essay questions for physical geography

How It Works
PhD thesis writing
Master thesis writing
Bachelor thesis writing
Dissertation writing service
Dissertation abstract writing
Thesis proposal writing
Thesis editing service
Thesis proofreading service
Thesis formatting service
Coursework writing service
Research paper writing service
Architecture thesis writing
Computer science thesis writing
Engineering thesis writing
History thesis writing
MBA thesis writing
Nursing dissertation writing
Psychology dissertation writing
Sociology thesis writing
Statistics dissertation writing
Buy dissertation online
Write my dissertation
Cheap thesis
Cheap dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help
Pay for thesis
Pay for dissertation
Senior thesis
Write my thesis

146 Impressive Geography Research Topics Every Student Will Like

Are you a student seeking inspiration for your next geography research project? Look no further! In this article, we present you with a treasure trove of 146 original and top-quality geography research topics, completely free of charge. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in geography or simply passionate about exploring the world around you, these topics cover a wide range of fascinating subjects.

From human geography and cultural landscapes to physical geography and environmental sustainability, we’ve got you covered. Each topic is carefully crafted to ignite your curiosity and help you delve deeper into the field. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery as you uncover unique research ideas that will captivate both you and your readers.

Areas Of Geography

Geography is a field of study that explores the Earth’s physical features, human activities and their interactions. It examines the spatial patterns, processes, and relationships between the environment and society. Geographers investigate the Earth’s surface, analyzing its landscapes, climate, ecosystems and resources, as well as the distribution of populations, cultures, economies, and political systems. There are several types of geography, each focusing on specific aspects of the Earth’s physical and human dimensions:

Physical geography examines natural phenomena like landforms, weather and ecosystems. Human geography studies human activities, such as population distribution, urbanization and cultural landscapes. Economic geography explores the spatial patterns of economic activities, trade and resource distribution. Political geography analyzes the political systems, boundaries and geopolitical relationships between regions. Environmental geography investigates the interactions between humans and the environment, including environmental issues and sustainability. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing employ technology to analyze spatial data and maps.

These subfields together provide a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s complexities and its relationship with human society.

Easy Geography Research Paper Topics

Want to write your paper in just a couple of hours? Explore a curated list of accessible and easy geography research paper topics that will make your geography research paper writing a breeze:

The impact of climate change on coastal regions
Exploring the relationship between geography and tourism
Analyzing urbanization trends in developing countries
Investigating the effects of deforestation on biodiversity
Examining the role of geography in natural disaster management
Studying the cultural landscape of a specific region
Analyzing the geography of food production and distribution
Exploring the impact of transportation on urban development
Investigating the geography of renewable energy sources
Analyzing the spatial patterns of population growth
Studying the impact of globalization on local economies
Examining the geography of water resources and management

Human Geography Research Topics

Improve your chances of getting a top grade! Delve into the complex interplay between humans and their environment with this comprehensive list of human geography research topics:

Exploring the social implications of gentrification in urban areas
Analyzing the influence of gender on migration patterns
Investigating the impact of globalization on cultural identity
Examining the geography of poverty and social inequality
Studying the relationship between health and geographical location
Analyzing the spatial distribution of ethnic communities in cities
Investigating the geography of political power and governance
Exploring the role of geography in shaping human behavior
Analyzing the impacts of urban sprawl on communities
Studying the geography of education access and quality
Examining the spatial patterns of crime and its socio-economic factors
Investigating the geography of healthcare provision and disparities

Cultural Geography Research Topics

Interested in cultural geography? Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures and their geographical influences with this captivating list of cultural geography research topics:

Analyzing the cultural landscapes of indigenous communities
Exploring the impact of globalization on cultural diversity
Investigating the geography of language and its preservation
Examining the influence of religion on cultural landscapes
Studying the role of cultural heritage in tourism development
Analyzing the geography of cultural festivals and events
Investigating the spatial patterns of cultural diffusion
Exploring the impact of migration on cultural identities
Analyzing the geography of music and its regional variations
Investigating the role of food culture in shaping identities
Examining the spatial distribution of cultural institutions
Studying the geography of art and its impact on communities

Physical Geography Research Topics

Do you want to write about physical geography? Investigate the natural processes and phenomena shaping our planet through this collection of compelling physical geography research topics:

Analyzing the processes of coastal erosion and their impacts
Investigating the formation and characteristics of river systems
Examining the effects of climate change on glacial landscapes
Analyzing the spatial patterns of soil erosion and conservation
Investigating the biogeography of specific ecosystems
Exploring the impacts of climate on vegetation patterns
Analyzing the geography of water resources and hydrology
Investigating the formation and classification of landforms
Examining the spatial distribution of biodiversity hotspots
Studying the interactions between humans and the natural environment
Exploring the impacts of urbanization on natural landscapes

Geography Thesis Topics

Are you busy planning your thesis? Engage in an in-depth exploration of geographic concepts and theories with this thought-provoking list of geography thesis topics:

Investigating the geographical aspects of sustainable development
Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities
Exploring the role of geography in disaster risk reduction
Studying the geography of migration and refugee movements
Examining the relationship between urban planning and social equity
Analyzing the spatial patterns of energy consumption and renewable solutions
Exploring the geographical dimensions of political conflicts and peacebuilding
Investigating the role of geography in land use planning and conservation
Examining the impacts of globalization on local economies

Urban Geography Thesis Topics

Are you interested in writing about urban geography? Analyze the complexities of urban landscapes and urbanization processes with this curated selection of urban geography thesis topics:

Analyzing the effects of gentrification on urban neighborhoods
Investigating the role of urban design in creating sustainable cities
Examining the spatial patterns of urban sprawl and its consequences
Studying the geography of social segregation in urban areas
Analyzing the impacts of transportation systems on urban mobility
Investigating the relationship between urbanization and public health
Exploring the geography of informal settlements and slums
Analyzing the impacts of urban green spaces on quality of life
Investigating the geography of urban food systems and food security
Examining the role of technology in shaping smart cities
Studying the spatial distribution of cultural and recreational amenities in cities

PhD Research Topics In Geography

Expand the boundaries of geographical knowledge and contribute to the field with this diverse and stimulating list of PhD research topics in geography:

Analyzing the geography of environmental justice in urban areas
Investigating the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities
Examining the role of geography in disaster risk governance
Studying the spatial patterns of land use change in rapidly urbanizing regions
Analyzing the impacts of transportation infrastructure on accessibility and equity
Investigating the geographical dimensions of health inequalities
Exploring the relationship between globalization and urbanization processes
Analyzing the geography of political conflicts and territorial disputes
Investigating the impacts of natural resource extraction on local communities
Studying the spatial dynamics of international migration and its consequences
Exploring the geography of innovation and knowledge economies in cities

Captivating Research Topics In Geography

Looking for some captivating research topics in geography? Ignite curiosity and scholarly interest with this awesome collection of research topics that delve into various aspects of geography:

Investigating the geography of mega-cities and their challenges
Analyzing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal regions
Exploring the spatial patterns of cultural landscapes and heritage sites
Studying the geography of borderlands and transnational interactions
Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and environments
The role of geography in understanding human-environment interactions
Analyzing the spatial distribution of environmental pollution and its impacts
Exploring the geography of global food systems and agricultural practices
Investigating the impacts of natural disasters on urban resilience
Examining the role of geography in understanding urban inequalities
Studying the geography of geopolitical conflicts and their implications
Exploring the impacts of technological advancements on landscapes

Interesting Geography Research Topics

Discover a wide range of interesting geography research topics that will pique your professor’s curiosity and offer new insights into the world of geography:

Analyzing the impacts of climate change on glacier retreat and water resources
Investigating the geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
Examining the spatial patterns of urban heat islands and their mitigation strategies
Studying the impacts of land use change on biodiversity conservation
Investigating the role of geography in understanding cultural diversity
Exploring the geography of disease outbreaks and their spatial spread
Investigating the impacts of natural hazards on human vulnerability and resilience
Examining the spatial distribution of ecological corridors
Studying the geography of regional economic disparities and development strategies
Exploring the impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban accessibility
The role of geography in understanding weather patterns

Good Geography Research Topics For 2023

Looking for some current topics to write about? Choose from a list of good geography research topics for 2023 that showcase the relevance and significance of geography in today’s world:

Impacts of population growth on urban infrastructure and services in geography
Geography of water scarcity and its implications for communities
Spatial patterns of environmental conservation and protected areas in geography
Impacts of land degradation on agricultural productivity and food security
Geography of natural resource management and sustainable practices
Relationship between climate change and human migration patterns in geography
Spatial distribution of environmental justice and marginalized communities
Impacts of urbanization on water pollution and ecosystem degradation
Geography of renewable energy sources and their integration into the grid
Role of geography in understanding regional conflicts over natural resources
Impacts of deforestation on biodiversity loss and ecosystem services

Geography Topics For Research For College

Need some great geography topics for research for college? Explore a comprehensive list of geography research topics tailored for college-level studies, offering opportunities for critical analysis and exploration:

Impacts of transportation infrastructure on urban air quality in geography
Geography of urban gentrification and displacement
Spatial patterns of urban food waste and its environmental consequences
Impacts of tourism development on fragile ecosystems in geography
Geography of environmental migration and its social implications
Role of geography in understanding climate adaptation strategies
Spatial distribution of environmental inequalities and environmental racism
Impacts of land use change on water quality in agricultural regions
Geography of geopolitical conflicts and territorial disputes
Impacts of industrial pollution on urban health and well-being
Role of geography in understanding disaster preparedness

Interesting Geography Topics For High School

Get the most interesting geography topics for high school. Foster geographical curiosity and critical thinking skills with this intriguing list of essay topics designed specifically by our best dissertation service writers for high school students:

Analyzing the impacts of climate change on the polar regions
Investigating the geography of natural hazards
Examining the spatial distribution of endangered species
Studying the impacts of urbanization on wildlife habitat fragmentation
Exploring the geography of cultural diversity and multiculturalism in cities
Investigating the role of geography in understanding climate variability
Analyzing the spatial patterns of population distribution and density
Investigating the geography of international migration and refugee flows
Examining the impacts of tourism on local communities and cultures
Studying the geography of natural resources
Exploring the role of geography in understanding global inequality

Engaging Geographical Research Topics

Embark on a captivating journey of geographical exploration with this diverse collection of engaging geographical research topics, connecting people, places and the environment through insightful investigations:

Urban sprawl impacts on land use and ecosystem services in geography
Geography of renewable energy transition and its challenges
Spatial patterns of urban heat islands and impacts on residents
Impacts of climate change on coastal erosion and shoreline management
Geography of water scarcity and implications for human populations
Role of geography in understanding geopolitical conflicts and peacebuilding
Spatial distribution of environmental pollutants and health effects
Impacts of globalization on local economies and cultural landscapes
Geography of gender inequalities and spatial dimensions
Impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable communities and recovery
Role of geography in understanding migration dynamics and urbanization
Geography of political borders and their social and economic implications

Affordable Thesis Help You Can Rely On

When it comes to working on a geography research paper or a thesis for Master’s degree , our company is your trusted source for comprehensive writing help. Our team of expert writers consists of experienced professionals who specialize in geography, ensuring that you receive top marks for your school or class. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality and impressive custom written theses tailored to your specific requirements.

With our secure and fast online service, you can access thesis help that is not only affordable but available 24/7. Rest assured that your work will be handled by native English-speaking experts (ENL writers), guaranteeing exceptional quality and adherence to academic standards. Trust us for all your thesis needs and achieve academic success with ease.

Make sure to check our posts with other topics before you leave:

122 Best Ecology Topics To Sparkle Your Writing
195 Top Anthropology Topics For Great Thesis
170 Fantastic Astronomy Topics For High Scoring Tests

Why is choosing a great topic important when writing a geography essay?

Choosing a great topic ensures that your essay is engaging, relevant, and allows you to demonstrate your understanding of key geographical concepts while capturing the reader’s interest.

How can I choose a great topic for my geography essay?

To choose a great topic, consider current geographical issues, areas of personal interest and the availability of reliable sources. Additionally, ensure that the topic aligns with your essay’s objectives and requirements.

What are some strategies for narrowing down a geography essay topic?

To narrow down your topic, focus on specific geographical regions, phenomena, or concepts. Consider exploring the intersections between different aspects of geography, such as human and physical geography, to create a unique and well-rounded essay topic.

Can I get assistance in choosing a great topic for my geography essay?

Yes, you can seek guidance from your instructor, consult reputable academic resources or utilize online platforms that provide topic suggestions. Engaging in discussions with peers or experts in the field can also help generate ideas and refine your topic choice.

How to Write Geography Essay: Topics and Examples

Table of contents

1 What Is Geography Essay
2 Choosing a Topic
3 Research and Data Collection
4 Planning the Essay
5 Writing the Essay
6 Examples of Geography Essays
7 Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

Welcome to the dynamic world of geography essays, where understanding the Earth’s surface becomes an enlightening journey. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to writing a geography essay, starting with the crucial step of selecting a captivating topic. We’ll navigate through various popular topics, emphasizing the importance of effective research and data collection.

In this article, we’ll cover:

How to select engaging and relevant geography essay topics.
The importance of thorough research and effective data collection methods.
Strategies for planning and organizing your geography essay for clarity and impact.
Tips for writing a compelling geography essay, including structuring and presenting arguments.
Analyzing examples of successful geography essays to guide and inspire your work.

As we transition into the details, prepare to enhance your understanding and skills in geography essay writing.

What Is Geography Essay

As we delve into the essence of a geography essay, it’s important to understand that it meticulously examines Earth’s landscapes and human activities. Furthermore, it aims to analyze how these two aspects interact, focusing on spatial relationships and patterns. Transitioning into the specifics, such essays often delve into particular geographic issues, aiming to broaden our comprehension of the world.

Moreover, when writing a geography essay, one must include accurate geographical data. This data, encompassing maps, statistics, and case studies, is crucial for a well-grounded analysis. Consequently, the essay should present facts and interpret them, offering fresh insights into the discussed topic.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that an essay on geography stands out from others due to its unique subject matter approach. It demands a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the world’s physical and human dimensions. This requirement makes crafting such an essay a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor.

Lastly, the primary goal of a geography essay is to enlighten and inform. It persuades readers to view the world through a geographical lens, grasping the complex interplay between humans and their environment. This type of essay transcends mere academic exercise, serving as a means to foster a deeper appreciation for our world and its complex dynamics.

Choosing a Topic

The crucial point for a successful geography essay is selecting an engaging and appropriate topic. To choose a topic that resonates, consider current events, your interests, and the scope of your assignment. A good topic should captivate your interest and offer sufficient scope for in-depth study and analysis.

Popular geography essay topics often revolve around climate change , urban development, and cultural landscapes. These topics provide a rich ground for exploration and allow for diverse perspectives and interpretations. For example, a thematic essay on geography could focus on how urbanization affects local ecosystems or how cultural practices shape landscape use.

Analyzing the Direct Impact of Climate Change on the Amazon Rainforest’s Biodiversity
Urbanization in Mega Cities: Environmental Consequences and Sustainable Solutions
Wind and Solar Power: Pioneers of Sustainable Energy Landscape
Managing Water Scarcity in the Middle East: Strategies and Challenges
The Amazon Deforestation Crisis: Causes, Impacts, and Global Responses
Spatial Inequality: A Detailed Look at Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Dynamics of Population Growth and Overconsumption in Asia
Cultural Preservation of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon Basin
Earthquakes in Japan: Analyzing Causes, Effects, and Preparedness Strategies
Geography’s Role in the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
Implementing Sustainable Agricultural Practices in India for Food Security
The Kashmir Conflict: A Geopolitical Analysis of Border Disputes
The Growing Crisis of Climate Refugees in the Pacific Islands
The Importance of Urban Green Spaces in New York City’s Environmental Health
The Impact of Globalization on Maori Culture in New Zealand
Ecotourism in Costa Rica: Balancing Economic Benefits and Environmental Preservation
Addressing Ocean Plastic Pollution: Case Studies from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Nile River Conflict: Water Politics in a Changing Climate
Preventing Desertification in the Sahel: Strategies and International Cooperation
GIS in Disaster Management: Case Studies of Earthquake Response and Recovery
Measuring the Effects of Glacial Melting on Greenland’s Coastal Communities
Tracing the Economic Geography of the Silk Road in the 21st Century
The Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Beijing: Urban Policies and Challenges
Vulnerable Communities: Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Climate Change in Bangladesh
The New Face of Migration: Syrian Refugees and European Response
The Critical Role of Metropolitan Areas in Combating Global Warming
Saving Madagascar’s Rainforest: Conservation Strategies and Challenges
The Transition to Renewable Energy in Germany: A Model for the World?
Satellite Imagery in Land Use Changes: A Study of the Brazilian Amazon
Arctic Sovereignty: The Geopolitical Implications of Melting Ice Caps for Global Powers

To guide and inspire your topic selection, you can use geography essay examples. These examples showcase a range of topics and approaches, helping you understand what makes a topic both engaging and feasible for study. Remember, a well-chosen topic is the first step toward a compelling and insightful geography essay.

Research and Data Collection

To talk about thorough research, it is the backbone of any geography study, providing the factual and theoretical foundation to understand complex geographical phenomena. To explain why the study of geography is important, one must delve into diverse and reliable sources that offer insights into how geographical factors shape our world and affect our lives. This research underpins the type of geography being studied, whether physical, human, or environmental.

Collecting geographical data can be done through various methods. Firstly, fieldwork is essential, especially for physical geography, as it allows for the direct observation and measurement of geographical features and processes. For human geography, surveys and interviews can yield valuable data on human behaviors and social patterns. Moreover, a thorough literature review also helps understand existing research and theories, providing a critical context for new findings.

Furthermore, evaluating sources for their credibility and relevance is vital. This involves checking the qualifications of the authors, the rigor of their methodologies, and the recency of their findings. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed and come from reputable academic or scientific institutions. What is more, ensuring the credibility of sources strengthens the arguments made in a geography essay and enhances the overall understanding of the topic.

In summary, comprehensive research and careful data collection are fundamental in geography. They enable a deeper understanding of how geographical aspects shape our environment and lives, which is central to the discipline.

Planning the Essay

When you start planning a geography essay, it begins with creating an outline to organize thoughts and research. This step is crucial as it helps structure the essay logically, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Start by listing major points and supporting evidence. This framework guides the writing process and maintains focus on the chosen topic. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. Planning involves outlining the essay and crafting a compelling thesis. This process ensures the essay remains focused and coherent, addressing the chosen geography topic. By establishing a clear roadmap for the essay, writers can navigate their arguments and evidence with precision, avoiding common pitfalls such as digression or ambiguity. Now, with our plan in place, let’s transition to examining the structure more closely, exploring how to effectively organize our thoughts and research into a well-structured essay that engages and informs the reader.

Writing the Essay

When you finally start writing, a geographical essay involves several key steps, each demanding attention to detail and a balance between descriptive and analytical writing. This balance is crucial in creating an essay about geography that informs, engages, and persuades.

The introduction sets the stage. Start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, followed by background information that provides context to the topic. This section should conclude with a clear and concise thesis statement that guides the rest of the essay.

In the body, organize paragraphs thematically or chronologically , depending on the essay’s focus. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Following this, present your arguments and support them with geographical theories and data. This is where you incorporate detailed information from your research, including statistics, case studies, and examples. Make sure to explain how this data supports your arguments. A geography research paper demands precision in presenting data and clarity in its interpretation.

When discussing geographical theories, link them directly to your topic. This shows your understanding of the subject and how these theories apply to real-world scenarios. Remember, each paragraph should have a smooth transition to the next, maintaining a coherent flow of ideas.

In the conclusion, summarize the key points of your essay. Restate the thesis in light of the arguments and evidence presented. The conclusion should not introduce new information but encapsulate what the essay has covered. It’s also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the topic, suggesting potential areas for future research or implications of your findings.

Throughout the essay, maintain a balance between descriptive and analytical writing . Descriptive writing helps paint a picture for the reader, making the data and theories more relatable. Analytical writing, on the other hand, demonstrates your ability to think critically about the topic, evaluating and interpreting the information in a meaningful way.

Examples of Geography Essays

Diversity in style and approach marks the essence of geography writing. A popular method is the comparative approach, contrasting different geographical phenomena. This method often appears in works comparing landscapes or urban vs. rural areas. Another common technique is the case study, focusing on a specific location or event for in-depth analysis of a particular issue.

Thematic approaches cover broader topics like climate change, globalization, or human migration, weaving together various theories and data for a comprehensive view. Additionally, argumentative compositions present a thesis supported by geographical evidence, frequently seen in discussions about environmental policies or land use conflicts.

