Scope and subject matter of physical geography: Earth’s surface is the focus point of the study of physical geography. Knowledge of physical geography is essential for the study of any branch of geography – not only from the physical environment point of view, but also every human activity and all components of the earth do not remain untouched by physical geography.

Air, water and land, all the three parts of physical elements are included and all these three are related to each other. The main attribute of the physical environment is change. Therefore, with the knowledge of the distribution of physical circumstances, the study of variability is also included in physical geography. By the interplay of this variability, different physical conditions arise. In the scope of physical geography, 

The following four parts are included mainly:

1. Lithosphere 

2. Hydrosphere 

3. Atmosphere 

4. Biosphere

The study of the phenomena active in these spheres and responsible factors for them is included in the main subject matter of physical geography. Interactive relationship is found in all these components of physical geography. Interaction of components of physical geography. 

The format of these components is briefly described as follows:

1. Lithosphere: All site segments and their various forms located on the earth’s surface are mainly studied under the lithosphere. Structural studies are done in the form of morphology on the lithosphere. 

2. Atmosphere: The gaseous converting spread around us is called atmosphere. It involves studying a variety of seasonal and climate – related conditions. Special study of atmospheric conditions is the subject matter of the atmosphere. 

3. Hydrosphere: The events and their causes related to the huge water extent found on approximately 71% of the earth’s surface are logically analyzed in the hydrosphere. Studies on the changes in sea and ocean water have been included under hydrosphere. 

4. Biosphere: All the facts related to the living organisms living on the land, the air and the water and all the facts related to them are studied in the biosphere. It studies about the conditions of the biological world. 

The scope and content of physical geography is depicted through the following illustration:

It is clear from the above picture that the scope and subject matter of physical geography is very comprehensive. This reflects the comprehensive and composite nature of this subject.