Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

Science of Geo – morphology is the study of various types of topographical formations found on the upper surface of the lithosphere. It is derived from the Greek language, i.e., which means Geo = Earth, Morpho = Shapes and logy = study of the shapes/forms of earth’s surface.

In this approach, the world is divided into different hierarchical levels. After this, all the geographical facts are studied in a particular area.

Geography is the science of earth’s surface. In this, a particular place and its various features, distribution and local relationships are studied in context to the human world.

The purpose of geography is associated with human progress and development. A scholar named Heartshorn had said that the purpose of geography is to contribute to the scientific description and study development of the earth as the human world. One step is taken to achieve the objective of solving problems arising from the use of economic, social and cultural development related to human society. At the end of which, the main objective lies in the co – ordination with human welfare and nature in a harmonious way.

According to Kant: “Physical Geography is the first part of knowledge of world, indeed it is essential preliminary for understanding our perceptions of the world.

Alexander Vaughan Humboldt’s rendering of systematic approach, while Carl Ritter’s rendering of regional approach was performed.

All the conditions found on the earth’s surface are not universally identical, whether it is lithospheric conditions or hydroscopic conditions or atmospheric conditions. In this way, there are many variations in the biosphere as. The variations sound in different regions on the earth are called regional variations.

Any one fact in this approach is studied at the global level. After this, type of regional form is identified.

‘Geo’ means the earth and ‘graphy’ means its description. Thus, the meaning of geography is to describe the earth. According to the geographical dictionary, geography is the science of study of the Earth’s surface and human interpersonal relationship. In this, Earth is studied in the form of a human planet. This subject describes the pure, systematic and logical description and interpretation of various surface traits of the earth.

According to Richard Hartshorne: “Geography describes the pure, systematic and logical explanation and interpretation of various variable traits of the Earth’s surface”.

According to Arthur Holmes: “The study of the physical environment by itself is the physical geography, which includes consideration of the surface relief of the globe (Geo – morphology), of the seas and oceans (Oceanography) and of the air (Meterology and Climatology).”

The following are two important definitions of geography: According to Richard Hartshorne: 

“The purpose of geography is to describe and explain the territorial or regional variation of the ground.”

According to Peter Hegate: “Geography is the study of the human environment and the spatial and mutual relations of the territories on the Earth.”

Between the lithosphere and the atmosphere, a narrow biosphere extends in the form of soil, vegetation and domain of living organisms, in which the distribution of all kinds of organisms, which includes human, animals and vegetation, etc. is developed and found.

There are many galaxies in the universe. One of these galaxies is the milky way or the galaxy in which our solar system lies. It is also known as mandakini. It has more than 1 trillion stars, and our sun is one of them. Our galaxy is broad and spiral in shape.

British geographer Peter Hegate has described geography as a study of the human environment and the spatial and mutual relations of the territories on the Earth.

At present, modern techniques and methods are being used in geography. The use of arial surveys, remote sensing, technical communication revolution, modern computer – based mapping, etc. has changed the definition of geographic development.

Knowledge of the physical environment is very important for sustainable development.

A group of different planets, asteroids, comets, meteors and other celestial bodies revolving around the sun is collectively called the solar system. The sun has the central position in the solar system.

After the 1990’s, the application of geographical knowledge in the domains of social, cultural, economic, political sectors and public policies began to be of maximum use. This made geography more practical and useful for the society.

The imbalance has emerged in the ecosystem in the world due to the increasing use of modern technology developed by humans and the excessive exloitation of natural resources by humans.

The gaseous envelop that surrounds the earth is called the atmosphere. The atmosphere enables the presence of life on earth.

On Earth, we see many variations in the form of physical and cultural environment. Many disparities are found. Hence, geography is considered to be the study of regional variations.

The composite form of existent matter and energy spread out in the infinite space is called the universe. It contains billions of galaxies, nebulae, stars, many planets, dust particles, gas clouds, effect of gravitational force, etc.

Correct Answer is : (c) Strahtar

The universe is full of many mysteries in a single form or multi – dimensionally. Human beings the of the universe, and hence get accurate knowledge of universe. Because of the billions of stars, innumerable nebulae, billions of galaxies, stars associated with other galaxies, dust, gas clouds, gravity and its effects and other forces, the universe is still a mystery, and it is a very difficult task to get it solved. That is why, the universe is called mysterious.

