Chapter 4:
Physical Measurements
“Collecting data by recording physical
properties of phenomena at or near the
earth surface.”
Where Do Physical Measurements
Come From?
1. You can take measurements directly in the field
2. You can take samples physical materials
from the field and measure them in the
lab.
3. Recreate a test environment by using a physical model.
Geodetic Measurement
• What is the size and shape of the earth?
• Where are features located on the earth?
Equipment Examples:
“Old School”
“New School”
Opisometer
GPS
Surveyors’ Chains
Laser Range Finders
Theodolites
Satellites
Clinometer
Stereoscope
Physical Measurements of Earth Systems
Four Major Earth Systems:
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Hydrosphere
Lithosphere
Examples of specific types of physical measurements:
Process Knowledge is important!
Geomorphology requires knowledge of orogenesis and denudation processes
Techtonic Plate Movement
Volcanism
Physical / Chemical Weathering
Mass movement
Erosion
What physical measurements might a geomorphologist make?
What tools might be used?
How about other areas of physical
geographic research?
• Soils
• Climate
• Atmosphere
• Hydro
• Biogeography
• etc……
Physical Measurements in Human Geography
Accretion / Deletion / Modification
Reactance can threaten the
validity of results.
Physical Traces
Byproduct of use
Adaptation for use
Display of Self
Public Message
Physiological / Neurological Measurements