Each style offers unique insights, providing varied ways to explore and understand geographical concepts and issues. For an in-depth exploration and diverse perspectives on these topics, consider reviewing geography essay examples. This resource can enrich your understanding and offer a broad spectrum of approaches to geographical analysis, from case studies on environmental conservation to essays on urban development and spatial inequalities.

Geography Unveiled: Costa Rica’s Absolute Location Revealed
Geography Unveiled: Navigating Earth’s Spatial Tapestry through Five Themes
The Ever-Changing Canvas of New England Weather
The Mystique and Marvels of the Desert Biome
The Impact of Geography on the Development of Egypt

Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

This journey through the realm of geography reveals the field’s depth and complexity. From initial planning to diverse writing methods, the main insight stands out: geography compositions are more than maps and data; they are about comprehending our world’s rich tapestry. They balance descriptive narrative and critical analysis, backed by meticulous research and credible sources.

Whether exploring climate change impacts, urban developments, or cultural landscapes, these works offer a lens to see and understand the world anew. They prompt critical thinking about our environment and our place in it. Navigating various geographic topics brings not just academic insights but also life lessons in appreciating our world’s complexity and beauty.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

250 Geography Essay Topics & Geology Writing Ideas

The Earth is a complex system. To understand it, geologists examine the lithosphere and its layers. They trace our planet’s history by using physical and chemical methods.

At the same time, geographers observe environmental patterns. They also focus on the interaction between humans and nature. Keep reading to find out more about these disciplines and choose a paper topic.

In this article by custom writing experts, you’ll find good ideas for a paper on physical, economic, world, and human geography, and geology essay topics as a bonus. We hope that the topics from our collection will help you to write an interesting argumentative essay, thesis, or dissertation. They will also be suitable for a presentation on geography.

🔝 Top 10 Topics
✅ Geology & Geography Research Areas
🌍 World Geography Topics
🧑🗺️ Human Geography
🏞️ Cultural Geography
✈️ Movement Topics
🏛️ Places & Locations
🌱🌎 Ecological Geography
🌐 Global Interdependence
🌋 Geology Topics

🔝 Top 10 Geography Essay Topics

History of hydrology
Different types of geodesy
Geomorphology vs. geology
The goals of landscape ecology
How does geography affect culture?
The environmental impact of tourism
What impact do humans have on the coast?
What geographic factors affect biodiversity?
Benno Werlen’s contribution to social geography
The difference between climatology and meteorology

✅ Geology & Geography Research Areas

Geology is a science that analyzes the Earth. It uncovers our planet’s history as well as its properties. Some of its applications include:

Preparing for natural disasters.
Searching for and extracting oil and other fossil fuels.
Finding metal and gems as well as sources for groundwater.
Helping constructors avoid high-risk tectonic plate areas.
Examining other terrestrial bodies.

Now, what about geography? Simply put, it’s the study of the Earth’s physical features. It is also concerned with the impact humans have on the environment.

Geography can be divided into five themes. These are location , place , human-environment interaction , movement , and regions . Let’s take a closer look:

Location Any geographical feature has coordinates. They can be found on a map. You can also define a location relative to another one. For example, the Pyrenees divide France and Spain .
Place Places tell us what we find in a particular area. They incorporate physical as well as human characteristics. These features vary and distinguish one place from another.
Human-Environment Relations The dynamic relationship between people and their surroundings affect our planet’s geography.
Movement Humans generate movement by way of travel, interaction, and communication. It can also be created by physical processes, such as currents or plate tectonics.
Regions Regions such as countries can have clear borders. They can also gradually merge into something else, like deserts. Natural and social factors define regional boundaries.

That being said, these five themes don’t represent a clear cut distinction. Nonetheless, they give you a great outline of possible subjects. Keep in mind that they are all interconnected! And with this basic knowledge, we can now move on to our diverse topics.

🌍 World Geography Essay Topics

Geographical topics don’t have to be limited to your own country. From the Antarctic to the Caribbean, world geography covers the entire globe. With this section, you can choose to write about any region:

Will California ever fall into the ocean?
Why is Canada’s landscape so diverse?
Describe the geography of Liechtenstein.
Say what distinguishes the world’s highest mountain peaks.
How does Indonesia’s volcanic activity affect the country?
Find differences between the polar regions.
Why are there no deserts in Europe?
Compare the various climate zones in Russia.
What does Polynesia look like?
How does the Sahara Desert influence the African climate?
Explain the peculiarities of the Bermuda Triangle.
Which countries border the Mediterranean Sea?
Describe the climate in Chad.
Compare the agriculture in the state of Georgia and Georgia, the country.
What does Iceland’s landscape look like?
Analyze what influences Norway’s vegetation.
Why are there no rivers in Saudi Arabia?
Investigate how wind turbines impact Germany’s environment.
What makes Hawaii geographically unique?
Examine the type of flora found in Greece .

Eratosthenes and Strabo are considered the fathers of geography.

What is winter like in Chile?
Why does Greenland have so much snow?
Describe the agriculture in Madagascar.
Explain the geographical features of Socotra Island.
How does the South China Sea influence Vietnam’s landscape?
What are the Paracel Islands?
Write about animals that are native to Paraguay.
Discuss Mexico’s distinctive geographical features.
Why is fishing so popular in Japan ?
How did the Scottish Highlands form?

🧑🗺️ Human Geography Essay Questions

Human geography is a multidimensional field. It consists of cultural, political, and historical studies. They all examine people’s interactions with each other and their environment. In doing so, they use geographical concepts of space, scale, and mobility.

Cyprus is governed by both Turkey and Greece. How does it affect the country?
Examine the role of humans in animal extinction.
What does the Nigerian economic landscape look like?
Describe the most pressing issues related to Libya’s social geography.
How did French voting patterns change over time?
What currently drives the economic change in the US?
Compare Chinese and Lebanese markets.
Explain how nations determine their borders.
What determines the norms of social behavior in public spaces?
Explore the link between poor education and crime.
Identify factors that cause a nation’s demographic to change.
Compare the distribution of religious groups in urban vs. rural areas.
What does the social fabric in your community consist of?
Trace how the Spanish Flu spread over the world.
Examine the consequences of urbanization .
How did humans adapt to sweltering weather?
Describe how people live in the world’s coldest regions.
What makes a place exceptionally livable?
How do human actions impact the occurrence of natural disasters ?
Explain how the 2010 volcano eruption influenced Europe’s economy.
What are the problems related to overpopulation ?
Compare the different types of Australian agriculture.
How did the settlement pattern in Asia change over time?
In what ways has humanity affected the environment so far?
What are the typical problems of rural areas?

Explain the concept of the Last Frontier.
Determine the legacy of Manifest Destiny.
How did positivism influence human geography?
What did Herodotus say about the forming of the Nile River delta?
Prove that we need geography to understand history.

🏞️ Cultural Geography Paper Topics

How is culture linked to a particular place? That’s the central question of cultural geography. It also studies how we build identities and communicate knowledge. Have a look at our list to gain deeper insight into the topic:

Compare how cultures differ in German-speaking countries.
What is the connection between food and geography?
What does the term “cultural turn” mean?
How do geographical features influence cultural development?
Explain how your home country shapes your identity.
Discover how the invention of the wheel changed societies.
Explore how cultural techniques vary from country to country.
According to Walter Benjamin , how did technology change the way we see art?
Describe the most remarkable societal change in your community.
What does gentrification mean?
Discuss the relevance of multilingualism in the globalized world.
How does culture evolve in remote places, such as Amazon?
Identify the impact colonialism had on African religion.
What were the cultural reasons for the Nigeria-Biafra war?
How does a country’s landscape influence architecture?
Find examples of cultures crossing each other’s boundaries.
What are the reasons for the rise of nationalism in 20th century Europe?
Explore the connection between landscape and politics across Africa.
Compare various ways to communicate knowledge.
What are the goals of feminist geography?
Why do we need cultural diversity ?
How did Guinea’s culture change after the French colonization?
Examine how tourism affects culture.
How are traditions established?
Find a connection between nations and their music.
Define the term “sense of place.”
How did post-structuralism influence the study of geography?
Discuss how the internet shaped our idea of a community.
Where does cultural geography originate from?
Analyze how a matriarchal society works.

✈️ Geography Essay Topics about Movement

Everyone knows that we humans move a lot. Movement, however, is not only about the way people travel. Immaterial objects such as services and ideas are also parts of the equation. Below, we have collected 30 exciting subjects for your essay:

Describe the advantages of the Metropa project.
How can we make freight transportation more environmentally friendly?
What influences your travel behavior?
Evaluate public transportation in the US.
What causes people to migrate?

Compare Columbus’ journeys with those of James Cook.
How did geographical explorations change over time?
Analyze the recent changes in forced displacement on a global scope.
What are the different types of tectonic movement?
How do volcanoes form new islands?
Trace the route traveled by Amerigo Vespucci.
How do countries plan their transport networks?
What causes hurricanes ?
Give examples of everyday movement.
What are the consequences of landslides?
How does the moon cause tides?
Talk about the advantages of being a nomad.
Explain the causes of coastal erosion.
How can we predict earthquakes?
Analyze the gravity model of trade.
What does the central place theory state?
How do beaches lose sand?
What factors made humans start to settle?
Describe the historical importance of mercantilism.
Compare the life of a Bedouin with that of a modern-day digital nomad.
Give examples of energy induced movements.
Explain the term “Information Revolution.”
How do tsunamis form?
Trace the history of telecommunication.
Describe how news spread.

🏛️ Geography Paper Topics on Places & Locations

You know by now that places and locations are not the same. Locations simply tell us where something is. At the same time, places incorporate various elements, such as climate and soil. Furthermore, while a location is fixed, a place can change over time. Technological or cultural factors influence such transformations.

How did the Niagara Falls form?
Describe the types of deserts.
Explore the origins of the Chara Sands.
What would happen if the Great Barrier Reef vanishes?
Compare the soil in the Kalahari and the Mojave Desert.
Explain what causes climate variations.
What is the Rift Valley?
How does the Gulf Stream influence the climate in various countries?
Discuss the importance of the Panama Canal.
Define an archipelago.
What is Stonehenge’s location?
Compare the San Andreas Fault and the Ring of Fire.
What are the main types of topography?
Trace the history of the Alsace region in France.
Explain the difference between location, locale, locality, and place.
What influences climate in the US?
Define the term “evapotranspiration.”
What information do you get when you examine soil?
Why are historical sites important?
How does the location of a city influence its vegetation?
Explain the water cycle .
Compare different types of maps.
Why can two cities at the same latitude have different climates?
What happens to an ecosystem if its soil gets polluted?
How do rivers shape landscapes?
What are the long-term effects of deforestation ?
Explain why some places are more densely populated than others.
Find various ways to define a location.
Why do maps made in different countries look unlike each other?
Analyze the importance of solstices.

🌱🌎 Ecology-Related Geography Paper Topics

Geography is a highly interdisciplinary science. No wonder ecology found its way in! Ecology-related geography examines how water and atmosphere influence biodiversity. This way, we can better manage our natural resources.

What would happen if all the glaciers melt ?
Why should we protect the rainforest?
Explain the term “desertification.”
Describe the consequences of major oil spills in the ocean.
How do rising water temperatures affect marine life?
Find the causes of acid rain.
How do ecosystems work?
How does fracking impact the environment?
Is there a way to eradicate hunger?
What are the different types of estuaries?
Examine the causes of the Cape Town water crisis.
Why do corals go extinct?
Explain how animals regulate their populations.
How does altitude impact soil?
Illustrate how wetlands form.

Compare the five main types of biomes.
Find out how mountain regions develop.
Describe how biogeochemical cycles work.
Why do we need biodiversity?
Compare the different forms of fossil fuels.
How does soil pollution affect human health?
Is growing soy problematic?
What are the benefits of cultured meat?
How does burning fossil fuels harm the environment?
What are the adverse effects of ozone depletion ?
Examine the relationships organisms form with their environment.
How do population dynamics work?
Why does the planet need insects?
How do spiders contribute to an ecosystem?
What is ecotourism?

🌐 Geography Essay Topics on Global Interdependence

Due to globalization, the world is entangled in a net of relationships. Countries share markets and build customs unions. Nations need gas and copper. Not only that, but they also require innovative technologies from all over the world. Below, you’ll find 30 compelling prompts on global interdependence for your project:

What factors can discourage trade between two nations?
Describe what connects countries around the world.
What are the major exporting countries?
Examine the effects of international trade on Britain’s economy.
What makes a country poor?
Why do nations import goods they don’t need?
Explain the importance of gold throughout history.
Analyze the controversies surrounding TTIP.
What were the benefits of NAFTA?
How did the Trump administration impact international trade?
Investigate how the European market reacted to Brexit.
Discuss the adverse effects of globalization .
Why do many companies choose to outsource?
What would happen if all countries opened their borders to everyone?
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect freedom of travel?
Explain hinterland connectivity.
What makes some countries more advanced than others?
Examine the current trade situation between the US and China.
What are America’s most prominent exports?
Why is it essential to produce ideas?
Investigate the difference between a customs union and a free trade area.
How does a country benefit from immigrant workers?
Explain the dependency theory .
What are the adverse effects of foreign aid?
Why do some countries specialize in producing particular goods?
Where do precious metals come from?
Is global interdependence harmful?
Prove the importance of innovation.
Why are some countries so reliant on tourism ?
What makes Nord Stream 2 problematic?

🌋 Geology Essay Topics

We have finally figured out the origins of the Earth. Now, a new challenge for geologists has emerged: uncovering the secrets of space. Examining extraterrestrial bodies is a popular field in modern-day geosciences. The following list contains unique ideas to start your research:

Where does all the oil come from?
What does the Earth’s crust consist of?
Describe the principles of stratigraphy.
Explore the milestones in the history of geology.
Where can you find gemstones ?
How can you mine coal?
Explain what is required to determine a planet’s age.
Describe the theory of Continental Drift.
What is acid rock drainage?
Who was Louis Agassiz, and what is his legacy?
Investigate why ice ages occur.
What are fossil trackways?
Why do we need geochronology?
Examine how lava fields form.
What are the different types of rock?
Investigate Steno’s Law of Original Horizontality.
What is the geoid?
How can you measure the Earth’s gravitational field?
Explain how moons form.
Describe Venus’ geology.
What is lava?
What causes organic remains to turn into coal?
How do caves form?
What is metamorphic petrology?
Why is quaternary geology necessary?
Examine why volcanoes go dormant.
What can we learn from fossilized plants?
Find effective ways to conserve groundwater.
What are the characteristics of a coastal floodplain?
Describe methods that determine how a landscape might have looked in the past.

We hope that this information was helpful. Good luck with your essay writing!

🔍 References

An Elaboration of the Fundamental Themes in Geography: Social Studies
The Five Themes in Geography: World Atlas
Geology: Environmental Science
World Regional Geography: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Cultural Geography—Human Geography: Dartmouth College
Location: National Geographic
Ecology and Geography: Research Gate
What Does a Geologist Do?: Geology.com
Global Interdependence: Nebraska.gov
Planetary Geology: Encyclopedia.com
Why Study Geology?: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Share to Facebook
Share to LinkedIn
Share to email

$260 Interesting Math Topics for Essays & Research Papers$

Mathematics is the science of numbers and shapes. Writing about it can give you a fresh perspective and help to clarify difficult concepts. You can even use mathematical writing as a tool in problem-solving. In this article, you will find plenty of interesting math topics. Besides, you will learn about...

220 Cause and Effect Essay Topics: Fun & Interesting

Cause and effect essays examine how an event happened and what consequences it had. Gaining weight after eating lots of fast food is an example of a cause-and-effect relationship. Possible topics cover a variety of subjects ranging from mental health to history and politics. This article gives you an outline...

160 Excellent Analysis Essay Topics & Questions

An analysis essay aims to break down the subject in order to understand it. You can choose to analyze a text, a process, or an idea. This article will help you write a great essay! Selecting an interesting topic makes writing a lot easier. We’ve prepared a list of excellent...

Everybody knows that being healthy requires effort. We should exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet. However, the reward is worth it. A healthy lifestyle prevents chronic illnesses and leads to better body performance. Besides, if you improve your physical well-being, your mental health will strengthen as well! In this...

180 Ethics Topics & Ethical Questions to Debate

Our code of ethics is derived from what we think is right or wrong. On top of that, we have to agree to the moral standards established by the society we live in. Conventional norms generally label theft, murder, or harassment as bad. However, there are many influences that impact...

457 Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips

A definition explains the meaning of a term or a concept. In a dictionary, you’ll find a definition in a single sentence. A definition paper, however, encompasses several paragraphs. Such an essay, amongst other things, can include personal experience and examples. To write a successful definition paper, you need to...

270 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips

As simple as it is, the purpose of the descriptive essay is to explain or portray its subject. It can focus on any topic or issue you want to write about. Be sure that any middle school, high school, or college student can manage this type of creative writing assignment!...

Rhetorical analysis essay focuses on assessing the method used for delivering a message. This assignment isn’t about giving an opinion on the topic. The purpose is to analyze how the author presents the argument and whether or not they succeeded. Keep reading to find out more strategies and prompts for...

164 Narrative Essay Topics for School & College Students

A narrative essay tells a story about a series of events. At the core of this kind of essay can be a personal experience or a fictional plot. Any story can be a basis for a narrative essay! Narratives can look similar to descriptions. Still, they are different. A descriptive...

242 Process Analysis Essay Topics for High School & College

Similar to the instructions in a recipe book, process essays convey information in a step-by-step format. In this type of paper, you follow a structured chronological process. You can also call it a how-to essay. A closely related type is a process analysis essay. Here you have to carefully consider...

150 Classification Essay Topics and Ideas

In a classification essay, you divide the subject into categories. To create these categories, you single out certain attributes of things. You can classify them according to their characteristics, themes, or traits. Sounds complicated? Be sure that any high school or college student can manage this type of essay!

275 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics for College Students

Throughout your high school years, you are likely to write many evaluative papers. In an evaluation essay you aim is to justify your point of view through evidence.

Customer Reviews
Extended Essays
IB Internal Assessment
Theory of Knowledge
Literature Review
Dissertations
Essay Writing
Research Writing
Assignment Help
Capstone Projects
College Application
Online Class

Geography Essay Topics: 30+ Interesting Ideas to Explore

by Antony W

June 9, 2024

Brainstorming is a good technique to find good Geography essay topics. Only that it can take an entire afternoon to a few days to build your list of ideas. An easy way is to check pre-written topics and ideas, which is a great option to speed up the ideation process.

When it comes to topic selection, we strongly advice that you choose something that fascinates you. That’s because it’s easy to research and write about something you find interesting than otherwise. Then, you have to ensure you work on the topic based on the assignment brief.

It’s as simple as that.

Key Takeaways

Don’t overthink topic selection. Identify what area would be interesting to explore, and focus on it.
Put yourself in the shoes of your instructor, as this is a good technique for topic selection.
Ensure you read the assignment brief to determine which essay your professor expects to see, and then write the essay accordingly.

Best Geography Essay Topics

Don’t worry if you have no idea what topic to cover. Below are 30+ ideas that can save you some brainstorming time and get you straight to research and writing:

Human Geography Topics

Human Geography is a broad field with so many potential areas to explore. Therefore, your topic can be just about anything, from cultural and political to human and historical studies. Your overall focus will be on how human beings interact with each other and to the environment around them. Below are some topic ideas to consider:

Impacts of environmental shifts on critical resources
Exploring escalating consumption patterns and their environmental ramifications
Formation of modern continents: a contemporary Geo Scientific perspective
Preparedness and response strategies for natural disasters
Adaptation of agriculture to dynamic weather patterns
A critical examination of milk and meat production in the United States
Energy resources landscape in the United States
Land fertility amidst climate change
Urban development’s impact on natural resource dynamics

Geography Extended Essay Topics

The Geography extended essay is an assignment that requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. You then have to write a 4,000-word report on your finding, followed by three reflections to show your engagement and commitment to the research. Here are some ideas worth investigating:

Examine the drivers and outcomes of food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa
Climate change impact on small island developing states
A socio-cultural evaluation of the globalization’s effects on indigenous communities:
Cultural and environmental implications of Tourism in Machu Picchu, Peru
Climate change’s toll on vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh
Environmental, economic, and social impacts of large-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa:
An evaluation of international efforts addressing water scarcity in the Middle East
Natural resources and Middle Eastern economies
Societal, economic, and environmental analysis of the mega dams in developing nations:
Transnational corporations’ influence on global food systems
Assessing disaster risk reduction strategies in earthquake and hurricane prone regions
The formation and model selection of the Lower Thamama group geology in the UAW
Sustainable urban planning challenges and opportunities in emerging economies
Socio-economic and environmental analysis of the hydropower development in the Mekong river basin
Causes and consequences of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest
Urbanization’s impact on water resources and ecosystems in Asia’s growing cities
Geopolitical implications of china’s belt and road initiative on global trade
Effectiveness assessment of international agreements in combating global climate change

Free Features

Need help to complete and ace your paper? Order our writing service.

