Physical Geography September: What is Physical Geography?

Physical Geography is an area of geography that explores with the natural environment and the natural processes that shape the Earth's surface. Landforms, climate, vegetation, soil and hydrology are some main physical aspects of physical geography. Physical Geographers study how all of these elements interact with each other and how they influence human life and activities.

What are the key areas of Physical Geography?

• Biogeography – What is the connection between living organisms and the physical world? Biogeographers focus on ecosystem function and understanding the inter-connectedness of systems that influence that function.
• Climatology – How does the climate change over time and why? Climatology is the study of the climate, atmospheric conditions, weather patterns and climate change.
• Environmental Geography – How can we balance human needs and protect the planet at the same time? Environmental geography studies how humans and nature interact, focusing on the impact of human activities on the environment.
• Geomorphology – Ever wondered about how the earth’s surface was formed? Geomorphology is the study of landforms and processes that shape the earth’s surface.
  • Fluvial geomorphology – Rivers are present in nearly every landscape around the world. Fluvial geomorphology studies how river systems shape and are shaped by the landscapes through which they flow.
  • Glacial geomorphology – How do the dynamics of glacier systems work to form glacial landscapes? Glacial geomorphology studies glaciers and ice sheets; their formation and decay, movement over time and their impact on the earth’s surface and climate.
• Hydrology – How does water shape our world? Hydrology explores the movement and properties of water on earth; from rivers to lakes.
• Soil Science – How do soils support life? Soil Science explores the importance of soils; their formation, distribution, movement and their interaction with other physical elements.

What is the difference between Physical Geography and Human Geography?

Physical Geography studies the natural environment, where you learn about the earth’s physical surface. Human Geography explores the relationships between people and their environments, where you focus on cultural, economic, political and social issues.

Climate change is a key focus of our department, with Physical Geography courses exploring environmental changes and Human Geography courses addressing climate change impacts on communities. This video highlights how SFU Geography's Physical Geography program integrates both sides of Geography to tackle climate change effectively.

Explore the world through Science

A Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography will have you exploring earth systems science by studying the interactions between air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere), land (lithosphere) and the spaces where organisms live (biosphere). You will investigate the events that influence our lives and how we are altering the Earth’s environmental systems.

What Streams can I study?

• Biogeophysical Science - Offering a range of earth system science courses with a focus on earth system dynamics, this stream targets the courses needed for registration as a Professional Agrologist
• Geoscience - This stream investigates earth surface processes and targets the academic requirements for registration as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) (Environmental Geoscience) within Canada.
• Geosystems & GIScience - This stream focuses on the linkages between earth systems science and spatial information science. It also covers the requirements for the Certificate in Geographic Information Science.

Careers in Physical Geography

Career Pathways for Physical Geography graduates are diverse. Career and Volunteer Services can help guide you in choosing a career with your Physical Geography major. You can work as:

Co-op Opportunities in Physical Geography

As part of your degree, you have the opportunity to join the Co-op program where you get the chance to apply your knowledge to real-world projects. You gain experience towards professional accreditations and develop professional skills, while building a network of contacts over the course of 3 terms.

Student Stories in Physical Geography