Geography What is it?

Geography helps us understand how people, places, and environments came to be And how people, places, and environments affect each other

Two broad branches Physical Geography Cultural Geography

Physical Geography Natural features on the surface of the earth and the physical environment Climate Ecosystems – vegetation and animals Landforms

Cultural Geography The study of people Beliefs Traditions Way of life Economic activities Government systems Religion Language Gender roles

Themes of Geography Movement Human Environmental Interaction Region Formal, Functional, Perceptual Place Human and Physical Characteristics Location Absolute and relative