Get all academic paper features for $65.77 FREE

World Geography Essay Topics

Many students think only of their own country when searching for topics related to Geography. However, you can make your essay more interesting by writing on a topic that focuses on a different country. It can be a country you dream visiting or a country with a rich geographical history. Here are some topic options to consider:

What is the probability of California’s seismic future?
Canada’s ecological mosaic: Unraveling the landscape’s diversity
Geographical insights into Liechtenstein
Explaining the distinctive characteristics of the world’s highest peaks
The impacts and implications of Indonesia’s volcanic landscape
A comparative analysis of the differences in Polar Regions
An in-depth comparative study of Russia’s diverse climate zones:
An exploratory study of the Sahara desert’s climatic influence on Africa
Deciphering the enigma of the Bermuda triangle and its geographic peculiarities
Impact of wind turbines on Germany’s environmental dynamics

Cultural Geography Topics

Your essay will focus on the relationship between culture and a given place. Your essay may also focus on the way humans build identity and communicate knowledge. Here are some great topics to consider:

Conceptualizing ‘sense of place’ and defining its theoretical dimensions
Essence of cultural diversity: Examine its necessity and societal importance
A geographical insight on landscape’s influence on architectural evolution
The interplays and evolution of geographical features and cultural development
Case study of the Amazon with focus on the cultural evolution in remote environments
The wheel’s societal impact: Revolutionizing ancient civilizations
Redefining social bonds with internet and community perceptions
Societal transformation: What are the noteworthy changes in local communities?
Do a comparative analysis of the diverse communication modalities
Variations in cultural techniques across global territories
Relevance and societal implications of multilingualism in a global context
Nationality and music: Is there a cultural connection between the two?
Explaining the historical and theoretical context of ‘cultural turn’ concept from an academic perspective
Historical evolution and significance of cultural geography
French colonization’s impact on guinea’s cultural fabric
Walter Benjamin’s insights: Technology’s impact on art perception
Exploration of matriarchal societies: Structural dynamics and functionality
Colonialism’s influence on African religious practices
Post-structuralism’s influence on geographic studies
Feminist geography’s objectives and contributions
Cross-cultural encounters: Instances of intersecting boundaries in Geography
Cultural variance in German-speaking nations: comparative analysis
The root causes and evolution of nationalism’s emergence in 20th century Europe
Landscape-politics in African contexts

Don’t wait for the last minute. Hire a writer today.

$4.99 Title page

$10.91 Formatting

$3.99 Outline

$21.99 Revisions

Get all these features for $65.77 FREE

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

Study Skills

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

What should I do before attempting an A Level Geography 20-mark essay question?

Should i plan an a level geography 20-mark essay, how should i structure an a level geography 20-mark essay.

As we run up to exam season, many of you will now be completing your NEAs (non-examined assessment) and exam content, and starting to focus on exam technique. You may be thinking about how you will tackle the dreaded 20-mark essay questions . Essay questions are very much like marmite for students. Some love them as they get the chance to explore key geographic theories and showcase their knowledge and understanding, which may not be possible in lower-stakes questions. However, others may struggle to formulate their geographic ideas or structure them in a way that makes a convincing argument.

In my experience, all A Level geography students must be systematic and structured in the way they write their long-form answers. This approach ensures that students cover all the necessary content while also demonstrating the geographic skills that examiners are assessing.

Examiners use both AO1 and AO2 to evaluate students in essay questions. AO1 requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at various scales. AO2 deals with the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse, and evaluate geographical information and issues. The strongest students can produce answers that balance the two aspects in their responses. If you weigh your answers too far toward knowledge recall and simply state facts, figures, and case study knowledge without doing anything with the knowledge (this is where command words are essential), you will not be able to achieve the highest levels described in the level descriptors.

Before you attempt essay questions, I suggest you take a look at the mark schemes for some past paper questions. It is important to focus on the level descriptors as these are what the examiners will use to assess your answers. Pay attention to the language they use to describe what they are looking for, and when you start your attempts, consider whether your language and writing style match the descriptors. The exam board mark schemes are available on the PMT A Level Geography past papers webpage .

Another place to look before attempting essay questions is the assessed sample answers produced by the exam boards (e.g. AQA Paper 1 Hazards Example Responses ). These are available on the exam board websites and show a range of pupil responses to exam questions. They come with a helpful commentary that explains how the pupils gained marks, highlights the importance of a well-structured response, and provides insight into what examiners are looking for when assessing your answers.

Where to start – command words

As mentioned above, it is very important for students to be systematic in their approach to answering 20 markers. The first thing students need to understand is the command word . Without knowledge of what the command word means and what it is asking you to do, you will not be able to fully engage with the question. To find out the meaning of different command words , you should visit your exam board’s website and look in the specification.

Essay questions tend to use the command words “to what extent” or “assess” . According to AQA, if the question includes the “to what extent” command word, you should “Consider several options, ideas or arguments and come to a conclusion about their importance/success/worth”. On the other hand, if it is an “assess” question, you should “use evidence to weigh up the options to determine the relative significance of something. Give balanced consideration to all factors and identify which are the most important.”

BUG the question

Command words can help guide you in how to structure your answers and the skills you need to exhibit. During KS3 and KS4, you may have been told to BUG the question, where B stands for box the command work , U for underline key terms , and G for glance back at the question .

I would encourage all A Level students to continue to use this strategy, even for longer essay questions. It will help ensure that you are answering the question you are being asked, rather than the question you wish you were being asked.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

It is crucial for all students to plan their essay writing before they start answering a question. An essay question requires you to write for a sustained period, and if you don’t have a clear plan for what you’re going to write, you may lose focus on your points and arguments and not fully answer the question.

I suggest that all A Level students write a brief plan before attempting the question . This plan should outline the introduction, including key terms to define and any case studies to introduce, the main argument in each of your paragraphs, and finally, the contents of your conclusion. Spending just five minutes on this will save you time in the long run and help keep you on track to answering the question fully.

Students in uniform sitting an exam in the school hall.

A good structure is key to success in essay writing. A clear structure enables you to answer the question coherently and reduces the chance that you will lose the key focus of your points. All of the exam boards recommend following the structure outlined below:

Introduction

Main body of the answer (three to four key arguments)

In academia, this is sometimes known as the hourglass essay . An hourglass essay starts with a big idea, narrows down to a specific question, and then widens back out to explain why that specific question is important in the grand scheme of things.

The introduction of your essay should account for approximately 10% of the total essay length , and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to impress the examiner. Your essay introduction should give a broad view of the essay themes and provide a definition of the key terms that you have underlined in your question. It is also the place to introduce a case study location . A strong start to your essay is crucial as it demonstrates to the examiner that you have a clear understanding of the geographic content you’ve been studying.

Once you have written your introduction, you can then get on to answering the questions. While the introduction mainly covers AO1 (knowledge and understanding of geography), the main body of your answer should cover both AO1 and AO2 (analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding).

As before, the way you structure the main body of your answer is very important, and you must form your points clearly and coherently. During my teaching and tutoring, I have seen many ways of forming these arguments/points, but the two most effective methods I have seen are using PEEL or PEACE paragraphs .

E xplanation
A pplication

Teacher teaching creating writing skills.

Everyone is different, and everyone has their unique writing style. My advice to all A Level students is to try both methods when beginning to tackle essay questions and determine which one works best for you. I would also recommend completing PEEL/PEACE paragraphs and asking for feedback from your teacher or tutor.

The main body of the essay should consist of three to four arguments that cover the views for the specific question. Those who can link back to the question but also between their paragraphs will have the best chance of performing well in their essay questions.

After completing the main body, you now need to finish your essay with a conclusion. Just like the introduction, this should be roughly 10% of the total essay length . The main aim of the conclusion is to bring your essay to a close and essentially answer the question you have been asked. In the conclusion, you should summarise your argument and avoid introducing any new information . It is simply a chance to express your own thoughts and opinions while bringing your essay to a close.

The quality of a conclusion is often a key indicator of the overall quality of an essay. Although it is a short section of the whole piece of writing, it provides a platform to showcase several important geographic skills such as analysis, summarising, and creating synoptic links .

Overall, it is very important that you give yourself enough time to complete your essay questions during your examinations and that you follow the structures discussed above. If you follow these guidelines, you will see an improvement in the quality of your essay responses.

If you’re in Year 13 and in need of additional help, PMT Education runs Geography A Level Easter Crash Courses for AQA and Edexcel . Whether you need support with exam technique or want to revise key sections of the syllabus with the help of an experienced tutor, these courses will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in your summer exams.

Dave is a qualified teacher with 10 years of experience teaching GCSE and A Level Geography. He has worked as an assistant faculty leader for Humanities and a professional mentor for new and trainee teachers. He has also been involved with the supervision and guidance of NEAs. Dave currently works in higher education and trains geography teachers across the North West of England. He is also a tutor at PMT Education , with experience running highly successful geography courses .

Oxford PAT 2024: 3 key changes

Prepare for the Oxford PAT 2024 with our detailed guide covering the latest changes in format, location, and administration. Learn about the new multiple-choice structure, online exam platform, and what to expect at Pearson VUE test centres. Get ready to tackle the PAT with confidence!

Oxford PAT: Syllabus, exam tips, and calculator guide

Get ready to ace the Oxford PAT with our complete guide. From understanding the syllabus to mastering the digital exam format, we’ve got all the tips and resources you need. Boost your confidence and tackle the PAT with expert advice and strategic insights from an Oxford graduate and experienced PAT tutor!

Surviving A Level Results Day: A guide for students

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about A Level Results Day, from understanding your UCAS status to exploring the various options available to you. Whether you've secured your university place or need to consider alternatives, this article offers valuable insights to help you navigate Results Day with confidence.

Search by Topic

Behaviour (1)
Diversity (1)
Finances (4)
Inspection and Observation (2)
Leadership (1)
Pedagogy (14)
Planning and Organisation (3)
Post-16 Options (7)
Revision and Exams (13)
Science Teaching (3)
SEND Teaching (2)
Study Skills (10)
Tuition (9)
University (12)
Wellbeing (13)

Join our community.

Our ambition is to guide students from secondary school into their adult life.

Uni Admissions
Bursary Scheme
For Schools
Revision Resources
Computer Science
Find a Tutor
How it Works
Teacher Resources
Information
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Safeguarding Policies

Paper writing help
Buy an Essay
Pay for essay
Buy Research Paper
Write My Research Paper
Research Paper Help
Custom Research Paper
Custom Dissertation
Dissertation Help
Buy Dissertation
Dissertation Writer
Write my Dissertation
How it works

The Best 130 Topics for a in

Writing essays is an inevitable part of most educational processes, where geography research papers continue to be one of the most common assignments for thousands of students. However, choosing fresh and up-to-date geographical ideas, concepts, and topics often appears to be a real challenge for lots of learners. Fortunately, you can forget spending hours picking up a topic for your paper and discover the most effective ways to grab a brilliant idea for your essay. In this post, you will find out the hottest prompts for composing this type of essay and strike with the best geographical research concepts and topics for your academic paper.

How To Choose A Geography Research Essay Topic

When it comes to creating an essay, many learners are feeling lost in hundreds of ideas for composing an academic paper. Discover the list of the most common approaches for choosing the topic for your assignment.

Pick up a topic offered by the professor. First of all, it is necessary to investigate all of your learning materials. In many cases, you will find a list of suggested subjects and topics in your textbook, guide, or tutorial. This is one of the easiest ways to come up with a winning geography research academic paper.
Put forward your own idea. This option is good for students who have deep knowledge in a certain subject, as well as for those who perfectly understand the main problems and challenges in a particular area. In case you are one of these learners, feel free to choose an innovative topic on your own.
Grab an idea from a list of predesigned essay topics. This is the most common way of creating academic papers that is widely popular among thousands of students. The only thing you need in this case is to select one of the most fitting topics from the list of predesigned essay topics.

General Geography Topics

The general topics often appear to be top choices for students with basic knowledge of geography. The fact is that these topics cover a wide number of basic concepts and tendencies any learner should know. For example, you can write about creating maps, ecosystems, environmental problems, and main trends in geography.

Geography: Basic Facts And Concepts
Careers In Geography
Introduction To Creating Maps
The Disciplines Connected To Geography
Evolution Of Geography As A Discipline
Innovation In Geography
Geography: Methods Of Learning The Discipline
Best Applications To Learn Geography
Information Technology In Geography
Geography And Geology
Geography And Biology: The Common Methods To Study
Ecosystems In Geography
Using Satellites In Geography
The Future Of Geography
Maps And Their Role In Learning Geography
Environmental Problems To Be Solved In The Nearest Future
Top Facts About An Environment
Modern Trends In Geography
How To Become An Expert In Geography
Data Analysis In Geography
Charts And Contours In Geography
Types Of Projection In Geography
Symbolization Issue In Geography

Geographic Research Topics: Analytical Cartography

There is nothing new that cartography continues to be one of the most important fields of study related to geography. This means creating an essay on cartography, its schemas, diagrams, symbols, and technologies is always a good idea.

The Introduction To Cartography
Cartography: Basic Facts And Concepts
The Modern Problems Of Cartography
How To Learn Cartography Effectively
The Common Trends In Modern Cartography
Using Modern Technologies In Cartography
Ways To Create Whether Maps
The Meaning Of Cartographic Symbols
The Challenges Of Fieldwork
Maps: The Modern Classification
Origin Of Cartography
Diagrams And Schemas In Cartography
Graticules: The Introduction
Cartography: How To Create Reports
The Basic Mapping Technologies
Mapping Various Types Of Data

Geography Topics For Research: Ocean, Seas, And Rivers

Oceanography, as well as the studies about seas and rivers, are among the most interesting topics for creating academic papers. Explore the wildlife of the oceans, learn more about desalination issues and global warming when composing an essay on these topics.

The Introduction To Oceanography
The Problems Of River Pollution
Wildlife Of Seas And Rivers
The Recent Changes In Oceanography
Biological And Physical Oceanography: The Differences
Underwater Volcanoes And Their Impact
Life In The Oceans
Top Desalination Issues
Ways Of Desalination
The Future Of Demineralizing
Seawater: The Main Features And Properties
Coral Reefs And The Problem Of Extinction
Global Warming And Ocean Life
Circulation Of Water On Earth
Modern Ways To Explore The Ocean
Climatic Classifications
The Role Of Salt And Sweet-water
Food Chains In Geography

Economic Geography Essay Topics

When creating a paper on economic geography, you will need to do deep research on a chosen topic. Feel free to write about different types of resources, deforestation, biodiversity, and other areas to get the best scores in the class.

The Problem Of Shortage Of Natural Resources
The Age Of Electricity: Its Impact On The Environment
The Basic Features Of Economic Geography
Ways To Learn Economic Geography
Main Classifications Of Natural Resources
Human Resources In Geography
Deforestation And Its Global Impact
Types Of Agriculture
Soil Resources
Mineral Resources
Forest Resources
How To Use The Resources In The Most Effective Way
Trade And Commercial Activity In Geography
The Perspectives Of The Green World
How To Stay Green And Protect The Environment
International Business And Its Geography
How Different Industries Influence On The Environment
Biodiversity And Ways To Support It

Human Geography Research Paper Topics

It is worth mentioning that human geography research topics have been actual and demanding for years. In case you would like to create a win-win essay, it might be a great idea to stick to population, urban and village life, migration, and human race topics.

The Main Differences Between The Human Races
Population: Modern Theories
How To Solve The Problem Of Overpopulation In Different Countries
The Role Of Migration In Geography
Modern Urban Life
The Issues Of Village Life
Common Ways To Solve A Population Conflict
Basic Population Programs: An Overview
The Problems Of Adaptation
Commercial Geography: Top Facts
Settlement Hierarchy
Modeling As One Of The Methods Of Human Geography

Physical Geography Paper Topics

Physical geography is not the easiest subject to write about. However, in case you have some basic knowledge of modern technologies, variations, cultural regions, and applied geography, creating a perfect essay will be as easy as 1-2-3.

Plants And Animals: Global Distribution
Hawaii: The Basic Geographical Facts
Micro-regions
Macro-regions
Applied Geography: Main Concepts
Geography Of Energy
Geography Of Manufacturing
Common Problems Of Physical Geography
Modern Technologies Used In Physical Geography
Hydraulic Cycle
Variations In Physical Geography
The Problem Of Environmental Degradation And The Ways To Stop It
Approaches To Learning Human Geography
Regional Geography And The Role Of Human
Ways To Distinguish Cultural Regions
Using Maps In Physical Geography

Geography Research Topics: Antarctica Exploration

Learning about Antarctica is always exciting. If you would like to learn something new in the area of exploring this amazing geographical region, the topics about biodiversity and exploration of Antarctica will surely suit your needs.

Top Technologies Used In Antarctica Exploration
Most Common Ways To Explore Antarctica
The Biodiversity In Antarctica
Ways To Learn The Geography Of Antarctica
Antarctica Exploration: Top Facts And Challenges
The Future Of Antarctica Exploration
Environmental Management In Antarctica Exploration
Policies In Exploring Antarctica
Antarctica Exploration: Top Issues
Innovative Methods Of Antarctica Exploration

How To Create An Astonishing Essay On Geography

Picking a nice topic is only half of the job you need to do when writing an academic paper on geography. What else do you need to keep in mind when composing this type of essay?

Follow the basic structure of the academic paper
Choose only strong points for an essay
Always use only fresh info and sources
Keep an essay well-structured and logical
Understand and meet the requirements of essay formatting
Avoid any grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes
Double-check the paper for typos

Of course, you can take care of following all these rules by yourself. But what if you lack free time for creating an excellent essay? What should you do in case you are not good at writing academic papers? Fortunately, you can buy professional essay writing help and forget about all these issues in just a few clicks. This way, you will get a polished and brilliant essay created by an expert within the shortest terms.

REFERENCES:

General essay writing tips
United States geographya
Subdisciplines of Geography
India: population and geography
Basic geographical facts: Africa
All you need to know about Geography
Interesting facts and topics

Entertainment
Environment
Information Science and Technology
Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Science

Essay Samples on Geography

Exploring why geography is important.

Why is geography important? This question beckons us to recognize the pivotal role that geography plays in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Geography extends beyond mere maps and coordinates—it encompasses a diverse range of concepts that impact our lives, societies, and the...

Exploring the Dimensions of "What is Geography"

What is geography? This seemingly simple question opens the door to a world of complexity, discovery, and understanding. Geography is not merely about memorizing maps or reciting the names of countries—it is a multidimensional field that delves into the interactions between people, places, and the...

Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Natural Marvels

Physical geography is a captivating field that delves into the natural processes and features that shape our planet's surface. It investigates the forces that have sculpted mountains, carved valleys, shaped coastlines, and molded landscapes over millions of years. In this essay, we embark on a...

Exploring the 5 Themes of Geography: Understanding the Earth's Complexities

The 5 themes of geography provide a comprehensive framework for studying and interpreting the diverse landscapes, cultures, and interactions that shape our planet. Developed by geographer Jean-Pierre De Bar in 1986, these themes serve as a guide for exploring the complexities of our world. In...

The Need for Geography Study in the Context of Today’s World

Geography entails the study of the earth and it’s atmosphere, as well as the human activities that it affects and is affected by – a great portion of this has to do with the distribution of populations and resources and political and economic activities. It...

Globalization

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

100% unique papers
3 hrs deadline option

Discovering Problematic Issues During the History of Geography

Geography as a discipline has progressed dramatically since its colonial roots (pre-1700s) and has proceeded to become one of the most important studies in world history, being utilized in wars and everyday politics. Geography, however, has also been one of the most divided studies, in...

Social Problems

In-Depth Explanation of the Main Concepts of Political Geography

During this essay, political geography will be explained, with the different types of politics outlined, as well as how politics have altered the history of Belfast. This essay will also provide an in-depth explanation of the key geographical concepts that are place, territory and identity,...

Human Population

Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt

In this essay I going to speak about Egypt's geography, its latitude and longitude coordinates are 26.8206° N, 30.8025° E and Cairo (the capital city) is 30° 2' N, 31° 14' E. It is located in North-East Africa, and it has borders with the Red...