There is a mutual interplay of the biosphere related to the Earth’s surface, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the organisms found in them. Various activities that are performed in all these are the result of a long process of time controlled by the solar system in the form of the Earth’s surface.

Geography is considered to be the science of earth’s surface, because it studies the forms of land and its various features, distributions and spatial relations to the human world. Earth is the-cornerstone subject of geography. On this, all material and human events and interactions depend. All these actions take place in the form of mutual relation of time and place. Due to being a logical and authentic study of the Earth, geography is called the science of the earth’s surface.

Human habitat, clothing, food, along with available vegetation, pattern of crops, animal husbandry and industries are mainly influenced by climate.

1. Subject matter (systematic) approach. 

2. Regional approach.

The solid layer located in the upper part of the Earth’s surface is called the lithosphere (Sthalmandal, in Hindi). It studies all the terrestrial expanses and their various forms.

The average of atmospheric conditions prevailing for a long period of time in a particular region is called the climate.

Geo – morphology is the science to study the terrestrial phenomena. Various topographical variations are found on the earth’s surface. It mainly consists of study of the origin of the earth, the spread of the globe, the formation of the gravel, the formation of topography and Geo – morphological entities, the internal structure of the Earth, the origin of continents and oceans, the process of mountain formation and erosion in the form of destructive processes. Study of various factors of weathering is also done under Geo – morphology.

(d) Carl Ritter

(a) Geo – morphology

All events and interactions that occur on the earth’s surface under the sky, as a result of interactions between nature and humans, are included in the study of geography. Earth is the basis of study geography, and many different variations are found on it. It is scientific geography which analyzes and describes the Earth, its surface, along with its variations in a pure, systematic, and logical way.

(c) 4.6 billion years

Hydrosphere: Two – thirds of the Earth’s surface is surrounded by water which is present in seas and oceans. The presence of water is found in small or large reservoirs. In addition to the depth, there are wide variations in water.

The origin and distribution of seas and oceans on the earth, the physical and chemical properties and structure of the sea, water, ocean currents, ocean deposits, temperature in oceans, salinity, density, tide, coral reefs, waves, ocean profiles, etc. are included in this. Different types of motion are found in the water bodies. Limitless stores of organic and inorganic resources are also found in the hydrosphere. All the above facts are studied in context to the water bodies under hydrosphere.

On more than two-third part of the Earth, a large body of water is spread. The shape of this huge water reservoir is found in the form of oceans and seas. This is called the hydrosphere, which also includes atmospheric water content and sub – terrainean water.

All the terrains and their various forms located on the earth’s surface are mainly studied under the lithosphere. Studies are taken into. consideration of the conditions and processes which have transformed the earth’s surface to the present state. This type of study consists mainly of geological history of the earth, the composition of geologal strata, tectonic, endogenous and baroque forces, structural processes, phase, etc.

Different shapes of the lithosphere are studied under Geo – morphology. Under structure its, the part on which we variance and the depth to which we use it are included. The surface of the earth is not very smooth, rather is very uneven. On one hand, there are a vast fields on this surface, and on the other hand, there are small low lying islands or high mountain peaks or somewhere there are moderately elevated plateaus.

Since the creation of continents, various geological powers and processes, have contributed in the formation of different land forms on the surface. Different types of profiles are formed as a result of these geological forces. Therefore, all these facts are part of the lithosphere.

Both physical and human geographic phenomena are not static but they are rather dynamic. These continuous transformations taking place on Earth and continuous action and interactions in intermediate human intervals result in changes in the activities of human beings. Primitive Society was directly dependent on its immediate environment, but at present, there is no such situation. Mankind has reduced direct dependence on nature and now, he creates new possibilities with the indirect help of nature.

(c) Political science

(d) Climatology

(d) Biosphere

(a) Eratosthenes

Geography has two main aspects: physical or natural environment and humans. One proof of the advancement of any science is the development of its sub – fields and special studies. At present, on one hand, elements of the physical environment affect the human, while on the other hand, the human being transform themselves in the form of a geographical factor.

Both the earth and the human being are dynamic in nature. Elements of human behavior and the elements of the cultural environment produced in it are studied under human geography. The study of the relation between the organism and its physical environment is the subject matter of geography.

The nature of geography has been changing over time. Depending on evolution, the nature of geography can be summarized as follows:

1. Geography is the science of Earth’s surface: Geography is primarily the study of the earth’s surface. The subject matter of geography in the context of any element is the earth’s surface. Geographers like Humboldt considered the study of nature as the subject of geography.

