PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Catalog description

This course explores the fundamental processes that shape Earth’s physical environment, from weather and climate to soils, water, and energy systems. Students will learn how the global balance and movement of energy and water influence climate regions and drive common weather patterns, as well as how these systems are being reshaped by global climate change. The course highlights the importance of soils as a vital link between the physical and biological world, examining their formation, properties, and role in sustaining ecosystems. Students will also investigate the global hydrologic cycle, connecting its components to broader environmental systems and practicing basic methods of quantitative analysis. Hands-on activities, real-world examples, and case studies bring geographic concepts to life, emphasizing their relevance to today’s environmental challenges