Best topics on Geography

1. Exploring Why Geography is Important

2. Exploring the Dimensions of “What is Geography”

3. Physical Geography: Exploring Earth’s Natural Marvels

4. Exploring the 5 Themes of Geography: Understanding the Earth’s Complexities

5. The Need for Geography Study in the Context of Today’s World

6. Discovering Problematic Issues During the History of Geography

7. In-Depth Explanation of the Main Concepts of Political Geography

8. Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt

Space Exploration
Art Nouveau
Alan Turing

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Questions? Call us:

Email:

How it works
Testimonials

Essay Writing

Essay service
Essay writers
College essay service
Write my essay
Pay for essay
Essay topics

Term Paper Writing

Term paper service
Buy term papers
Term paper help
Term paper writers
College term papers
Write my term paper
Pay for term paper
Term paper topic

Research Paper Writing

Research paper service
Buy research paper
Research paper help
Research paper writers
College research papers
Write my research paper
Pay for research paper
Research paper topics

Dissertation Writing

Dissertation service
Buy dissertation
Dissertation help
Dissertation writers
College thesis
Write my dissertation
Pay for dissertation
Dissertation topics

Other Services

Custom writing services
Speech writing service
Movie review writing
Editing service
Assignment writing
Article writing service
Book report writing
Book review writing

Popular request:

Unique Geography Topics

Maybe you like researching and writing about unique ideas. And this is very important because uniqueness is one of the factors that educators consider when grading academic papers and essays. Here is a list of unique geography topics for research that you should consider.

Environmental and social-economic effects of gas and oil exploration in your town
Demographic and land-use changes in your area
Cartography history
The emerging grassland agriculture trends
Badland areas geomorphological changes
How human activities contribute to climate change
What causes soil erosion – How to mitigate it
How weather variables like wind, temperature, and snow contribute to the vegetation in native grassland
Effects of wet summer on agricultural production
Effects of modern farming techniques on agricultural production
Science historical geographies
How to control galley erosion in your area
How volcanic action affects land fertility
Mapping for landslide hazard and potential solutions
How acidification of ocean weather affects the marine life
How weather patents relate and possible mitigation in various countries
Effects of high urban areas’ population
How global warming affects the planet
How to manage the aging infrastructure
How to deal with urbanization and expansion in big cities

These are some of the best world geography project ideas to explore when writing an essay or a paper. Nevertheless, take your time to research your topic extensively and analyze data to come up with a solid paper.

Cultural Geography Topics

Cultural geography is among the major science branches, alongside social, political, and economic geography. It entails the study of ethnic geography. And this covers religion, art, and languages. Maybe you love researching and writing about cultural geography. In that case, consider these cultural geography essay topics.

The educational systems in western and eastern cultures
Geographical aspects of the world religions’ study
The role women play in the Chinese society
Heritage monuments in the geo-cultural space
The Native culture’s influence on human psychology
How globalization benefits developed and developing countries
How cultural superiority affects how humans behave
How globalization has affected the Chinese economy
The role of cultural geography in promoting tourism
The most represented food in my country

These are brilliant cultural geography research paper topics. Pick any of these ideas and then develop them to suit your project.

Human Geography Topics

Human geography entails the study of the network and distribution of people and different cultures across the world. It’s also about the study of how humans relate to their physical environment. Here are some of the best human geography research topics to consider for your papers.

India and China – The universal effects of the increasing economic powers of these countries
Ethnic Dressing evolution through different centuries
Human culture – How it has changed over time
The untoward impacts of overgrazing on the Mongolian Steppe’s agricultural production
World Power – The evolution of China into a powerful country
The development of military geography
The expansion of large cities – how does it affect the environment?
Settlement movements of the Scythians
How the Indian population growth impacts the environment
The spread of the South African diseases

These are interesting human geography essay topics. But, you should research your ideas carefully and extensively to come up with a solid paper regardless of your chosen topic.

Physical Geography Research Topics

Physical geography is arguably a major field in this subject. It entails the study of the natural environment. This includes the patterns and processes like the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Ideally, physical geography covers both the built and cultural environment. Here are some of the best physical geography topics to consider for your paper or essay.

How climate change affects the intensity of the Australian bushfire
The meteorology history and its effects on modern research
River ice – The worldwide effects of the high ice loss rate across the globe
How the Australian bush fires affect the global weather
Organizational forms of the living matter on earth
The evolution and origin of the biosphere
The geographical envelope and its causes
Environmental nihilism and environmental determinism
Forms of chemical elements migration
The atmospheric vertical structure – Gas composition features of air and the determining factors
Characteristics of the elementary geochemical landscapes
The significance of the main gases in the atmosphere
Alkalinity and acidity of the soil – How to regulate them
The soil horizons color – How physicochemical properties of the constituent substances of the soil depend on their color
Soil formation – The anthropogenic factors
The role of endogenous geological processes in earth l formation

Physical geography is generally a complete sciences’ system that entails the study of dynamics, structures, and functioning of the geological envelope, as well as, its structural parts. Pick your geography topic from this category if you love exploring the environment in its natural and man-made forms.

Interesting Geography Topics

Do you want to research and write about something interesting? In that case, consider this category of interesting geography paper topics.

Features and qualities of coastal erosion
Why should humans protect the endangered rain forests tree species?
Why glaciers melting is happening faster than predicted
Which was the worst ecological crisis in the world’s history
Meteorological science – Is it accurate or real?
How to minimize the effects of deforestation
Effects of floods on the lives of humans
Hurricanes effects and how to predict them
An exploration of geographical features of a desert
Human roles in the increasing global warming
Why earthquakes and landslides are popular today
Can eco-friendly food feed the world?
How to use innovative technologies to produce eco-friendly food
The role of humans in their extinction
How a volcanic eruption occurs
How humans have contributed to the ever-changing climate
How oil and gas exploration affects the social issues
How volcanoes affect nearby settlements
The happenings and process of earthquakes
Factors that lead to the urbanization of some areas over time
Indicators and causes of climate change

Choose your geography research topic from this category and then develop it extensively. Use reliable and authentic sources to find relevant information for your paper or essay to earn the top grade.

The Best Geography Research Topics to Choose from

Maybe you want to pick your geography essay topics from a list of the best ideas. Whether you need AP human geography topics or world geography topics, this list comprises the best ideas to consider when writing your paper or essay.

The main causes and effects of earthquakes
A description of the Amazon basin formation
How flooding helps in sustaining life
Environmental effects of oil exploration
Common hazards associated with landslides
Glaciers formation – Describe this process
Dumping waste alternatives
Explain the impact of the atomic blasts on Nagasaki and Hiroshima
Continental drift process from Pangaea until today
How geography relates to climate
How water bodies affect the climate
How public housing affects the housing industry
Influence of geographical location on a country’s climate
What causes water pollution?
What causes the eruption of wildfire
Effects of the rising industrialization trend
What should humans do to protect rare species
How to protect floods
How to prevent human-animal conflicts
How to deal with the continuing water crisis
The severity of natural disasters in the modern world
What’s the responsibility of individuals in curbing global warming?
How using green energy can substitute fossil fuels

These are amazing topics to consider when writing an essay or a research paper. Take your time to understand each of these ideas to pick the one you will be comfortable working with.

Students have many ideas to explore when writing academic papers and essays. However, the most important thing is to choose a topic you will be happy to research and write about. What’s more, understand the requirements and instructions set by your educator when exploring different geographical project topics. Additionally, take your time to find relevant sources, gather and analyze information before writing. That way, you will come up with a paper that will impress the educator to award you the top grade. You can also contact our writing service to save your time and effort.

Take a break from writing.

Top academic experts are here for you.

How To Write An Autobiography Guideline And Useful Advice
182 Best Classification Essay Topics To Learn And Write About
How To Manage Stress In College: Top Practical Tips
How To Write A Narrative Essay: Definition, Tips, And A Step-by-Step Guide
How To Write Article Review Like Professional
Great Problem Solution Essay Topics
Creating Best Stanford Roommate Essay
Costco Essay – Best Writing Guide
How To Quote A Dialogue
Wonderful Expository Essay Topics
Research Paper Topics For 2020
Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics

Geography Essay Examples and Topics

Advantages and disadvantages of urbanization essay.

Words: 1552

Study of Earth Systems

Animals and their habitat, importance of parks in modern cities, physical geography and its effects on humans, winter and summer seasons comparison, london as a global city essay, the best place in the world to live: personal opinion.

Words: 1160

The Maps’ Importance in Human History

Map making history and development.

Words: 2744

Geography, its Evolution and Future

Words: 1653

Global Village Concept Explained

Nairobi national park in kenya.

Words: 1088

How Europe Underdeveloped Africa

Words: 1159

GIS Data Organization: Spatial Data Structure & Models

Words: 2181

Biosphere Evolution and Threats

Italian culture.

Words: 1092

Geography and History in the Classroom

Words: 1553

Doreen Massey’s Concept of a Global Sense of Place

Words: 2265

Hurricanes Causes and Effects

Words: 1410

Geography of United Kingdom

History of nigeria.

Words: 2079

Hokkaido Island of Japan

Words: 2721

Personal Statement for a Major in Geography and Planning

World geography: russian and north america’s climate, ethiopia: historical background and modern issues, norway’s geography and economy.

Words: 2263

Five Countries Geography: Southeast Asia

Words: 2831

The UAE Cultural Analysis: Adherence to Traditions, Cultural Beliefs, and Values

Words: 1924

City of Perth, Australia Exploration

Words: 2936

Physical Geography: Climatology and Geomorphology

Physical, human, and economic geography of italians.

Words: 1371

Demographics: East Side Ward of Newark, New Jersey

Caves definition & characteristics, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, role of planning professionals.

Words: 3996

Spain’s Geography and Culture

How gps locates and finds the user position.

Words: 1636

UNESCO Paper: The Grand Canyon National Park

Words: 1732

Mekong Delta: Facts, Definition, Map, History, & Location

Words: 1655

How Deep Sea Discoveries Inspires Professional Creativity

Chapter 12.6 of economic geography by coe et al., bermuda triangle and its definition.

Words: 1002

Mountains Characteristics

Geography, mapping, and cartography, weather forecasting: history and modern techniques.

Words: 1128

The Dead Sea Geochemical History

Japanese tourism industry.

Words: 5325

Spatial Data Structure and Models: Chapter Summary

Words: 2164

Climate Zones of the United States

Spain: brief characteristic of the country, miami geographical aspects, the hydrologic cycle and water on earth, urbanization and suburbanization, desert: facts & characteristics, the suez canal’s geopolitical significance, a “mythical” tale of the bermuda triangle.

Words: 1093

Argentina’s Geographical Information

Gis and groundwater management.

Words: 1368

The Miami Beach

Cities in post-modern era.

Words: 1926

Germany; History, Geography, Legal and Politics

Words: 1364

The Effect of Colonization and Dispossession

Words: 1362

Physiographic Regions of the European Continent

James hardie asbestos case history: asbestos mines and illnesses among miners, the reasons for the four seasons on earth, sofar effects on the marine life, switzerland geography profile, 1996 mount everest disaster: leadership perspective.

Words: 1134

Decoding, interpreting, understanding and explaining landscapes

Words: 1474

Kuala Lumpur Overview

Monsoons in south asia, the new wonders of the world on google earth, political geography: fast fashion’s environmental and social impacts, marine spatial planning of the baltic sea, the republic of nauru’s locally-managed marine area, quartz: corresponding development of science, five themes of geography applied to africa, from earth to oil to modern life, unveiling the evolution of geography.

Words: 2624

The Discussion of Lansing City

Geography’s role in diving the north from the south, regional analysis of surrey, british columbia, the nunavut region as canada’s last frontier, canadian regional geography in photographs, trinidad and tobago’s sustainability analysis, my home: pittsburgh, pennsylvania, studying nature: alexander von humboldt, world’s columbian exposition of chicago, the grand canyon and its potential, environmental anthropology and human survival at the arctic biome.

Words: 4973

A Baseline Analysis of Blackburn With Darwen

Words: 2551

Does Mercator Projection Adequately Represent the Real Size of the Country

Saint anne’s hospital neighborhood in fall river, massachusetts, greece, country analysis: location and business issues.

Words: 1262

Atlantic City, the City in the United States

Researching the earthquake, columbus’ letter to luis de sant angel regarding the first voyage, russia: socio-demographic and economic information, most powerful tidal turbine set sail in scotland, information about the usa states’ boundaries, weather analysis for vancouver, british columbia, analyzing differences in development between countries and within countries.

Words: 2044

Native Dune Systems vs. Man-Made Beach Structures

Words: 5002

The Rocky Mountains as the Best Symbol of Canada

Biodiversity and dynamics of mountainous area near the house.

Words: 1240

Analysis of China’s Plans for Greenhouse Gas

Words: 1695

Campania, Italy: Geographic Analysis

Immigration: where did your ancestors live, north africa/southwest asia (naswa).

Words: 1099

How Glacier Mass and Mass Balance Are Linked

Literacy and numeracy in the geography subject area.

Words: 1996

Coal Energy and Reserves in New Zealand

Words: 1991

Journal of Cultural Geography Studies

Words: 1148

Geographical Research: Russian Federation

Cultural geography and politics of jerusalem.

Words: 1235

Geography of the United States

Data visualization and gis solutions.

Words: 1168

The Climate in New York, Miami and Chicago

Words: 1460

The Six Elements of Geography

IB Extended Essay Topics: Geography

As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve had the pleasure and challenge of walking the complex terrain of the IB Diploma Programme (DP), particularly when it comes to writing a compelling Geography Extended Essay. Surprisingly, the very first problem many students face is choosing an appropriate topic and research question. Drawing from my experience, I aim to guide you through this choice with insights and advice to make your writing process smoother, more engaging, and more rewarding.

Understanding the IB DP Geography Extended Essay

First, let’s discuss what the IB DP Geography Extended Essay entails. This demanding yet fascinating task invites you to dig into a topic of your choice within the expansive and multifaceted world of geography. It’s an unparalleled chance to conduct a deep investigation into an area that piques your interest and holds significant academic value. From my perspective, crafting an exceptional essay involves selecting a topic that meets the rigorous IB criteria and ignites your passion. Your genuine enthusiasm for the subject is a beacon that illuminates your research, compellingly drawing the reader into your analytical path.

The Geography Extended Essay’s ability to intertwine scientific investigation with cultural understanding makes it stand out. It offers a platform where quantitative data meets qualitative insights. This blend provides a rich tapestry for exploration, allowing students to showcase their ability to research complex topics with precision and empathy. Here are a few reasons why choosing the right topic is crucial:

Ensuring your topic aligns with the IB’s expectations is paramount. This alignment guarantees that your essay meets the fundamental requirements, paving the way for a successful evaluation.
A topic that resonates with you will make the research process more enjoyable and engaging. Passion about your subject shows in the depth and quality of your analysis.
Choosing a unique angle or a current issue can make your essay stand out. Topics that offer fresh perspectives or address timely questions are often more compelling and impactful.
The best topics allow for deep analytical thinking. Look for areas where you can apply geographical theories and concepts to real-world scenarios.

In light of these considerations, choosing the perfect topic becomes integral to the extended essay-writing process. It requires careful thought, creativity, and strategic planning.

Exciting Areas of Study in IB DP Geography

As diverse and expansive as the earth’s landscapes, geography as a discipline is a goldmine of fascinating topics ripe for exploration. Within its broad scope, you can move from the Arctic’s melting ice caps to the megacities’ bustling streets. Among its many fascinating branches, environmental and urban geography stand out for their relevance to our world today and their ability to generate deep, original research and insightful analysis. Here are some other compelling areas within IB DP Geography that offer rich avenues for exploration.

Cultural Geography

This area examines cultural practices, norms, and products and their relationships with the places and spaces where they originate. It invites deep research into the diversity of human cultures and their expressions worldwide.

Political Geography

An investigation into the spatial distribution of political processes and systems, including the study of boundaries, territories, and the geopolitics of resource distribution. This field provides insights into the complex interplay between geography and political power.

Economic Geography

This area focuses on how economies are spatially and environmentally distributed and how they influence global, regional, and local economic activities. It touches on topics such as globalization, trade, and economic development.

Physical Geography

This branch examines the natural processes and features of the Earth, including the study of landforms, climates, and vegetation and how these elements interact. It provides a foundational understanding of the physical world that we inhabit.

GIS and Remote Sensing

With the advent of technology, the ability to analyze spatial data through Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and observe the Earth through remote sensing has opened new geographic frontiers. These tools allow for the sophisticated analysis and visualization of geographical data, offering insights into various spatial phenomena.

IB Geography Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Below, I’ll share some topic ideas and research questions that could guide your exploration:

The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs . How is climate change affecting coral reef ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef?
Urbanization and Its Effects on Local Climate . How does urbanization influence microclimate conditions in major cities?
Renewable Energy Sources and Geographic Potential . What is the potential for solar energy in Sub-Saharan Africa based on geographic and climatic conditions?
Water Scarcity and Conflict in the Middle East . How does water scarcity contribute to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East?
Effects of Tourism on Natural Landscapes . How does tourism impact erosion and natural landscapes in the Himalayas?
Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Arid Regions . How do sustainable agricultural practices improve food security in arid regions?
Economic Geography of the Coffee Trade . How does the global coffee trade impact Colombia’s economic conditions?
Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss in the Amazon . What are the effects of deforestation on biodiversity in the Amazon Rainforest?
Geopolitical Implications of Arctic Melting . How does the melting of Arctic ice influence geopolitical strategies and claims?
Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Communities . What are the adaptive strategies of coastal communities in Southeast Asia facing sea level rise?
Cultural Geography and Identity in Border Regions . How do border dynamics influence cultural identity in the Basque region?
Smart Cities and Urban Sustainability . How do smart city initiatives contribute to urban sustainability in Singapore?
E-waste Management and Environmental Justice . What are the environmental justice issues surrounding e-waste management in Ghana?
Public Transportation and Urban Air Quality . How does the development of public transportation systems affect air quality in European capitals?
The Role of Green Spaces in Mental Health . How do urban green spaces impact mental health outcomes in densely populated cities?
Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life . How does plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean impact the biodiversity of marine life in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
Sustainable Urban Development in Emerging Economies . What strategies are being employed to promote sustainable urban development in the cities of India?
Geographic Factors Influencing Renewable Energy Adoption . Which geographic factors most significantly influence the adoption of wind energy in Northern Europe?
Land Use Changes and Their Impact on Local Water Systems . How have changes in land use affected the hydrology of the Mississippi River Basin?
Migration Patterns and Climate Change . What role does climate change play in shaping migration patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Food Security and Climate Variability . How does climate variability affect food security in the Andean region?
The Geography of Digital Divide . How does the digital divide manifest in rural vs. urban areas in the United States?
Volcanic Activity and Tourism . What is the impact of volcanic activity on tourism in Iceland?
Conservation Efforts in Biodiversity Hotspots . How effective are conservation efforts in protecting biodiversity in Madagascar?
The Economic Geography of Silk Road Trade Routes . How have historic Silk Road trade routes influenced the economic geography of Central Asia today?
Geography of Health: Access to Healthcare in Remote Areas . What geographic factors influence access to healthcare in remote areas of Canada?
Urban Heat Islands and Mitigation Strategies . What strategies are most effective in mitigating urban heat islands in Tokyo?
Glacial Retreat and Global Water Supply . How is glacial retreat in the Himalayas expected to impact global water supply?
Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Conservation . How do cultural landscapes contribute to heritage conservation in Tuscany, Italy?
Social Geography of Homelessness in Urban Centers . What are the spatial patterns of homelessness in San Francisco, and what factors contribute to these patterns?
Desertification and Livelihood in Sub-Saharan Africa . How is desertification affecting rural livelihoods in the Sahel region of Sub-Saharan Africa?
The Geography of Internet Connectivity . What geographic factors contribute to Brazil’s digital divide between urban and rural areas?
Impact of High-Speed Rail on Regional Development . How has introducing high-speed rail impacted regional development and urban-rural integration in China?
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Small Island Developing States . What strategies are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) implementing to adapt to climate change impacts?
The Role of Geographic Location in Startup Ecosystems . How does geographic location influence the success and concentration of startup ecosystems, with a specific focus on Silicon Valley?
Agricultural Practices and Soil Erosion . How do traditional vs. modern agricultural practices affect soil erosion rates in the Midwest United States?
Geographic Patterns of Renewable Energy Usage . What are the geographic patterns of renewable energy usage in Scandinavia, and how does physical geography influence them?
The Effect of Mountain Ranges on Climate . How do mountain ranges, such as the Rockies, affect the climate and weather patterns of the adjacent regions?
Urban Sprawl and Wildlife Habitat . What impact does urban sprawl have on wildlife habitat and biodiversity in the outskirts of European capitals?
Geography and the Spread of Infectious Diseases . How have geographic factors influenced the spread and impact of infectious diseases, with a case study on COVID-19 in densely populated cities?
Impact of Agricultural Policies on Rural Landscapes . How have European agricultural policies shaped the rural landscapes in France?
The Influence of Coastal Erosion on Maritime Boundaries . What impact does coastal erosion have on maritime boundaries and territorial disputes?
Socio-economic Effects of Natural Disasters . How do natural disasters like hurricanes affect the socioeconomic stability of Caribbean nations?
Geographical Analysis of Global Trade Flows . What geographical factors influence the flow of trade between China and Africa?
Water Management Strategies in Arid Regions . How are innovative water management strategies combating desertification in Israel?
Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Air Quality . How do urban green spaces influence air quality in densely populated cities like Tokyo?
Geography of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights . How does geography play a role in defending indigenous peoples’ land rights in the Amazon?
Climate Change and Wine Production . How is climate change altering the geographical distribution of wine-producing regions in Europe?
Geopolitical Strategies for Arctic Resources . What geopolitical strategies are countries employing to access Arctic resources?
Population Aging and Urban Infrastructure . How is population aging affecting urban infrastructure needs in major Japanese cities?
Mapping Epidemics with GIS Technology . How is GIS technology being used to track and manage epidemic outbreaks globally?
Economic Impact of Ecotourism . What are the economic impacts of ecotourism in East African communities?
Spatial Analysis of Crime in Urban Areas . How can spatial analysis help understand crime patterns in major US cities?
Sea Level Rise and Island Nation Sovereignty . What are the implications of rising sea levels for the sovereignty of low-lying island nations?
Impact of Road Infrastructure on Deforestation . How has expanding road infrastructure contributed to deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon?