2. Geography is the science of inter – relationships of various elements: Various elements are not studied in geography, but detailed descriptions of landscapes generated from mutual relationships of different elements are discussed. Therefore, it can be said that geography is the science of inter – relations.

3. Geography is the study of regional integration: Regionalization and demarcation is done to facilitate the study of geography. A state becomes different from other states on the basis of its homogeneity and functional unity. The emphasis is on the integrated study of territories in geography. 

4. Geography is a synthesis science: The main task of geography is to integrate the contents of various elements in the context of a specific region.

5. Geography is the science of resolving a practical problems: Geography is a practical science, and its main objective is to find out the problems of the region / regions and to present the method and planning for their solution. At present, geography has become an interdisciplinary science. Its main purpose is to explain the inter – relationships of humans and nature and to make proper use of resources and to plan for human development.

The major branches of human geography are the following: 

1. Social / Cultural geography: This is a regional study of the social / cultural environment of the human beings.

2. Population and Settlement Geography: Population – structure, population-growth theory, causes, problems, solutions, rural and urban population, migration, practical structure, etc. are studied under this. Settlement geography, a detailed study of origin, development, rural and urban settlement, etc. is done. 

3. Economic Geography: Economic Geography contains a detailed explanation of the distribution, use, conservation, etc. of economic resources. 

4. Historical Geography: Historical interpretation of geographical factors is done in this.

5. Political Geography: The regional interpretation of political events, boundaries, relations of neighboring units and elections, regional study of behaviors and units is done under this.

(b) Physical Geography and Human Geography

Major branches of Geography: Geography is an inderdisciplinary science. In this, many physical and social sciences are included. In the present form, based on the study of physical and human geography and appraisal, dualism is also seen in the form of regional and global geography, but this division can be only theoretical, not practical. In fact, the study of geography is performed by its integrated study. Geography is divided into branches and sub-divisions in the following way:

The brief explanation of the two main branches of geography is as follows:

A. Physical Geography: This is the most important branch of geography. It is a detailed study of earth’s origin, internal structure, rocks, volcanoes and earthquakes, weathering and erosion factors, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, etc. 

A brief analysis of the major subdivisions of physical geography is as follows:

1. Geo – morphology: In this, a detailed study of the factors of origin, development, structure, erosion of land forms is done. 

2. Climatology: It is studied in terms of weather and climatic factors, seasons, climate regions and their characteristics. 

3. Oceanography: This is the study of the oceans, their mineral compositions, structures and origin, temperature, salinity, ocean water movements, etc. 

4. Astronomical Geography: It involves the study of earth’s planetary motions and its relative position to Sun and Moon.

5. Bio – geography: In this, geographical analysis of vegetation and organisms is done. 

6. Soil geography: It is studied in the form of soil origin, construction process, characteristics,, distribution, productivity, etc. 

7. Environmental geography/Ecology: It is studied in context to the environment, environmental factors, changes in them, and their impact and conservation, etc.

B. Human Geography: Human geography is the second most important branch of geography. In it, the human species, its origins, races, their distribution and detailed explanation of their activity and their environmental interactions are studied.

The major branches of human geography are as follows: 

1. Historical Geography: It is used to conduct the geographic study of ancient countries.

2. Economic Geography: In this, the geographic description of the economic activities of the human being is studied. Agricultural geography, industrial geography, resource geography, transport geography, tourism geography, etc. are the branches of economic geography. 

3. Social geography: Under this, the social characteristics of the human classes living in different regions and the geographical impact on them is studied. 

4. Cultural geography: In this, geographical analysis of cultural landscapes and cultural structures of different regions is done. 

5. Political Geography: Under this, study of political boundaries, administrative arrangements, borders, regional disputes and international relations and resources of different countries/territories is done. 

6. Population Geography: This includes a discussion about population distribution, growth, density, migration, structure, characteristics and population policies. 

7. Settlement Geography: This is the study of the origin, pattern, types, functions, etc. of rural and urban habitations in relation to geographical conditions. 

In fact, the division of different branches of geography may be appropriate on the basis of theoretical basis, but the overall study of any area is completed from the collective study of different branches. Geography is an integrated science, in which the integrated study of different sciences is done through sequential and regional practices.

In the five sub – divisions of physical geography, mainly, Geo – morphology, climatology, oceanography, biological science and soil science are prominent.