Geography: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term to describe the study of Earth's physical features, climates, populations, and resources.

• She is majoring in geography and hopes to work for a global environmental organization.
• We studied the geography of Asia in our sixth-grade social studies class.

Relevant when referring to the scientific study of the Earth's physical structure and substances, its history, and the processes that act on it.

• Geology is crucial for understanding natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• She decided to study geology after being mesmerized by the rock formations on their hiking trip.

Suitable for discussing the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.

• The topography of the region includes mountains, valleys, and plains.
• He used topography maps to plan his hiking route through the dense forest.

Applicable when discussing the creation and study of maps and charting of geographical areas.

• Cartography has evolved significantly with the advent of digital mapping tools.
• He is fascinated by cartography and collects ancient maps from around the world.

Used to describe the study of the Earth's physical features, climate, and human activity and how they influence one another.

• In geography class, we learned about the different continents and oceans.
• Her research focuses on the geography of urban environments.

Refers to the visible features of an area of land, often emphasizing aesthetic aspects or the arrangement of natural and human-made features.

• The rolling hills and lush green fields made for a picturesque landscape.
• Artists often paint landscapes to capture the beauty of natural scenery.

Used to describe the physical features of a tract of land, especially in terms of its impact on human activity and movement, such as in military or outdoor recreational contexts.

• Hiking in rough terrain can be challenging and requires good gear.
• The military needs to understand the terrain to plan their operations effectively.

The detailed mapping or charting of the features of an area, particularly the surface shapes and positions of physical features, often used in a more technical or scientific context.

• The topography of the region includes mountains, valleys, and rivers.
• Topographical maps are essential tools for engineers and geologists.