These topics span various branches of geography, aiming to inspire a range of interests and research directions.

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?

Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.

You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.

Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.

Simply click:

A female student standing still and smiling while holding a pen and a notebook, presumably contemplating IB IA topic suggestions.

Topics to Read:

IB Extended Essay Topics: Business and Management
IB Extended Essay Topics: Physics
IB Extended Essay Topics: Economics
IB Extended Essay Topics: Sports and Health Science
IB Results Remark Procedure
How to Make Awesome IB Notes?
What Is the New IB Economics Syllabus?
IB Oral Presentation Ideas and Examples
70+ CAS Project Ideas for IB Students
World of IB Acronyms: From EE to TOK, Making Sense of It All
Benefits of Pursuing a Second Language at IB Higher Levels

Finally, I’d like to offer a few final words of wisdom. Engaging your reader with a compelling narrative, demonstrating your critical thinking, and showing originality in your analysis will set your essay apart. Trust me, paying attention to these details can take your essay from good to exceptional. So, armed with these insights and strategies, you’re better equipped to begin your writing process. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing where your intellectual curiosity takes you in the vast and varied landscape of IB DP Geography. Also, remember that our IB experts are always ready to help you with Extended Essay writing.

Get hot offers and discounts for your IB Assignments

Our writing solutions cater to all disciplines within the IB program, and we specialize in crafting academic papers for students of all levels. We follow the IB criteria.

Adhering strictly to the rigorous standards set by the IB, we deploy a methodical approach to our writing process. This ensures that every piece of content we generate not only meets but exceeds the expectations set within the program.

Contact us:

[email protected]

Latest Articles:

Latest Extended Essay Requirements Updates for the Years 2023/2024

Is It Legit to Buy Extended Essay Online?

What Is the Recommended Amount of Sources for an IB EE?

Our services:.

Buy Internal Assessment
Buy Math IA
Buy Extended Essay
Buy TOK Essay
Buy TOK Exhibition

IBWritingService.com is an independent academic writing aid with no official ties to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Our use of “IB” in the domain and title is purely for identification, and we neither claim nor imply any endorsement or partnership with the IBO. Our services aim to support students’ educational needs without violating IBO policies. Trademarks mentioned are property of their owners and do not suggest affiliations. By using our services, you acknowledge our non-affiliation with the IBO and that we’re not a substitute for IBO requirements. We deny any liability for use of our services in relation to the IBO.

ALL PAPERS WRITTEN BY OUR EXPERTS AS PART OF THIS WRITING SERVICE ARE FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY. WHEN USING CONTENT PURCHASED FROM THIS WEBSITE, IT MUST BE PROPERLY REFERENCED.

Terms & Conditions
Revision Policy
Privacy Policy
Refund Policy
Cookie Policy

PhysicalGeography.net | CHAPTER 1 - STUDY GUIDE


STUDY GUIDE

CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Physical Geography


This chapter examines the nature, history, and future of Physical Geography. Opening topics establish working definitions for Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography, and Physical Geography's sub-fields. A historical approach is used to discuss the evolution of Geography as a discipline. Physical Geography's role in Geography is explained. A relationship between Physical Geography and Environmental Science is discussed and it is suggested that the curriculum of Physical Geography provides important knowledge for understanding and rectifying environmental problems. The history of the development of Physical Geography is presented as having two important periods of academic development before and after 1950. Before 1950, academic work in Physical Geography was governed by the ideas generated from uniformitarianism, the theory of evolution, exploration of the world, and the early beginning of the conservation movement. After 1950, the use of quantitative techniques for process focused research and the study of human/land relationships dominant intellectual endeavors in Physical Geography. Finally, the last topic closes this chapter by examining Physical Geography's future. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , (2). How does Physical Geography differ from Human Geography? (3). Define Physical Geography. (4). What are some of the sub-fields of Physical Geography? What do they study? (5). What are some of the important future academic trends in Physical Geography? (6). What is uniformitarianism? What theory did it oppose? (7). How does Physical Geography relate to study of environmental issues and science? (8). Describe Pattison's four traditions of Geography.

Created by Dr. Michael Pidwirny & Scott Jones University of British Columbia Okanagan

Email Corrections and Suggestions to: '); // End -->

How to Write a Geography Essay Step by Step

Table of Contents

Introduction to Geography Essays

Importance of essay writing in geography.

Essay writing in geography is crucial as it allows students and researchers to explore complex environmental, physical, and societal issues. It enables the synthesis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

Brief Overview of Common Types of Geography Essays

Geography essays come in various forms, each serving a different purpose:

Research Papers: These involve in-depth analysis of geographic phenomena using primary and secondary data.
Comparative Essays: They examine the similarities and differences between two or more geographic entities.
Argumentative Essays: These essays present a stance on a geographic issue, supported by evidence and logical reasoning.

Understanding the Essay Question

How to interpret essay prompts.

To correctly interpret essay prompts, one must read the question carefully, noting any specific instructions or scope defined. Break down the prompt to understand what the examiner is asking for.

Identifying Key Terms and Directives

Key terms are the concepts central to the question, while directives are action words like “discuss,” “compare,” or “analyze” that dictate the approach to be taken. Identifying these helps in aligning your essay with the expectations of the question.

Research and Sources

Finding reputable sources for geographic data and theories.

Utilize academic databases, government publications, and verified online resources to gather reliable geographic data and theoretical perspectives. Libraries and academic journals are also invaluable sources.

Evaluating and Citing Sources Properly

Assess the credibility of sources by checking the author’s credentials, publication date, and the publisher’s reputation. Cite sources using the appropriate academic style guide to avoid plagiarism.

Balancing Quantitative Data with Qualitative Insights

Incorporate statistical data to support claims while also providing qualitative observations for a well-rounded argument. This balance ensures a comprehensive exploration of geographic issues.

Planning the Essay

Creating an outline to structure thoughts and research.

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. Start with the introduction, then detail each body paragraph’s main idea, and conclude with a summary of your argument and findings.

The Significance of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the centerpiece of your essay. It should clearly express the main argument or claim of your essay and guide the development of your supporting points. It is usually placed at the end of the introduction.

Writing the Essay

Crafting an engaging introduction.

Begin with a hook that captures the reader’s interest. Provide context for your topic, and establish the relevance of the essay. End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines your argument or perspective.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Build your argument by integrating evidence, data, and geographic models or theories. Ensure each piece of evidence is analyzed and connected back to your thesis.

Concluding Effectively

The conclusion should restate your thesis, summarize the main points of your body paragraphs, and highlight the broader implications of your findings. Avoid introducing new information; instead, close the essay by reflecting on its significance.

Referencing and Bibliography

Overview of citation styles common in geography.

Geography papers commonly use APA or Chicago citation styles. Familiarize yourself with the one required for your essay, as each has specific rules for formatting in-text citations and bibliography entries.

Importance of Avoiding Plagiarism

Always credit the original authors of your sources. Use quotations for direct citations and paraphrase information with proper attribution. Plagiarism undermines your credibility and can have serious academic consequences.

Editing and Proofreading

Strategies for effective editing.

Review your essay multiple times, focusing on different aspects: content, structure, and clarity. Check for coherence in your arguments and the seamless integration of evidence.

Tips for Grammar, Punctuation, and Stylistic Consistency

Use tools like grammar checkers, but also manually review your essay. Pay attention to sentence structure, punctuation, and ensure stylistic consistency throughout the document.

Presentation and Submission

Adhering to format guidelines.

Follow the specified guidelines for font size, margins, spacing, and headers. Consistent formatting contributes to the professionalism and readability of your essay.

Importance of Visual Elements in Geography Essays

Visual elements like maps and graphs are crucial. They should be clear, well-labeled, and referenced in the text. Ensure they are relevant and enhance the reader’s understanding of your argument.

Examples and Resources

Examples of strong thesis statements and well-structured paragraphs.

Thesis Statement: “The impact of climate change on coastal cities is multifaceted, leading to not only physical changes but also socio-economic challenges.”
Paragraph Structure: Start with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence and analysis, and conclude with a sentence that ties back to the essay’s thesis.

List of Resources for Further Support

Writing Centers: Many educational institutions offer writing support services.
Online Tools: Grammarly for proofreading, Zotero for managing citations, and Purdue OWL for style guidelines.
Academic Journals: Access through your institution’s library for examples of scholarly work.

Remember, writing a geography essay is as much about showcasing your knowledge as it is about effective communication. Ensure that each part of your essay works towards clearly presenting your findings and analysis.

25 Excellent Topics for a Research Paper in Geography

It’s quite natural when a research essay looks like a demanding task to accomplish. It may seem more real and comprehensible if you break it into achievable steps. All you need is to be sure that the topic is worth studying.

So in order to write a research paper, the first and the most important thing is to think over the topic. Of course, it is not a simple task to pick the central thesis, as it should be wide enough to find the needed information on it, but at the same time quite specific to spotlight the topic particularly.

If you haven’t decided on your right and precise topic yet, here are 25 great topics that lead you to a successful study in the end. Here you can get a real inspiration. Don’t waste your time and look at the list below.

Desert as a pattern or an abnormality on the earth’s surface.
Ecosystems’ phenomenon and why should any person be aware of them.
What is the dependence between environment and types of men’s dwelling?
Why is it such an essential task to protect rainforests?
Can we produce eco-friendly food and how to feed all the world’s population with its help?
Ecological crises in the world’s history.
The main characteristics of coastal erosion.
Glaciers. Are they melting down too fast?
Volcanoes of a modern world. Is New Pompeii our not farewell future?
Are earthquakes and landslides becoming our new reality?
Hurricanes and efficient ways to predict them.
Floods and their influence on people’s lives.
Global warming. Why do we still stay calm?
A volcanic eruption as the Earth’s devastating force.
An analysis of climate changes in your area.
Animal extinction and ways of preventing the human role in it.
How accurate is the science of meteorology?
Are humans really responsible for global warming in the world?
A case study of soil types in your area.
The extinction of sea wildlife and humans’ impact on its condition.
An explanation of deforestation.
An examination of air pollutant levels in your area.
A geographical study of deserts.
Numerous categories of mountains.
Climate and income.How are they related to each other?

As you see the given above themes are excellent titles for your geography research paper.

If you don’t feel like you are able to create a geography research paper at this point, you are welcome to seek the help of our essay writing service. In other words, you just need to pick one of our topics and bid the writers of the service write a paper for you.

Your essay will be one hundred percent unique and without any plagiarism. We are pleased to mention that our writers always meet the deadline in order to provide you with successful work in time.

160 Climate Change Essay Topics
125 Reflective Essay Topics
130 Causal Analysis Essay Topics
60 Abortion Essay Topics
100 Profile Essay Topics

Undergraduate	Studying for 1st degree
Master	Studying for Master’s degree
PhD	Pursuing Doctoral degree

Testimonials

Geography - Higher

A big and diverse course, if you are comfortable writing essays this is a subject for you.

With seven or more essays to be written, timing is crucial in the written exam. It's really important that you keep an eye on the clock and avoid the temptation to run over time perfecting one essay at the cost of not finishing your last question. The examiner will be looking for SRPs (single relevant points) in your essay. A SRP can be described as a "single meaty statement", a sentence or paragraph with one clear and true point. At higher level, an SRP is worth 2 marks so a typical 30-mark essay will need at least 15 SRPs. The Geographical Investigation is usually submitted in April of 6th year and is worth 20% of the final grade.

Higher Level Course Content:

Aerial photos
Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Economic - Developing Economies
Economic - Energy
Economic - Environmental impact
Economic - European Union
Economic - Multinationals & Globalisation
Elective - Economic
Elective - Human
Human - Population
Human - Urban Geography
Karst Regions
Option - Atmosphere & Ocean
Option - Culture & Identity
Option - Geoecology
Option - Global Interdependence
Plate Tectonics
PROJECT - Investigation
Regions - Continental
Regions - European
Regions - Ireland
Rocks, Weathering & Mass Movement
Tables/Graphs Questions
Urban Land uses
Weather & Climate

Ordinary Level Course Content:

Economic - Ireland & the EU
Graph style questions
Geographical Investigation Report (20%)
Written Examination (80%)

There is one written paper for both Higher and Ordinary levels, which lasts for 2 hours and 50 minutes. There are three parts to the written paper.

Twelve short questions where you will be marked out of your best ten. (25 mins, 80 marks)

Essay style questions where you have a choice of ONE question from three in each section. Spend no more than 30 mins on each question (80 marks).

Section 1: Physical Geography (Q1, Q2, Q3 - Pick one)
Section 2: Regional Geography (Q4, Q5, Q6 - Pick one)
Section 3: Human Elective (Q7, Q8, Q9 - Pick one) OR Economic Elective (Q10, Q11, Q12 - Pick one)
Section 4: Options (Questions 13-24) - Higher level only. You will be given 4 questions on your chosen option and you pick one. Each question will require you to write a single longer essay where you discuss three or four aspects of the theme in detail in 30 minutes (80 marks)

Geographical Investigation Report

The SEC will publish a list of topics and students will report on a geographical investigation based on one of these topics.

Future Careers with Leaving Certificate Geography

Some Universities accept Geography as a Science subject. Future careers include; Earth Scientist, Planner, Environmental Science, and Fishing Industry.

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Syllabus

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Chief Examiner's Report (2012)

Download the Leaving Cert Geography Guidlines for Teachers

Past Papers

Created by studyclix.

Community Activity

How to Write a Geography Essay: Structure, Tips, FAQs

Geography reveals fascinating facts about our planet, like the Dead Sea's buoyancy due to its high salt content. Similarly, writing a geography essay can be just as interesting.

In this guide, our paper writing service experts will discuss what defines this type of essay and share some tips for writing a great one. You’ll learn its key components and see why geography is relevant today. Whether you're a student aiming for success in geography or simply curious about its significance, let's begin!

What is a Geography Essay

A geography essay is a piece of writing that explores a topic related to the Earth's surface and its features. It goes beyond just memorizing locations. There are two main things a geography essay might explore:

Physical features: This could be about mountains, rivers, oceans, deserts, or any other natural aspect of the Earth. The essay might explain how these features formed, how they affect the environment, or how they influence human life.
Human-made features and influences: This could be about cities, borders, agriculture, or any other way humans have shaped the planet. The essay might discuss why these features exist where they do, or how they interact with the natural world.

In the next parts, our skilled writers, who you can buy essay from, will share a simple guide to help you write these essays successfully.

Ready to Turn Your Passion for Places into an Epic Essay?

Geography geek or not, we've got your back. Let us craft your custom essay that's as intriguing as it is insightful!

How to Write a Geography Essay

Writing a geography essay can be broken down into clear steps. Here's a roadmap to guide you:

Understand the question: Make sure you grasp what the essay prompt is asking you to explore.
Do your research: Gather information from reliable sources like textbooks, scientific journals, or reputable websites. Remember, a strong essay needs a solid foundation of facts.
Craft your thesis statement: This is the main idea your essay will explore. Think of it as the sentence that summarizes the whole chapter of your story.
Introduction: Grab the reader's attention with a captivating opening and introduce your topic. Briefly mention your thesis statement.
Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key point that supports your thesis. Use clear explanations, examples (like real-world places or case studies), and geographical terms to back up your ideas.
Conclusion: Wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and leaving the reader with a final thought that reinforces your thesis.
Proofread and edit: Double-check your work for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and clarity of your writing. Make sure your essay flows smoothly and transitions well between ideas.

Remember, geography essays explain the "why" behind where things are and how they interact. Use clear language, relevant examples, and a well-organized structure to build a strong and informative essay about our amazing planet.

While you’re at it, find out all about a cause and effect essay and how to write it in our separate guide!

How to Start a Geography Essay

The introduction is your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the stage for your exploration. Here are some tips to craft a compelling opening for your geography essay:

Technique 🎨	Description 📋
Hook them with a surprising fact or statistic 💡	Start with something that sparks curiosity about your topic. Is there a mind-blowing fact about the Amazon rainforest's biodiversity? Or a surprising statistic about the impact of urbanization on global temperatures?
Paint a picture with vivid descriptions 🖼️	Transport your reader to the heart of your topic. Describe a breathtaking mountain range, the bustling streets of a megacity, or the vastness of a desert landscape.
Pose a thought-provoking question ❓	Engage the reader by presenting a question related to your essay's theme. Is climate change the biggest threat to coastlines? How do cultural traditions influence land use patterns?
Start with a historical anecdote 🕰️	Intrigue the reader with a historical event that connects to your geographical topic. Perhaps the story of a famous explorer who ventured into a remote region or the tale of a city that overcame a natural disaster.
Connect the local to the global 🌍	Show how your specific geographical topic relates to broader issues. For example, discuss how a local water shortage reflects a global trend towards resource scarcity.

How to End a Geography Essay

A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a lasting impression and reinforces the key takeaways from your essay. Here's how to write a conclusion for an essay :

Conclusion Strategy 🎯	Description 📝
Summarize, Don't Restate 🔄	Briefly remind the reader of your main points without simply rehashing what you've already written.
Leave a Lasting Impression 🌟	End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action related to your topic, or a lingering question that encourages further exploration.
Connect Back to the Introduction (Optional) 🔗	If you started with a captivating fact, story, or question, consider circling back to it in the conclusion. Show how your essay's exploration has shed new light on that initial element.
Future Outlook (Optional) 🔮	Depending on your topic, you might conclude by discussing future implications or potential solutions to geographical challenges.
Keep it Concise and Clear ✔️	Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion. Focus on wrapping up your argument and leaving a clear final message.

Geography Essay Example

For a closer look at how to structure and compose an effective geography essay, we've put together a compelling example for your review. As you go through it, you'll discover the essential elements that contribute to making an essay both informative and engaging.

For more inspiration for your upcoming writing project, check out our extensive list of research paper topics .

Geography Essay Structure

We've covered the essential elements of a geography essay, but crafting a truly strong piece requires attention to detail within the structure. Here are some additional points to consider:

Body Paragraph Elements 📝	Description 🌟
Body Paragraph Organization (PEEL) 🧩	Introduce the main idea of the paragraph that supports your thesis. Elaborate on your point by explaining the concept or geographical process in more detail. Use geographical terms accurately.
	Strengthen your explanation with concrete evidence. This can include statistics, case studies, real-world examples, or relevant data. Conclude the paragraph by connecting your explanation and evidence back to your thesis statement. Show how this specific point contributes to your overall argument.
Logical Flow 🔗	Ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs. Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas and guide the reader through your argument.
Subheadings 🔖	For longer essays, consider using subheadings within your body paragraphs to further organize your points and improve readability.
Visual Aids 🖼️	Maps, diagrams, or images can be powerful tools to illustrate your points and avoid simply including decorative elements.
Citations and Referencing 📚	Always cite your sources properly, following the required referencing style (e.g., MLA, APA). This demonstrates your research and strengthens the credibility of your essay.

