Introduction to Physical Geography

Catalog description

This geography course explores the physical environment. The main focus is on the natural environmental processes that occur on the surface and near surface portions of our planet. General topics include the atmosphere, energy flow, weather and climate, water and soils, biogeography (plants and animals), biomes, land forms, plate tectonics, weathering, streams, glaciers, deserts and coastal processes. Cartography (map making), map interpretation and the effects of human modification of the environment (such as acid precipitation, ozone depletion, deforestation and desertification) are also discussed.