We all have those little problems with our playing that are always bugging us, and we mean to tackle, yet keep putting off.
Scope
Science, and with it the subject of physical geography, has evolved over time. Part I contains one chapter which deals with the development of physical geography. The chapter provides context that explains why we approach the subject in particular ways today. It describes the basic frameworks for studying science and explains the roles of fieldwork, laboratory work and modelling. The chapter describes the advantages and disadvantages of a range of approaches that we should be aware of when studying physical geography. It therefore sets the scene for the rest of the book by providing the reader with an appropriate grounding in the nature of the subject.
What do we mean by physical geography?
Physical geography is about understanding interactions of processes involving the Earth’s climate system, oceans, landforms, animals, plants and people. This understanding requires linking the physical systems together and relating human actions to the physical environment. Of interest to physical geographers are the mechanisms that maintain flows of energy and matter across the Earth. There are components of study which include processes associated with plate tectonics, geomorphology, climatology, glaciology and hydrology that shape the surface of the Earth; the collection of climatic and atmospheric processes acting as one of the ultimate controls on the landscape and biosphere; and the ecological and biogeographical patterns that characterize the living portion of the Earth. Physical geography involves the application of technology to study these components and changes within them. For example,remote sensing provides an aid to monitoring the world’s constantly changing natural and human landscapes, the oceans, atmosphere and biosphere.
Geographers often say that they study the ‘why of where’. By this they mean that they seek to explain the underlying processes that result in the patterns of natural phenomena and the ways in which humans interact with, and alter, these processes and patterns. In addition to a spatial context, change over time is also a central theme to physical geography.
It is important to be aware of the ways in which physical geographers study physical geography. Some kind of philosophical basis of enquiry is essential in order to allow fair comparisons of results and interpretation of conclusions between different research areas. The scientific methods discussed in Chapter 1 help to form this philosophical foundation. The underlying method does not necessarily mean that all research is done using the same techniques; indeed physical geography utilizes a variety of tools to help understand, measure, observe and predict environmental processes. However, by maintaining a philosophical basis, it reminds us to question the approach we take. In recent years, emphasis has shifted from a position where science represents the ultimate authority informing society, to a realization that science is itself influenced by society, and that many other sources of knowledge must be equally considered. Consideration of the advantages and limitations of a given approach is therefore vital so that we can assess the reliability and usefulness of the conclusions attained.
Physical geographers often collect samples from extreme environments. However, there has to be a justification for taking such measurements and so one must always start with a question or hypothesis that data collection in the field, laboratory or numerical model then tries to answer or test.
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