Tips for Writing a Geography Essay

Here are some final tips to equip you for crafting a stellar geography essay:

Know Your Audience: Consider who will be reading your essay. Is it for a general audience or a professor well-versed in geography? Tailor your language complexity and level of detail accordingly.
Focus on Clarity, Not Jargon: While geographical terms are important, avoid overusing complex vocabulary that might alienate your reader. Explain technical terms if necessary, and strive for clear, concise writing.
Active Voice is Your Friend: Geography is about a dynamic planet! Use active voice to make your essay engaging and avoid passive constructions that can sound dull.
Proofread and Edit Ruthlessly: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your essay's credibility. Take the time to proofread meticulously and have someone else review your work for a fresh perspective.
Practice Makes Progress: The more you write about geography, the more comfortable you'll become. Don't be afraid to practice writing about different geographical topics to hone your skills.

This guide has equipped you with the tools to write a good geography essay. Remember, it's all about understanding the why behind where things are on Earth. Use clear language, strong examples, and a well-organized structure to craft an essay that explores our amazing planet in a compelling way. So, get out there, research your topic, and impress your professor!

Ready to Explore the World without Leaving Your Desk?

Let our expert writers be your guides on this geographical voyage and map out your academic success together!

How Do You Start a Geography Essay?

What is geographical essay, what is the structure of the geography essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Updated writing steps, structure and tips
Added new essay sample and FAQs
Geography Essay Writing Guidelines . (n.d.). https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/ua/media/40/learningguide-geographyessay.pdf
Extended Response Writing HSC Geography . (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2024, from https://gtansw.org.au/files/resources/SeniorGeography/2017/2a.%20Grace%20Larobina%20%20Extended%20Response%20Writing.pdf

International
Education Jobs
Schools directory
Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Edexcel A Level Geography Paper 1 - essay plans

Subject: Geography

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Assembly

Last updated

27 December 2023

Share through email
Share through twitter
Share through linkedin
Share through facebook
Share through pinterest

This includes a collection of essays all focused on the Edexcel Paper 1 (Physical Geography) with model answers and varied question lengths from 4 mark questions to 12 marks, all is covered. This document is a collation of all past paper questions from Edexcel past papers, mock papers, textbooks, online sources etc. These resources will be very valuable and save preparation time!

Some essay questions include: TECTONIC HAZARDS Assess how prediction can contribute to the management of tectonic hazards. (12)

Assess the significance of a community’s vulnerability to hazards in determining the hazard’s severity. (12)

Assess the importance of governance in the successful management of tectonic mega-disasters. (12)

Assess the relative importance of the physical characteristics of volcanic eruptions in creating risk for people (12)

COASTS Explain the physical processes that affect the rate of coastal recession. (6)

Explain the physical processes involved in a sediment cell system. (6)

Use examples to explain the characteristics of low-energy coastlines. (6)

Explain why coastal processes may vary from day to day. (6)

WATER Explain the contribution which human activity makes to the risk of drought

Explain the impacts of drought on a functioning ecosystem

CARBON Explain the significance of soil in the carbon cycle

Explain the role of the carbon pumps in regulating the carbon cycle

Explain how the thermohaline circulation transfers carbon globally and between the atmosphere, ocean and seabed

In this essay pack, there are several more questions, including 20 markers!

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

Geography Notes

Essay on physical geography: top 3 essays on physical geography.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

In this essay we will discuss about physical geography. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1. Definition of Physical Geography 2. Scope of Physical Geography 3. Branches.

Essay on Physical Geography

1. essay on the definition of physical geography :.

Physical geography is one of the two branches of geography viz., physical geography and human geography. In fact, the study of physical aspects of the earth represents the core of spatial science i.e., geography. Most of geographers have pleaded for bifurcation of geography into physical and human geography but it is rather unwise to ignore biotic aspect of the biospheric ecosystem of the earth and hence there should be trifurcation of geography into physical geography, human geography and biogeography.

Physical geography in terms of its meaning and definition, scope (subject matter) and methods of study has undergone sea-change in the past few decades. In the beginning, physical geography was defined as the study of only physical environment (namely reliefs, air and water) of the earth e.g., ‘the study of physical environment by itself is physical geography which includes consideration of surface relief of the globe (geomorphology), of the seas and the oceans (oceanography) and of the air (meteorology and climatology) (Arthur Holmes).

Physical geography was considered as the agglomeration of different branches of earth sciences or natural sciences viz., sciences of atmosphere (meteorology and climatology); science of seas and oceans (oceanography); science of solid earth (geology); science of soil (pedology); science of plants (botany) and science of landforms (geomorphology).

Arthur Holmes further remarked that ‘physical geography is simply the study of unification of a number of earth sciences which give us a general insight into the nature of man’s environment. Not in itself a distinct branch of science physical geography is a body of basic principles of earth sciences selected with a view to include primarily the environmental influences that vary from place to place over the earth surface’.

It may be pointed out that presently physic geography is not only the agglomeration and unification of earth sciences as referred to above but it also studies the patterns of interactions between human activities and physical environment.

As a distinct branch of geography physical geography studies the spatial patterns and spatial relationships of environmental components of the globe in regional context, it also studies the causes of regional patterns of such spatial relationships, simultaneously it incorporates the explanation of spatial and temporal changes of environmental components and causes thereof.

It is evident that the focus of the study of physical geography is the biosphere (life layer) comprising the envelope of land, air and water around the globe which supports the life of all biota (plants and animals) on the earth surface.

Thus, we include the study of all such physical elements and factors in physical geography which provide suitable habitats for the living organisms of the biosphere (plants and animals including man). It may be mentioned that the quality of biosphere is determined by the physical environment, the quality of which in itself is determined by the interactions between endogenetic forces (coming from within the earth) and exogenetic forces (originating from the atmosphere i.e., denudational processes which include the processes of erosion and weathering).

The solid earth’s surface (crust) provides different types of habitats to living organisms of the biospheric ecosystem. Different reliefs (tectonically originated) are created (like mountains and hills, plateaus, lakes, plains etc.) on the earth’s surface by endogenetic forces which introduce diversity in the habitats.

The outer solid crustal surface also provides nutrients to the biosphere. On the other hand, atmosphere provides essential elements (namely carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen etc.) to the biosphere and gives birth to different types of climate on the earth’s surface.

The exogenetic processes originating from the atmosphere on one hand help in the circulation and exchange of heat between the atmosphere and the earth’s surface, on the other hand they create different types of landforms through their denudational works and these landforms in turn further introduce diversity in the habitats produced by endogenetic forces. Thus, physical environment affects life forms (plants and animals) of the biosphere while man also modifies and changes physical environmental conditions through his economic activities.

2. Essay on the Scope of Physical Geography :

It is evident from the foregoing discussion on the nature of physical geography that the detailed consideration of four components of the earth viz. lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, are included in physical geography wherein characteristic features of these components are studied spatially and temporally.

First, the origin, age and structure of the interior of the earth, isostasy and evolution of continents and ocean basins are studied in-order to understand the characteristic features of the aforesaid four components. The study of forces or movements of the earth, both endogenetic (originating from within the earth) and exogenetic (originating from the atmosphere) becomes significant to understand the interactions between these two forces and resultant features.

In fact, endogenetic forces (termed as constructive forces) coming from within the earth, create reliefs of varying dimensions on the earth’s surface (e.g. mountains, folds, faults, volcanic cones etc.) which provide habitats for living organisms of the biospheric ecosystem on the one hand, and present initial reliefs for the interplay of exogenetic forces originating from the atmosphere, termed as destructive forces (denudational processes e.g., fluvial, marine, glacial, aeolian, periglacial etc. processes and weathering agents) on the other hand. The study of evolution of continents and ocean basins and their drifting (continental drift as evidenced by plate tectonics) helps in the understanding of evolution and dispersal of plants and animals.

The characteristics, origin and distribution of constructional reliefs namely mountains, faults, folds etc. are thoroughly investigated. The distribution, characteristics and origin of vulcanicity and landforms resulting therefrom are studied as physical features and natural hazards which adversely affect both human being and plants and animals.

The study of features resulting from the interactions between endogenetic and exogenetic forces involves the discussion of mode of denudational processes (weathering and erosion), hetherto termed as geomorphic processes, their mechanism of operation (machanism of erosion, transportation and deposition by running water-river, groundwater, sea waves, wind, glacier and periglacial agent) and resultant landforms.

The study of hydrospheric component involves the consideration of reliefs of the ocean basins (continental shelves, submarine canyons, continental slope, deep sea plains, ocean deeps etc.); thermal characteristics of ocean water; salinity (composition of seawater, sources and distribution of oceanic salinity); ocean deposits; ocean tides; ocean currents and coral reefs and atolls (their distribution and origin, coral bleaching etc.).

The study of atmospheric component includes the discussion of composition and structure of atmosphere, elements of weather and climate, insolation and heat balance, terrestrial radiation balance and anthropogenic factors causing imbalance, air temperature, air pressure and winds (permanent or planetay winds, seasonal and local winds), characteristics and origin of monsoon, humidity and precipitation, airmasses, frontogenesis, cyclones and anticyclones, world climate etc.

The study of biospheric component involves the consideration of components of biosphere (both abiotic and biotic), soil system, ecological production and energy flow in the biospheric ecosystem, circulation of elements in the ecosystem, biogeochemical cycles, evolution, dispesal and extinction of plants and animals, biomes and man, ecosystem stability and man, man and atmospheric environment (global radiation balance, ozone depletion, greenhouse effects and global warming), man and environmental processes, main- induced soil erosion and sedimentation, environmental degradation and pollution, extreme events, hazards and disaster, environmental planning and management, global environmental problems and international co-operations.

It is evident from the aforementioned discussion that the scope of physical geography includes the consideration of systematic study of physical environment as well as the study of interactions between man and physical environment.

Major changes have taken place in the subject matter and methodology of physical geography due to following factors:

(1) Universal desire to make physical geography more meaningful and applicable for human welfare and to integrate it more intimately with human geography in-order to redefine and to keep the discipline of geography intact and to make it more relevant to society.

(2) More attention of man towards natural hazards and disaster and greater emphasis on the evaluation of adverse impacts of human activities on physical environment and environmental problems resulting therefrom and remedial measures therefor.

(3) Greater emphasis on instrumentation and measurement of operation of different geomorphic processes and mathematical analysis of data derived through field and laboratory studies.

(4) More attention towards the study of certain aspects of physical geography e.g. ecosystem and ecological stability and instability, hydrology, plate tectonics etc.

(5) Recent trends of increasing emphasis on micro-temporal scale (i.e., graded and steady state time scale) in place of macro-temporal scale (i.e., cyclic time involving geological time i.e., millions of years) and on shorter microspatial scale (10 to 100 km 2 ) in place of large or macro-spatial scale (mega scale, millions of square kilometres) in the study of geomorphic and environmental processes to make such study more relevant to society in-order to solve immediate environmental problems.

3. Essay on the Branches of Physical Geography:

The discipline of physical geography has evolved through successive stages of its development in terms of methodology and approaches to study. After taking its birth in the philosophical ideas and reports of ancient thinkers, philosophers and historians of the ancient seats of civilization and culture e.g., Greece, Rome and Egypt, the science of physical environment attained its present status wherein different components were added from time to time.

Previously physical geography concerned with only three components i.e., lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere but biosphere has been recently added to this discipline. It is desirable that the historical development of four distinct branches of physical geography e.g., geomorphology, oceanography, climatology and bio- geography should be discussed separately dealing with lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere respectively.

i. Geomorphology :

Geomorphology is a significant branch of physical geography. The term of geomorphology stems from three Greek words i.e., ge (meaning earth), morphe (meaning form) and logos (meaning discourse).

‘Geomophology may be defined as the scientific study of surface features of the earth’s surface involving interpretative description of landforms, their origin and development and nature and mechanism of geomorphological processes which evolve the landforms’.

The subject matter of geomorphology is organized on the bases of:

(i) Dimension and scale of relief features (landforms),

(ii) Processes that shape the landforms, and

(iii) The approaches to the geomorphic studies.

The systematic study of landforms requires some fundamental knowledge of geology as the genesis and development of all types of landforms primarily depend on the materials of the earth’s crust (rocks) and partly on the forces coming from within the earth.

Certain principles of structural and dynamic geology are included in geomorphic studies. Theoretical geology helps in understanding the nature of landforms and, therefore, the origin of different types of reliefs like mountains, plateaus, faults, folds, continents and ocean basins cannot be properly understood because it helps in understanding the denudational landforms which develop on them.

Endogenetic forces particularly diastrophic and sudden (vulcanicity and seismic events) should be taken note of as these introduce irregularities on the earth’s surface which generate variety in landforms. First order relief features include continents and ocean basins while mountains, plateaus, plains, faults, rift valleys etc. are included in relief features of the second order.

Micro-level landforms developed on second order relief features by exogenetic denudational processes (both erosional and depositional landforms) e.g., running water, groundwater, sea waves, wind, glacier and periglacial agents, are included in the categories of relief features of third order.

‘The rapidly evolving discipline of geomorphology has undergone sea-change in methodology and approaches to the study of landforms and related processes since 1945 when R.E. Horton introduced quantitative methods for the analysis of morphometric characteristics of fluvially originated drainage basins’. The present status of geomorphology is the result of gradual but successive development of geomorphic thoughts postulated in different periods by innumerable philosophers, experts and geoscientists in the subject and outside the subject.

In the ancient period some ideas of landforms were presented by philosophers and historians of Greece, Rome and Egypt e.g., Herodotus (485 B.C.-425 B.C., he named depositional features at the mouth of a river as delta and propounded that ‘Egypt is the gift of Nile’), Aristotle (384 B.C.-322 B.C., he described the features developed on limestones, origin of springs and streams), Strabbo (54 B. C.-25 A.D., according to him the size of delta varies depending on the nature of rocks of the region through which the river makes its course) etc. No significant development of geomorphology could take place during Dark Age (1st Century A.D. to 14th Century A.D.) as a lull prevailed in the development of geographical knowledge with the fall of Roman Empire.

The long continued academic silence of 1400 years was suddenly broken by the emergence of catastrophism which believed in the quick and sudden origin and evolution of all animate and inanimate objects in very short period of time and thus new pages of peculiar and fantastic concepts were added to the treasure of geomorphological and geographical literature.

The age of catastrophism was dominated by the concept of sudden occurrence and evolution of all types of features but this concept was soon rejected by the advocates of uniformitarianism. The emergence of age of uniformitarianism resulted in the outright rejection of the concept of catastrophism and gradual cyclic nature of earth’s history was postulated by James Hutton (1726-1797 A.D.) in the 18th century.

His concept of uniformitarianism was based on the basic tenet ‘that the same geological processes which operate today operated in the past and therefore the history of geological events repeats in cyclic manner.’ His concept of ‘present is key to the past’ aimed at the reconstruction of past earth history on the basis of the present. He was the first geologist to observe cyclic nature of earth’s history. He also propounded the concept of ‘no vestige of a beginning: no prospect of an end’. His two disciples John Playfair (1748-1819 A.D.) and Charles Lyell (1797-1873 A.D.) further developed and propagated the concept of uniformitarianism.

Geomorphology became an independent discipline and a major branch of geology at the beginning of the 19th century when the development of geomorphic thoughts took place at regional level and two distinct schools of geomorphic thoughts can well be identified e.g. (1) European School and (2) American School.

European School was characterized by significant contributions in the fields of recognition and identification of Pleistocene Ice Age and glaciation, glacial erosion, marine erosion, fluvial processes and erosion, arid and karst landscapes. Louis Agassiz (1807- 1873 A.D.), Jean de Charpentier, John Playfair, Venetz, Esmark etc. made significant contributions in the development of glacial geomorphology. Jean de Charpentier and Louis Agassiz postulated the concept of continental glacier and ice ages while James Geikie published his book ‘The Great Ice Age’ in 1894.

According to him an ice age involving longer geological period is comprised of distinct several glacial periods separated by warm interglacial periods. A. Penck and Bruckner identified four glacial periods during Pleistocene Ice Age (Gunz, Mindel, Riss, Wurm) which were separated by three warm interglacial periods. Sir Andrew Ramsay (1833-1905 A.D.) made significant contributions in marine geomorphology while J. Walther, Passarge etc. developed aeolian geomorphology. W. Penck postulated the concepts of cycle of erosion and slope replacement through his ‘morphologishe analyse.’

American School is credited for making maximum contributions in the field of geomorphology. In fact, the last two decades of 19th century and first two decades of 20th century (i.e., from 1875 to 1920) are considered as ‘golden age’ not only of American geomorphology but also of world geomorphology because it was this period when for the first time general theory of landscape development was propounded by W.M Davis and landform analysis attained its final shape.

The concept of sequential changes of landforms through successive developmental phases in terms of time based on the basic tenet of time-dependent concept of Davisian model of geographical cycle of erosion became the core of landform analysis and guideline for geomorphologists and geologists not only in North America but world over. Powell, Gilbert, Dutton and Davis made significant contributions in the field of subaerial denudation.

Major J.W. Powell (1834-1902 A.D.) postulated the concept of limit of maximum vertical erosion by streams to which he proposed the term base level, which is determined by sea level. G.K. Gilbert (1843- 1918 A.D.) propounded the concept of dynamic equilibrium and introduced quantitative methods of the analysis of landforms W.M. Davis (1850-1934 A.D.) is given credit to synthesize and integrate hitherto scattered ideas of American geomorphologists to present them in coherent and well defined framework.

Davis is given credit for postulation of first general theory of landscape development which is in fact a synthesis of his three major concepts viz. ‘complete cycle of river life’ (1889), ‘geographical cycle’ (1899) and ‘slope evolution’.

He emphasized progressive development of erosional stream valleys through the concept of ‘complete cycle of river life’ while sequential changes of landscapes through time involving historical evolution of lands forms (time-dependent series of landforms) or cyclic development of landforms were highlighted through the concept of geographical cycle.

The beginning of the 20th century was heralded by methodological revolution in geomorphological studies brought by W.M. Davis and his followers at home (U.S.A.) and geographical cycle was variously termed, popularised and applied by his followers world over e.g., normal cycle of erosion, geomorphic cycle, humid cycle etc. His concept of geographical cycle was later on applied with all other processes by Davis and his followers e.g., arid cycle of erosion, glacial cycle of erosion, marine cycle of erosion, karst cycle of erosion, periglacial cycle of erosion etc.

Davis’ concept of historical evolution of landscape became the pivot for the development of classical concept of denudation chronology and erosion surfaces in U.K. British geomorphologists made their independent identity and there emerged an entirely different school of geomorphology which laid emphasis on the chronological (historical) study of landscape development in historical perspective better known as denudation chronology based on the concept of palimpsest.

The Davisian model of geographical cycle met with strong criticism and rapid and erosionless upliftment became the crux of criticisms by the opponents of cyclic concept of landscape evolution particularly by German geomorphologists. W. Penck, through his ‘morphological analysis’ and ‘morphological system ‘, attempted to reconstruct and interpret past events of crustal movements on the basis of exogenetic processes and morphological characteristics and postulated the concept of time independent landscape evolution.

A new branch of geomorphology in the form of climatic geomorphology was developed in France and Germany based on basic tenet that ‘each climatic type produces its own characteristic assemblage of landforms’. Sauer (1925), Wentworth (1928), Saper (1935), Friese (1935), Budel (1944,1948), L.C. Peltier (1950), Tricart and Cailleux etc. made significant contributions in this field.

Post-1950 geomorphology has undergone seachange in methods and approaches to the study of landforms, conceptual framework, paradigm and thrust areas of study. The recent trends in the field of geomorphological studies since 1950 include increasing criticism of Davisian model of cyclic development of landforms, concerted efforts for the replacement of cyclic model by non-cyclic (dynamic equilibrium) model, descriptive geomorphology (qualitative treatment of landforms) by quantitative geomorphology, inductive method of landforms analysis by deductive method, introduction of models and system approach, emergence of process geomorphology, climatic geomorphology, applied geomorphology, environmental gemorphology, shift from larger spatial scale (mega geomorphology) and longer temporal scale to smaller spatial and shorter temporal scale (micro- geomorphology) etc.

The decade 1950-60 was devoted more for the quantitative study of landforms and processes and the consideration of geomorphic theories occupied a back seat. The rejection of Davisian concept of ‘cyclic model’ culminated in the postulation of ‘dynamic equilibrium theory’ of landscape development by J.T. Hack, R.J. Chorley and others but the conceptual vacuum caused by the rejection of Davisian model could not be filled up even by dynamic equilibrium model. Recently, a few alternative geomorphic theories have been postulated e.g. ‘geomorphic threshold model’, ‘tectonic geomorphic model’ (M. Morisawa), episodic erosion model’ (S.A. Schumm) etc.

