigations. A recent shift involves a more holistic approach, integrating with Earth System Science and placing a strong emphasis on global issues like climate change and land degradation.