GEOGRAPHY
What is Geography?
The word geography is derived from Greek and literally means "to
write about the earth," the subject of geography is much more
than describing "foreign" places or memorizing the names of
capitals and countries. Geography is a discipline that seeks to
understand the world - its human and physical features - through
an understanding of place and location. Geographers study where
things are and how they got there.
Another definition for geography is: "the bridge between the
human and physical sciences”."
Geography looks at the spatial connection between people,
places, and the earth.
How is Geography Different from Geology?
Many people have an idea of what a geologist does
but don't have any idea of what a geographer does.
While geography is commonly divided into human
geography and physical geography, the difference
between physical geography and geology is often
confusing. Geographers tend to study the surface of
the earth, its landscapes, its features, and why they
are where they are. Geologists look deeper into the
earth than do geographers and study its rocks, the
internal processes of the earth (such as plate
tectonics and volcanoes), and study periods of earth
history many millions and even billions of years ago.
Why is Geography Important?
Being able to view the world geographically is a fundamental
skill for everyone. Understanding the connection between the
environment and people, geography ties together diverse
sciences as geology, biology, and climatology with economics,
history, and politics based on location. Geographers
understand conflict around the world because so many factors
are involved.
Who is The "Father" of Geography?
The Greek scholar Eratosthenes, who measured
the circumference of the earth and was the first to
use the word "geography," is commonly called the
father of geography.