The most outstanding contribution to the advancement of geomorphological knowledge has been replacement of ‘form geomorphology’ by ‘process geomorphology’ and postulation of ‘functional theory’ in place of ‘evolution theory’ and emergence of environmental geomorphology’ as a new branch of geomorphology. As regards Indian contributions to geomorphology four centres of geomorphology have developed at Allahabad university, Calcutta university, Poona university and Central Arid Zone Research Institute (Cazri), Jodhpur.

ii. Oceanography :

About three-fourth of the globe (70.8 per cent) is covered by hydrosphere. Out of the total surface area of the globe (509,950,000 km 2 ) lithosphere and hydrosphere cover 361,060,000 km 2 and 148,890,000 km 2 respectively. The study of hydrosphere (oceans and seas) is called oceanography which includes the consideration of description and analysis of physical and biological aspects of hydrosphere.

According to J. Proudman fundamental principles of dynamics and thermodynamics are also studied in relation to characteristics of ocean water and biological aspects. The science of oceans i.e., oceanography includes marine geology, marine geomorphology, physical oceanography, chemistry of ocean water and bio-oceanography.

The origin of ocean basins (continental drift and seafloor spreading), structure of crust and mantle, characteristics of ocean deposits and characteristics and origin of marine landforms are studied in marine geology and geomorphology. Physical oceanography includes the consideration of physical properties of ocean water (e.g., temperature, pressure, salinity, density, compressibility, viscosity, water masses and their distributional patterns) and dynamics of ocean water (e.g. sea waves, currents, tides, tsunamis etc.).

Recently, marine meteorology is also included in oceanography wherein atmospheric conditions over ocean water are studied. Bio-oceanography includes the study of the characteristics, evolution, distribution and dispersal of marine organisms.

The study of seas and oceans dates back to the ancient period of before Christ though early descriptions were based on empirical observations of individuals.

The long period of 1200 years from 1000 B.C. to 2nd century A.D. is divided into 3 phases of development of knowledge of marine environment:

(1) Early period of 500 years from the age of Homer (1000 B.C.) to the age of Hecatius includes the knowledge of Mediterranean sea based on individual voyages,

(2) Period of the study of tides by Pytheas (4th Century B.C.), a contemporary of Alexander; detailed description of land and sea by Strabbo (54 B.C.-25 A.D.) and measurement of ocean depths upto 1000 fathoms near Sardinia by Posidonius, and

(3) Presentation of the map of the world and Indian Ocean as closed sea by Ptolemy (2nd Century A.D.), dark age continued from 2nd century A.D. to 14th century when no significant contribution could be made in the science of oceanography.

The period from 15th to 16th century is called Great Age of Discovery and Exploration because efforts were made to discover and explore new areas. Columbus discovered America and Vasco de Gama reached India and Magellan circumnavigated the globe during this period.

The map presented by Ortelius in 1570 gave new knowledge about the distribution of land and seas. Significant contributions were made in the fields of origin of coastal geomorphology, theoretical base of tides, ocean currents and sea waves during this period of renaissance.

The study of seas and oceans began on theoretical basis since 17th century and mathematical methods and scientific principles were used for the interpretation of empirical knowledge and description. Ocean tides became the focal theme of study. Detailed studies were carried out regarding the mapping of ocean depth, variation in horizontal and vertical distribution of salinity, pressure of ocean water, ocean tides and currents on the basis of investigation of these variables in Gibralter Strait.

Newton presented his theory of the origin of ocean tides. In spite of such attempts the period of 17th and 19th century remained a period of inactivity in this field because of greater emphasis on physics, mathematics and astronomy.

The study of the subject again received attention with the exploration of South Pacific Region by Captain James Cook (1728- 1779). Marsigli for the first time presented the description of regional oceanography based on his studies of bottom relief, temperature, salinity, water pressure, tides and currents of Mediterranean Sea.

The development of the science of oceanography gained currency in 19th century.

This period is divided into three stages of the development of knowledge of oceanography as follows:

(1) Period of Edward Forbes (1815-1854):

Forbes was a marine biologist. His contributions to the development of oceanography included the study of sea animals upto the depth of 230 fathoms near Great Britain, Hebrides and Mediterranean Sea, study of bottom reliefs of some parts of the Atlantic Ocean; discovery of sites of 18 submerged ancient cities near Lycian coast; distribution of marine life in the Aegean Sea; preparation of map showing world distribution of marine life etc.

(2) Period of Challenger Expedition:

Wayville Thompson (1830-1882) made significant contributions in oceanography through his different expeditions’ viz. Lightening (1868), Porcupine (1869, 1870) and Challenger (1872-76). He explored the depth of oceans from Faroes in the north to Gibralter in the south through his first two expeditions while Challenger expedition was undertaken to study the bottoms of the oceans all over the world wherein he covered the distance of 1,10,400 km (69,000 miles) of the oceans and accomplished dredging at 362 centres.

The results of this great expedition (pertaining to bottom reliefs, sea water temperature, marine deposits etc.) were published in a book entitled Voyages of the Challenger-the Atlantic in 1877. He also studied the formation and origin of coral reefs and presented a world map of the distribution of pelagic deposits.

John Murray (1841 -1914) laid the foundation of modern oceanography. His major contributions based on Triton (1882) and Challenger Expedition (1872-76) include discovery of submarine ridge of Wayville Thompsons Ridge located to the northwest of Scotland; study of planktons, deposits on seabottoms, formation and origin of coral reefs; formulation of theory of the origin of atolls; determination offish zones and mud lines and presentation of map of ocean deeps of the Atlantic- Ocean.

(3) Post-Challenger Period:

Louis Agassiz made detailed study of Florida Reefs and Keys. He studied different aspects of ocean from Florida to Sans Francisco around south American coast. Alexander Agassiz, son of Louis Agassiz undertook coastal surveys covering a distance of 1,60,000 km (1,00,000 miles) through Black and Albatross Expeditions.

His major contributions include location and origin of Gulf Stream between Newfoundland and Florida, studies of coral reefs near Bahamas and Cuba, Bermuda and Florida, Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Fizi Islands, and Maldives etc. He rejected the Darwinian theory of subsidence of the origin of coral reefs and atolls. According to him atolls and barrier reefs are formed due to biological, mechanical and chemical processes.

Several expeditions were launched to study different aspects of seas and oceans in the first half of the 20th century e.g., Gazelle Expedition in the North Atlantic Ocean, Fishing Commission and Albatross Expedition in the East Pacific Ocean, Meteor Expedition in the South Atlantic Ocean, Michael Sars Expedition in the South Atlantic Ocean, Carnegie Expedition in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Discovery (2nd) Expedition in Southern Seas (1950-51), Challenger Expedition and Danish Expedition in Southern Seas etc.

Several renowned oceanographers namely Nansen, Amundsen, Pettersson, Shepard etc. enriched the science of oceanography through their elaborate studies of different aspects of oceans and seas. F.B. Taylor and A.G. Wegener postulated the concepts of continental drift to account for the origin of continents and ocean basins. In the 1960s Hary Hess (1960) propounded the concept of sea floor spreading which further validated the hypothesis of continental drift.

With the postulation of plate tectonic theory the riddle of origin of ocean basins, bottom reliefs of the oceans, displacement and drifting of continents and ocean basins could be successfully solved. Recently, new information about marine environment and marine ecology are forthcoming through the institutes of oceanography, ocean departments and ocean expeditions established and funded by several countries and organizations like Naval Hydrographic Office, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (U.S.A.) ; the Geophysical Institute, the Hydrographic Biological Commission in Scandinavia; the Marine Biological Association of U.K.; the Oceanographic Institute in Paris; Institute of Oceanography in Canada and Russia etc.

The first co-operative work for the study of Indian oceans was initiated with the launch of the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) comprising 20 countries and 38 research ships in 1960. Naval Hydrographic Office (at Dehra Dun) and the Department of Ocean Development (Goa) have been assigned the task of investigation of Indian ocean and all aspects of its marine environment.

It may be pointed out that recently the study of oceanography has gained currency because the economic and strategic importance of seas and oceans is increasing very fast. Thus, more attention is paid towards applied oceanography which includes the consideration of delineation, mapping, exploitation, utilization and management of marine biotic and abiotic resources.

Marine ecology and marine ecosystem have become the focal themes of oceanography. There is a need to introduce and develop ‘economic oceanography’ (resource oceanography) as a new branch of oceanography.

iii. Climatology:

The gaseous envelop surrounding the earth is called atmosphere while the science dealing with the study of the atmospheric components and characteristics is called meteorology and climatology. Climatology includes the systematic and regional studies of the atmospheric conditions i.e., weather and climate. Weather refers to the sum total of the atmospheric conditions in terms of temperature, pressure, wind, moisture, cloudiness, precipitation and visibility of a particular place at any given time.

In fact, weather denotes short term variations of atmospheric conditions and it is highly variable. On the other hand, climate is defined as aggregate weather conditions of any region in long- term perspective. According to Trewartha ‘climate represents a composite of day to day weather conditions and of the atmospheric elements, within a specified area over a long period of time.’

According to Critchfield ‘climate is more than a statistical average; it is the aggregate of the atmospheric conditions involving heat, moisture, and air movement. Extremes must always be considered in any climatic description in addition to means, trends, and probabilities’. According to Koeppen and De Long, ‘climate is a summary, a composite of weather conditions over a long period of time; truly portrayed, it includes details of variations, extremes, frequencies, sequences of the weather elements which occur from year to year, particularly in temperature and precipitation.

Climate is (thus) aggregate of the weather’. G.F. Taylor has maintained that ‘climate is the integration of weather, and weather is the differentiation of climate. The distinction between weather and climate is, therefore, mainly one of time.’ According to Critchfield climatology is that science which studies the nature of climate, the causes and interpretation of its spatial variations and its association with the elements of natural environment and human activities.

There are three distinct branches of climatology e.g.:

(1) Physical climatology,

(2) Regional climatology, and

(3) Applied climatology.

Physical climatology deals with the interpretation of factors responsible for the spatial and temporal variations of exchange of air circulation, heat and humidity.

It studies various elements of weather namely insolation, temperature, air pressure, wind, evaporation and humidity, precipitation, fogs, visibility etc. Different climates are formed due to combinations of these weather elements.

The occurrences of different combinations of these weather elements are accomplished through different processes and mechanisms. Thus, these processes of exchange of heat, humidity and momentum between atmosphere and earth’s surface are also studied thoroughly. It is, thus, evident that physical climatology studies the factors and processes of regional variations of climatic conditions.

Regional climatology includes the study of types, distribution, pattern and characteristic features of world climates.

Regional climatology is studied in three ways on the basis of spatial scales viz.:

(1) Macro- climatic regions,

(2) Meso-climatic regions, and

(3) Micro-climatic regions.

Applied climatology studies the application of climatic knowledge to solve various problems faced by human society e.g., global warming and climatic changes.

It studies the interactions between climate and biosphere i.e., how does climate influence and control plants and animals including man and in turn how does man modify climate by introducing advertent and inadvertent changes in the physical environment and by making certain weather modifications e.g., cloud seeding and induced precipitation.

Further, applied climatology includes the study of variability of climate, climatic changes, air pollution, climate and comfort, climate and health, climate and society, extreme weather events (e.g., floods, drought etc.) and their impacts, climate and agriculture, climate and manufacturing industries, climate and recreation, climate and urban planning, weather forecasting, climate and transport and communication, weather modifications etc.

Human biometeorology, which studies the reactions of human bodies to the changes in the atmospheric environment, has gained currency recently. It lays emphasis on to ‘establish how much of the overall biological variability is the result of changes in weather, climate and season’.

The study of climate is also divided into three categories based on influences of climatic environment on human health and behaviour on different spatial scales viz. microclimate, ecoclimate and geoclimate.

According to M. Bates (1966) three levels of climatic environment affect human behaviour viz.:

(1) Microclimate, which represents weather conditions surrounding an individual organism;

(2) Ecological climate or ecoclimate, which represents weather elements of the habitats of the organisms, in the case of man the habitat may be his house and working places like factory, office, mine, agricultural farm, pasture etc. and

(3) Geographical climate or geoclimate, which represents weather conditions of larger areal unit and longer temporal span.

iv . Biogeography :

Biosphere is a life supporting layer which surrounds the earth and makes plants and animal life possible without any protective device. The organic world or biosphere is that part of the earth which contains living organisms-the biologically inhabited soil, air and water’. According to A.N. and A.H. Strahler (1977) all the living organisms of the earth and the environment to which these organisms interact make biosphere.

Thus, the biosphere consists of all the living organisms (the biotic component), energy (the energy component) and physical environment (abiotic component) and there are continuous interactions between living organisms and physical environment and among the living organisms themselves.

The average thickness of biosphere or life supporting layer consisting of land, air, water, soil and rock is about 30 km. The upper limit of biosphere is determined by the availability of oxygen, moisture, temperature and air pressure which are necessary for the existence of organisms.

Decrease in oxygen, temperature, moisture and air pressure with increase in height in the atmosphere limits the upper boundary of the biosphere. Though the NASA has discovered the presence of bacteria upto the height of 15 km in the atmosphere but the lower layer of the atmosphere upto a few hundred metres accounts for most of the living organisms because favourable environmental conditions are available for the growth and development of living organisms in the lower part of the atmosphere.

The depth of the biosphere over the land is upto the depth of deepest roots of trees or the depth upto which can live the burrowing organisms or the depth at which lie the parent rocks. The biosphere extends upto greater depth in the oceans. The existence of life has been detected upto a depth of 9,000 m in the deep oceanic trenches and deep sea plains.

The study of biosphere is called biogeography, which includes the consideration of physical environment, soil, animals and plants. ‘Biogeography as the term indicates, is both a biological and a geographical science. Its field of study is the biologically inhabited part of the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere- or, as it has become known the biosphere’.

Since the living organisms of the biosphere are studied in botany, zoology, biochemistry and geography with different view-points and focus and hence there are variations in the meaning and scope (subject matter of study) of biogeography in the aforesaid disciplines.

If a geographer studies the distribution patterns of plants and animals of the biosphere in spatial and temporal contexts and attempts to analyse the processes and factors which are responsible for such spatial and temporal variations, the biologists limit themselves to the study of physiological, morphological, behavioural and functional aspect of an individual organism.

A geographer besides studying the distributional patterns of community of plants and animals also emphasises two more aspects viz.:

(1) Intimate interrelationships between the abiotic and biotic components, and

(2) Reciprocal relationship between man and biosphere.

It may be pointed out that the discipline of biogeography cannot be exclusive domain of either biology or geography as its boundary is overlapping not only with these two subjects but also with other subjects. J. Tivy (1982) has aptly remarked, ‘the geologist, climatologist, pedologist, geomorphologist as well as the botanist, zoologist, geneticist and geographere all ‘cultivate’ or ‘crop’, as the case may be, particular parts of this very large and varied field (biosphere): and in doing so they are, to a greater or lesser extent, essential to as well as being dependent on, an understanding of biogeography’. Thus, the meaning, subject matter and approach to study vary according to the interest and objective of the investigator.

The primary goal of a geographer is to present a vivid picture of spatial patterns of distribution of plants and animals, their temporal variations and processes and causes thereof. Margaret Anderson defined biogeography as the essence of ‘biological relations between man (considered as animal) and the whole of his animate and inanimate environment’.

Since plants and animals are major components of biogeography and hence the subject is divided into two branches viz.:

(1) Plant geography, and

(2) Animal geography but in geographical studies plant geography is given more attention while animal geography or zoogeography occupies back seat.

This is because of the fact that the study of distribution pattern of animals becomes difficult due to mobility of animals, very micro-forms of animal species and very high variability in their behaviour while the study of distribution patterns of plants becomes easy due to their static nature and their aggregation in static community. Simultaneously, plants represent most of total biomass of the world (say biosphere).

In comparison to animals plants depend more on physical environment of their habitats, they are more affected by their environment and in turn they also affect their environment. Plants provide food to all animals including man because they are primary producers and become most valuable resource to human society.

It may be pointed out that though biotic components of the biosphere are most significant aspect of the study of biogeography but abiotic components’ involving land, air and water are also studied in this discipline. Land or lithospheric component includes (from smaller to higher) elements (iron, nickel, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon etc.), minerals (hematite, dolomite, felspar etc.), rocks and soils, micro landforms (relief features of 3rd order viz. erosional and depositional landforms produced by exogenetic denudational processes like running water-fluvial process, groundwater, sea waves-marine process, wind-aeolian process, glaciers and periglacial process), meso-landforms (relief features of 2nd order produced by endogenetic forces namely, mountains, plateaus, faults, folds etc.) and macro-landforms (relief features of 3rd order e.g. continents and ocean basins).

The atmosphere is a significant component of the biospheric ecosystem because it provides all the gases necessary for the sustenance of all life forms in the biosphere. It also filters the incoming solar radiation and thus prevents the ultraviolet solar radiation waves to reach the earth’s surface and hence protects it from becoming too hot.

The atmospheric component includes the consideration of the composition and structure (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere-ionosphere and exosphere) of the atmosphere and the elements of weather and climate (insolation, temperature, air pressure, winds, humidity and precipitation, airmasses, frontogenesis and fronts, cyclones and anticyclones etc.).

The water or hydrospheric component is very important component of the abiotic or physical components because it is very essential element for all types of life in the biosphere. Water plays very important role in the circulation of nutrients in the various components of the ecosystems and it makes biogeochemical cycles effective in the biosphere.

The water components consist of surface water, subsurface or groundwater and oceanic water. Surface water of the earth surface is found in static state (e.g., water of lakes, ponds, tanks, reservoirs etc.) and in dynamic (in motion) state (e.g., surface runoff, streams, springs etc.). The groundwater is found in the pore spaces of regolith known as aquifers. The oceanic water or hydrosphere covers about 71 per cent of the total surface area of the globe.

On the basis of size and location the hydrosphere is divided into oceans, seas, small enclosed seas, bays etc. The hydrospheric component includes the consideration of origin and characteristics of botom reliefs (continental shelves, continental slopes, deep sea plains, deeps, submarine canyons etc.), temperature, salinity, ocean deposits, waves and currents, coral reefs and atolls because these determine different types of habitats of marine organisms.

Biotic components of the biosphere consist of 3 subsystems e.g. plant system, animal system including man and micro-organisms. Of these three subsystems plants are most important because these alone produce organic matters which are used by themselves and by animals including micro-organisms either directly or indirectly. Plants also make the cycling and recycling of organic matter and nutrients possible in different components of the biospheric ecosystem.

The study of plant component includes the consideration of classification of plants, major divisions of plant kingdoms, plant system, plants and their environment, structure and composition of plant communities, evolution, distribution, dispersal and extinction of plants etc. The study of animal component includes the consideration of classification, distribution, dispersion and extinction of animals.

The development of biogeography is closely linked with biological sciences (botany, zoology and ecology) which have themselves come out of the earth sciences and natural history as is aptly remarked by J. Tivy, ‘biogeography is firmly rooted in the biological sciences on whose data, concepts and methods the geographer is obliged to draw and whose developments have inevitably influenced his particular interest in and approach to the biosphere’.

Thus, the history of the development of biogeography is traced from biological sciences. In fact, the development of biological sciences and thus biogeography began with the contributions of early explorers and naturalists like Carl von Linne, Alexander von Humbolt, Edward Forbes, Joseph Hooker, Louis Agassiz, Alfred Wallace, Charles Darwin etc. Initially, different aspects of plants (e.g., classification, taxonomy, evolution etc.) were given more significance.

The development of two basic concepts for the explanation of biological diversity and anomalies in the distribution of different types of plant and animal species on the basis of information of plants and animals gathered by early explorers and naturalists made revolution in biological sciences and biogeography mainly plant geography together.

These two basic concepts were:

(1) The concept of adaptation of species to their physical environmental conditions, and

(2) Concept of natural selection and survival of the fittest.

It may be mentioned that these two basic concepts became the basis of Darwinian Theory of evolution arid origin of species in 1859. In fact, the Darwinian theory of origin of species, propounded by Charles Darwin, is related to the concept of progressive evolution of species (gradual speciation).

Charles Darwin (1859) postulated the principles and mechanisms of evolution of species by the process of natural selection wherein the heritable variations in the populations (here population means a community of individuals of sexually reproducing species) form the basis of evolution of species.

The process of natural selection simply means that a few of the advantageous qualities inherited from the parents of a species by a few populations of that species are such that these qualities enable a few individual members of that species to survive in their environment and to become adapted to the physical environmental conditions.

On the other hand, some individual members of the species lack in the advantageous qualities because these could not be inherited by them from their parents. In such cases the individuals which possess the advantageous qualities which are useful for their adaptation to their physical environmental conditions eliminate those plants and animals which do not possess those advantageous qualities.

