physical geography

American  

noun

1. the branch of geography concerned with natural features and phenomena of the earth's surface, as landforms, drainage features, climates, soils, and vegetation.

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physical geography British  

noun

1. the branch of geography that deals with the natural features of the earth's surface

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physical geography Scientific  

1. The scientific study of the natural features of the Earth's surface, especially in its current aspects, including land formation, climate, currents, and distribution of flora and fauna.

2. Also called physiography

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Etymology

Origin of physical geography

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Physical geography isn't the only type of distance worth considering, Fitjar adds.

From Nature • May 3, 2016

Physical geography, study of recommended, 12; restoration of the earth, 8; importance and possibility of, 26; of disturbed harmonies, 35; of the Old World, 47.

From Man and Nature or, Physical Geography as Modified by Human Action by Marsh, George P.

Physical geography, an account of the state of the earth in its natural condition—its mountain-chains, ocean-currents, distribution of plants and animals, conditions of climate, &c.;

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Physical geography fared no better, for she demanded an exact definition of terms, and very precise explanations of various phenomena, and would take no half-replies.

From A Fourth Form Friendship A School Story by Brazil, Angela

Physical geography is not limited to elementary inorganic terrestrial life, but, elevated to a higher point of view, it embraces the sphere of organic life, and the numerous gradations of its typical development.

From COSMOS: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 by Humboldt, Alexander von