In the early stages of the development of biogeography two aspects were more emphasized viz., taxonomic aspect and ecological aspect. The classification (taxonomy) of plants, their nomenclature and distribution, dispersion and evolution of individual plants became the centre of investigation and study by botanists whereas geographers attached more importance to the ecological aspects (relationships between plants and physical environmental factors) and geographical factors responsible for spatial variations in plant species.

In fact, ‘plant geography has made and continues to make important contributions to the elucidation and assessment of the relative importance of the factors which determine floristic (plants) distribution’. Plant geographer, as influenced by the Huttonian theory of uniformitarianism based on two concepts of ‘present is key to the past’ and ‘no vestige of a beginning and no prospect of an end’ (as propounded by Scottish geologist James Hutton), also attempted to study the influences of past events and environmental conditions on present distribution of plants.

Plant geographers were more influenced by the ecological concepts of interactions between biotic components (plants and animals including man) and abiotic (physical) environment and among the biotic components themselves. Ecology, in a very simple term, is a science that studies the independent, mutually reactive and interconnected relationships between the organisms and their physical environment on the one hand and among the organisms on the other hand.

Though the term ‘oecology’ (oekologie or oecologie, oiko=home) was first coined and used by German biologist, Ernst Haeckel in 1869, a few conceptual terms were already proposed to reveal relationships between organisms and their environment, for example, ‘ethology’ by French Zoologist, Isodore Geoffroy St. Hilaire in 1859 (for the study of relations of the organisms within the family and society in the aggregate and in the community); lexicology by British naturalist St. George Jackson Mivart (for the study of relations which exist between organisms and their environment) etc.

Since then the scope of ecology and its objectives have expanded enormously with the development of ecological concepts and thoughts consequent upon growing interest in man-environment relationships due to increasing pressure on natural resources to sustain and enhance economic development.

The field and the scope of ecology have changed during various phases of methodological development of the subject. In the beginning ecology was exclusively associated with biological sciences e.g. botany and zoology and hence plants and animals were studied separately.

This approach led to the emergence of plant ecology and animal ecology. The second approach of the study of relationships between organisms and physical environment (i.e. ecology) was based on habitats in terms of their physical characteristics (e.g. topography, soils, insolation and temperature, water, minerals, weather and climate etc.). This approach of ecological study led to the development of habitat ecology. The third approach to ecological studies is to study either individual organisms or groups of organisms of a particular ecosystem.

This approach led to the development of autecology and synecology. Autecology is the study of relationships of individual species to its environment while synecology is the study of complex interrelationships of groups of organisms known as biological communities because organisms (plants, animals and micro-organisms) affect each other in reciprocal manner and interact with habitat or natural environment.

Synecology was further divided into population ecology, community ecology, biome ecology, ecosystem ecology etc. Though synecology is given more attention in biogeography but autecology also does not lose its relevance. It may be mentioned that biogeography became more concerned with the ecological studies of plants than animals. In fact, plant geography was also referred to as ecological plant geography.

Simultaneously, plant geography was replaced by more specific term of vegetation geography so as to differentiate it from botany. In fact, ‘the study of vegetation geography, however, developed nearly a century before the recognition and acceptance of ecology as an academically respectable branch of the biological sciences’.

Climate was accepted as a significant ecological variable during 18th and 19th centuries, consequently attempts were made to divide vegetation of the world into vegetation zones on the basis of climatic conditions. For example, C.H. Merriam divided the world into life zones on the basis of climatic parameters mainly temperature in 1894. A.W.F. Schimper attached reasonable importance to climate while dealing with various aspects of vegetation in his famous book entitled ‘Plant Geography on a Physiological Basis’.

The vegetation-climate relationship also reflected in the classification of world climates by W.K. Koeppen (1918) and divisions of the world into natural regions by A.H. Herbertson (1905). It may be mentioned that by this time vegetation was taken (studied) as static component of the biosphere. In other words, vegetaion was studied at a given time and no attempt was made to study its changing form with time i.e. its dynamic aspect (temporal changes in vegetation) was altogether ignored.

Thus, with the march of time other factors were also taken into consideration which could control and determine the nature of vegetation. Consequently, the importance of time in influencing dynamic aspect of vegetation gained currency and the process of succession was introduced in the study of vegetation geography which gave a new direction to biogeography.

‘Succession’ simply means the entire process of directional and sequential changes of either plant community (groups of plants adapted to a particular habitat) or the whole ecosystem through time. The sequence of successional development (changes) of vegetation community is called ‘sere’. In other words, the transitional stages of sequential changes from one vegetation community to another vegetation community are called ‘sere’.

The succession of vegetation community in any habitat of an ecosystem is classified into two types on the basis of temporal changes in the environmental conditions of that habitat viz. autogenic succession (due to changes in the environmental conditions effected by vegetation itself) and allogenic succession (due to variations in physical components of habitats e.g., global climatic changes, rapid rate of siltation of lakes, ponds etc., accelerated rate of erosion of the region concerned, upliftment or subsidence of ground surface etc.).

F.E. Clements introduced genetic approach to the study of vegetation community and gave more emphasis to time factor to strengthen dynamic nature of vegetation geography. He further enriched and elaborated the concept of ‘succession’. After elaborating two processes of succession (e.g., primary and secondary succession) he propounded the concept of ‘climax’ to indicate last stage of successional development of vegetation community.

Primary succession refers to the developmental sequence of vegetation in those bare areas where there were no vegetation and animals earlier whereas secondary succession refers to the developmental sequences of vegetation in those areas which had vegetation cover earlier but now have been rendered nude or bare, due to destruction of vegetation (either partly or completely) either by natural processes (like lava flow, prolonged drought, glaciation, natural widespread forest fires, severe storms, catastrophic floods etc.) or by human interferences (like intentional burning of vegetation, massive land use changes, mass felling of trees, overgrazing etc.).

It may be pointed out that such disturbed ecosystems or habitats still contained mature soils and some original vegetation and therefore the initial stage of ‘sere’ of secondary succession of plant community is quite different from the initial stage or sere of primary succession which starts on a bare rocky surface, having no earlier plants and animals. The end product of the process of succession of vegetation community was given the term of climax succession, climax vegetation, climatic climax etc.

A.G. Tansely defined the ‘climax’ on the basis of main dominant factor which controls the maximum growth of vegetation of habitat.

According to him the climax should be identified as:

(1) Climatic climax (when climate is the most dominant factor),

(2) Edaphic climax (when soil is the most dominant factor),

(3) Relief climax (relief being the most dominant factor),

(4) Anthropogenic climax (human activities being the most dominant factor), and

(5) Biotic climax (biotic factors being the most dominant factors) etc.

It may be pointed out that the concept of succession and climax stage as propounded by Henry Cowles and F.E. Clements denoting development of successive stages of vegetation evolution in terms of time was in conformity with Darwin’s theory of evolution of species and William Morris Davis’ concept of cycle of erosion.

Similarly, time concept was also used for the explanation of pedogenesis and developmental stages of evolution of soils. It may be mentioned that there began a major shift from larger spatial and longer temporal scales to smaller spatial and temporal scales in geomorphology, pedology and climatology in the beginning of the 20th century but biogeography was still seized by zonal approach and the concept of climatic climax which laid more emphasis on major vegetation zones in association with soil zones at world level and evolution of vegetation communities involving geological time scale.

But soon there began a shift in research methodology in biogeography due to new emphasis on field study, collection of vegetation data from smaller areas and laboratory experimentation, with the result data and information obtained through controlled areas and experiments in the laboratories enabled the investigators to examine empirical hypotheses and modify earlier hypotheses.

During this course of new emphasis there emerged two aspects of detailed study namely plant sociology and ecological energetics.

Secondly, two distinct schools of ecological studies emerged at world level e.g.:

(1) The American School (led by F.E. Clements) and British School (led by A.G. Tansely) of ecological studies which emphasized the study of habitats and vegetation communities and

(2) European School which gave more attention to the study of floristic composition of plant community.

The post-first world war period registered a sea- change in the subject matter and methodology in biogeography and ecology. The larger spatial scale involving larger areal extent was replaced by small spatial scale involving small areal extent for intensive study of vegetation. Secondly, the study of ecological relationship was preferred to vegetation taxonomy and ecosystem was accepted as a convenient ideal areal unit for ecological study.

Since 1970 the environmentalists, ecologists, conservationsists and planners became more and more aware about the process of environmental degradation and ecological imbalance caused by depletion of natural resources (both biotic and aboitic) due to their rapaciousi exploitation and irrational utilization by man. Consequently, the study of components, circulation of energy, circulation and cycling and recycling of nutrients, soil systems etc. in the biospheric ecosystems of various orders gained currency.

The systematic study of different aspects (e.g. classification, evolution, distribution, dispersion and extinction) of plant and animal systems and characteristic features of biomes is more emphasized. Simultaneously, the study of man-environment relationships and ecological equilibrium has become the focal theme of ecology and biogeography.

Recently, more and more attention is paid towards the study of processes and factors of environmental degradation and pollution, stability and instability of ecosystem and ecological in-balance.

Environmental planning and management involving remedial measures of environmental degradation and pollution, reduction in the impact of natural hazards and disaster, conservation and preservation of ecological resources etc. has become centre of ecological study.

Biosphere reserve (nature reserve) with three roles (e.g., logistic role, development role and conservation role) programme has been launched world over for the management of abiotic and biotic resources of the nature which has been least impacted by human activities.

Since 1970 numerous books have been published on ecological conservation and resource management e.g.:

Biological Conservation by D.W. Ehrenfield, (1970),

Conservation in Practice by A. Warren and F.B. Goldsmith (1974),

Grassland Ecology and Wildlife Management by E. Duffey (1974),

Conservation of Nature by E. Duffey (1970),

The Scientific Management of Animal and Plant Communities for Conservation by E. Duffey and A.S. Watt (1971),

Ecology and Environmental Planning by J.M. Edington and M.A. Edington (1977),

Environmental Conservation by R.F. Dasmann (1977),

Biological Management and Conservation by M.B. Usher (1973),

The Ecosystem Concept in Resource by G.M. Van Dyne (1969),

Environmental Geography by Savindra Singh (1991), etc.

The significant books on biogeography are Basic Biogeography, Biogeography-An Ecological and Evolutionary Approach, Biogeography-A study of Plants in the Ecosphere, Biogeography, Principles of Biogeography, and Geography of the Biosphere etc.

It may be concluded that physical geography has recently become more relevant to society because of increasing interest of geographers to strengthen the core of geography i.e., physical geography and greater emphasis on the study of spatial pattern of physical environment and complex interrelationships of its components which may be more relevant and conducive for regional planning and development.

In fact, environment has always been at the centre stage of geography but unfortunately it was overshadowed by tilt of geographers towards sociology and economics during 1960-1980 but now they have realised the risk of leaving their core subject i.e. physical environment and are now giving due importance to the study of physical geography.

The introduction and development of ‘environmental geography’ as a new branch of geography by Savindra singh (1989 and 1991) is a positive welcome step in this direction.

Essay on Biogeography | Geography
Dichotomy Between Physical Geography and Human Geography
Essay on Biosphere: Top 7 Essays on Biosphere | Geography
Essay on Ecosystem: Top 7 Essays on Ecosystem | Geography

Essay , Essay on Physical Geography , Geography , Physical Geography

Privacy Overview

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

COMMENTS

Physical Geography: Climatology and Geomorphology Essay
Physical Geography: Climatology and Geomorphology Essay. Primarily, physical geography is the study of the earth's surface facial appearance and the connected developments. Although physical geography explores the geographic patterns of climate, flora, soils, landforms, and the corporeal milieu that emanate from the internal reactions, it has ...
50+ Best Geography Essay Topics [2024 Updated]
Best Geography Essay Topics for 2024. The implications of climate change on the Arctic region: Analyzing the environmental, economic, and geopolitical impacts of melting ice and changing ecosystems. Urban heat island effect: Investigating the causes, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies of urban heat islands in major cities.
146 Exquisite Geography Research Topics To Write About
Explore our free list of 146 exciting geography research topics. Physical, human, economic, political, and environmental geography topics. Toll-free: +1 (877) 401-4335. ... Foster geographical curiosity and critical thinking skills with this intriguing list of essay topics designed specifically by our best dissertation service writers for high ...
How to Write Geography Essay: Topics, Tips and Examples
The crucial point for a successful geography essay is selecting an engaging and appropriate topic. To choose a topic that resonates, consider current events, your interests, and the scope of your assignment. A good topic should captivate your interest and offer sufficient scope for in-depth study and analysis.
250 Geography Essay Topics & Geology Writing Ideas
250 Geography Essay Topics & Geology Writing Ideas. (3 votes) The Earth is a complex system. To understand it, geologists examine the lithosphere and its layers. They trace our planet's history by using physical and chemical methods. Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!
Geography Essay Topics: 30+ Interesting Ideas to Explore
Geography Extended Essay Topics. The Geography extended essay is an assignment that requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. You then have to write a 4,000-word report on your finding, followed by three reflections to show your engagement and commitment to the research.
How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions
In my experience, all A Level geography students must be systematic and structured in the way they write their long-form answers. This approach ensures that students cover all the necessary content while also demonstrating the geographic skills that examiners are assessing. Examiners use both AO1 and AO2 to evaluate students in essay questions.
Physical Geography Essays: Examples, Topics, & Outlines
Physical Geography of Louisiana USA. PAGES 6 WORDS 1896. Topography of Louisiana. Louisiana encompasses an area of 51,844 square miles, and is the 31st largest state. The elevations of Louisiana range from 8 ft below sea level at New Orleans to a maximum of 535 ft at Driskill Mt, with a mean elevation of 100-ft (Buchanan, W.C., 1957, pp1-6).
Top 130 Geographical Topics For A Successful Essay
Modeling As One Of The Methods Of Human Geography; Physical Geography Paper Topics. Physical geography is not the easiest subject to write about. However, in case you have some basic knowledge of modern technologies, variations, cultural regions, and applied geography, creating a perfect essay will be as easy as 1-2-3.
Geography Essay Examples for College Students
Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt. In this essay I going to speak about Egypt's geography, its latitude and longitude coordinates are 26.8206° N, 30.8025° E and Cairo (the capital city) is 30° 2' N, 31° 14' E. It is located in North-East Africa, and it has borders with the Red... Egypt. Geography.
100 Best Geography Topics For Research Papers
Here are some of the best physical geography topics to consider for your paper or essay. How climate change affects the intensity of the Australian bushfire. The meteorology history and its effects on modern research. River ice - The worldwide effects of the high ice loss rate across the globe.
Free Geography Essay Examples & Topic Ideas
Check our 100% free geography essay, research paper examples. Find inspiration and ideas Best topics Daily updates ... Geography Essay Examples and Topics. Updated: May 30th, 2024 287 samples. Advantages and Disadvantages of Urbanization Essay ... Physical Geography: Climatology and Geomorphology In general, geography is the study of ...
IB DP Geography Extended Essay Topics: The Best Ideas
The best topics allow for deep analytical thinking. Look for areas where you can apply geographical theories and concepts to real-world scenarios. In light of these considerations, choosing the perfect topic becomes integral to the extended essay-writing process. It requires careful thought, creativity, and strategic planning.
CHAPTER 1
This chapter examines the nature, history, and future of Physical Geography. Opening topics establish working definitions for Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography, and Physical Geography's sub-fields. A historical approach is used to discuss the evolution of Geography as a discipline. Physical Geography's role in Geography is explained.
Geography Essay Topics & Geology Writing Ideas
Top 32 Geography Essay Topics. Geography is an all-encompassing subject that deals with studying the Earth, its features, and its inhabitants. Geography is a broad subject, so it is often divided into sub-topics. Every country has its unique geography, formed through the interaction between natural and human factors.
How to Write a Geography Essay Step by Step
Introduction to Geography Essays Importance of Essay Writing in Geography. Essay writing in geography is crucial as it allows students and researchers to explore complex environmental, physical, and societal issues. It enables the synthesis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
25 Excellent Topics for a Research Paper in Geography
A case study of soil types in your area. The extinction of sea wildlife and humans' impact on its condition. An explanation of deforestation. An examination of air pollutant levels in your area. A geographical study of deserts. Numerous categories of mountains.
PDF Physical Geography Essay
Physical Geography Essay The significance of fire on the ecosystem, and its impact on soil and vegetation Fire plays a significant role in affecting the Earth's ecosystem. Whether a human-instigated management tool or a natural wildfire, fire is important in the disturbance of landscapes, the progression of biodiversity-rich systems and the
Higher Geography
Twelve short questions where you will be marked out of your best ten. (25 mins, 80 marks) Part Two. Essay style questions where you have a choice of ONE question from three in each section. Spend no more than 30 mins on each question (80 marks). Section 1: Physical Geography (Q1, Q2, Q3 - Pick one) Section 2: Regional Geography (Q4, Q5, Q6 ...
EssayPro Blog
How to Start a Geography Essay. Starting your essay in the right way not only grabs your readers' attention but also sets the stage for a well-organized and interesting exploration of your selected geography research essay topics.. Establish the Geography: Kick-off by placing your topic in a geographic context.Explain where and why this topic matters, considering both local and global ...
Edexcel A Level Geography Paper 1
This includes a collection of essays all focused on the Edexcel Paper 1 (Physical Geography) with model answers and varied question lengths from 4 mark questions to 12 marks, all is covered. This document is a collation of all past paper questions from Edexcel past papers, mock papers, textbooks, online sources etc.
Geography 1 Essay questions Flashcards
Geography 1 Essay questions. What does the term cultural landscape imply? Is the nature of cultural landscape dictated by the physical environment? Click the card to flip 👆. Natural landscape as modified by humans.
Essay on Physical Geography: Top 3 Essays on Physical Geography
Essay on Physical Geography. 1. Essay on the Definition of Physical Geography: Physical geography is one of the two branches of geography viz., physical geography and human geography. In fact, the study of physical aspects of the earth represents the core of spatial science i.e., geography. Most of geographers have pleaded for bifurcation ...

146 Impressive Geography Research Topics Every Student Will Like

Areas Of Geography

Easy Geography Research Paper Topics

Human Geography Research Topics

Cultural Geography Research Topics

Physical Geography Research Topics

Geography Thesis Topics

Urban Geography Thesis Topics

PhD Research Topics In Geography

Captivating Research Topics In Geography

Interesting Geography Research Topics

Good Geography Research Topics For 2023

Geography Topics For Research For College

Interesting Geography Topics For High School

Engaging Geographical Research Topics

Affordable Thesis Help You Can Rely On

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

How to Write Geography Essay: Topics and Examples

What Is Geography Essay

Choosing a Topic

Research and Data Collection

Planning the Essay

Writing the Essay

Examples of Geography Essays

Unlocking the World: Key Insights from Our Geographic Exploration

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

250 Geography Essay Topics & Geology Writing Ideas

🔝 Top 10 Geography Essay Topics

✅ Geology & Geography Research Areas

🌍 World Geography Essay Topics

🧑🗺️ Human Geography Essay Questions

🏞️ Cultural Geography Paper Topics

✈️ Geography Essay Topics about Movement

🏛️ Geography Paper Topics on Places & Locations

🌱🌎 Ecology-Related Geography Paper Topics

🌐 Geography Essay Topics on Global Interdependence

🌋 Geology Essay Topics

🔍 References

Geography Essay Topics: 30+ Interesting Ideas to Explore

Key Takeaways

Best Geography Essay Topics

Human Geography Topics

Geography Extended Essay Topics

Free Features

World Geography Essay Topics

Cultural Geography Topics

How to master A Level Geography 20-mark essay questions

What should I do before attempting an A Level Geography 20-mark essay question?

Where to start – command words

BUG the question

Introduction

Recent Posts

Oxford PAT 2024: 3 key changes

Oxford PAT: Syllabus, exam tips, and calculator guide

Surviving A Level Results Day: A guide for students

Search by Topic

Related Posts

Our ambition is to guide students from secondary school into their adult life.

The Best 130 Topics for a in

How To Choose A Geography Research Essay Topic

General Geography Topics

Geographic Research Topics: Analytical Cartography

Geography Topics For Research: Ocean, Seas, And Rivers

Economic Geography Essay Topics

Top Geographic Topics: History Of Geography

Human Geography Research Paper Topics

Physical Geography Paper Topics

Geography Research Topics: Antarctica Exploration

How To Create An Astonishing Essay On Geography

REFERENCES:

Essay Samples on Geography

Exploring the Dimensions of "What is Geography"

Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Natural Marvels

Exploring the 5 Themes of Geography: Understanding the Earth's Complexities

The Need for Geography Study in the Context of Today’s World

Discovering Problematic Issues During the History of Geography

In-Depth Explanation of the Main Concepts of Political Geography

Analysis Of The Geographical Position And Features Of Egypt

Popular request: