PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG VALENZUELA

COLLEGE OF EDUATION, ARTS & SCIENCES

Thinking Geographically:
A Module in Physical Geography GEOG1 Physical Geography

Course Code: GEO1

MARY JOY B. EDURIA

Unit I: Looking at the World

1
 FOREWORD

Thinking like a geographer is describe as a person who studies the earth and its people. One way
to learn Geography is to know some basic concepts and skills in analyzing its content.
Geography is more than studying facts and figures but it also means doing your own exploration
of the earth. With Physical Geography as a subject and specialization in Geography, it deals with
the understanding of the earth’s function, its system and environment.
This module in Geo1 Physical Geography is an attempt to come up with instructional material
that can be utilized by college students to facilitate the teaching and learning process in a self-
paced learning approach. Each of the topic is accompanied by suggested independent learning
activities, essential questions, suggested readings for the development of skills that will aid the
learning objectives of this module. Evaluative measures are also designed in the end of this
module to assess and monitor the student’s learning progress.
“Man is born on the earth’s surface where he makes his living and where he eventually dies”
(Duka, 2001). Therefore, after going through this module, students can be crucial for making
informed decision about the use and preservation of Earth’s resources and environmental
awareness that can benefit or endanger the future generations.

GEOG1 Physical Geography

Unit I: Looking at the World

2
 CONTENTS

UNIT I – Looking at the World

PART 1: Introduction to Geography

Diagnostic Assessment
Five Themes of Geography
Geography and Other Disciplines
Scope of Geography as Physical and Human Geography
Elements of Physical Geography
Summative Assessment

PART 2: Representation, Movement and Knowledge of the Earth

Diagnostic Assessment
Cartography
Maps
Remote Sensing
Locational Knowledge
Time zones
Absolute and Relative Location
Earth rotation and Movement GEOG1 Physical Geography
Summative Assessment

PART 3: The Earth System

Diagnostic Assessment
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Lithosphere
Biosphere
Human sphere
Summative Assessment

PART 4: The Impact of Resources

Diagnostic Assessment
The Consumption of resources
Alternative Energy Resources
The Environment: Population, Pollution, Climate Change
Summative Assessment

Unit I: Looking at the World

3
 UNIT II – The Physical Geography of Philippines

PART 5: Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas

Diagnostic Assessment
Place
Physical features
Size
Shape
Environment
Climate
Weather
Landforms
Waterforms
Natural resource
Forest
Agricultural
Mineral
Industrial
Regionalization Resources
Northern and Central Luzon
NCR and Southern Luzon
The Visayan Island
GEOG1 Physical Geography
Mindanao
Sulu Island
Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Unit I: Looking at the World

4
 DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

Multiple Choice: Write the letter of the correct answer.

_____1. The five themes of geography are

a. landscape, water forms, climate, weather, biosphere
b. latitude, longitude, absolute, relative, technology
c. location, place, human interaction, movement, regions *
d. science, history, environment, technology, earth

_____2. The theme ____ is concerned with the question “Where is it”?
a. location *
b. place
c. human interaction
d. movement

_____3. It can be described in terms of land, water, weather, soil, and plant and animal life.
a. location
b. place *
c. human interaction
d. movement

_____4. To make sense of all the complex things in the world, geographers often group places or
areas into ________. GEOG1 Physical Geography
a. location
b. regions *
c. human interaction
d. movement

_____5. This theme relates to the question “How are people and places connected?”
a. place
b. regions
c. human interaction
d. movement *

_____6. The word geography comes from the Greek word geographia,, which means
a. a report of land and people
b. a description of the earth *
c. account of physical and human
d. study of creatures

_____7. _______ are people who study the Earth

a. Scientist
b. Geographers *
c. Astronaut
d. Environmentalist

Unit I: Looking at the World

5
_____8. Geo refers to _____ and graphic refers to picture or writing
a. World
b. Globe
c. Earth
d. Universe

_____9. Which aspect of Geography is consists of the systematic study of the origin, distribution,
and significance of the major physical features of the earth such as landforms, climates, the
oceans and natural resources?
a. Cultural Geography
b. Human Geography
c. Physical Geography
d. World Geography

_____10. _________ was not only the “Father of History” but also of geography because of his
role in historic events in their geographic setting.
a. Aristotle
b. Socrates
c. Herodotus
d. Plato

_____11. The primary concern is man and his works that is closely allied with other social
sciences. GEOG1 Physical Geography
a. Cultural Geography
b. Human Geography
c. Physical Geography
d. World Geography

_____ 12. Climate, topography, the geographic arrangement of people illustrate the physical
elements as the backdrop of human behavior. The things he uses to change the physical
environment to serve his needs are called ________.
a. environmental elements
b. science elements
c. cultural elements
d. technology elements

_____ 13. Analyzes the differences and similarities in climate from place to place
a. Geomorphology
b. Oceanography
c. Climatology
d. Biogeography

_____ 14. Another kinds of human geography that deals with the study of cities with the
important roles cities play in the life of a nation.
a. Cultural geography

Unit I: Looking at the World

6
 b. Population geography
c. Political geography
d. Urban geography

_____ 15. Which of the following illustrates geography with other disciplines in social science?
a. Primarily concerned with human occupancy of the Earth
b. Unique position in the field of knowledge of the Earth
c. Common ground for physical features of the Earth
d. Studies nature and other surface of the Earth

GEOG1 Physical Geography

Unit I: Looking at the World

7
 1
Introduction to
Physical Geography
This unit begins with geographic terms, nature, scope and elements of Physical Geography and
other disciplines as a major part of the field of geography.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1. What are the five themes of Geography?
2. Why is Geography considered both as a Physical Science and a Social Science?
3. What is Physical Geography and how significant is this branch of Social Science?

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Discuss the concept of Geography and other geographical terms
2. Define and explain the relations of Physical Geography and the Social Sciences
3. Enumerate the elements of Physical Geography
4. Determine the scope of Physical Geography

GEOG1 Physical Geography

What is Geography?
One of the most fascinating studies known to man is the study of the earth and its inhabitants
which later called as geography. The word Geography comes from the Greek language
“geographia” which means “earth description”. Geo refers to Earth and graphy means writing or
picture. Everything you see, touch, use and even hear is related to geography. Historically,
geography remains to be broad which includes the examination, description, and explanation of
cultural as well as physical features of the Earth. To further understand the term geography,
Geography Education Standards Project of Geography for Life defines it as :
an integrative discipline that brings together the physical and human dimensions of
the world in the study of peoples, places, environment. Its subject matter is the
Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it, the relationship between people and
environment, and the connections between people and places.
Geographers study the processes that influenced Earth’s physical and cultural landscapes in the
past, today and in the future and how it changes over space and time. Geographers are people
who study geography. According to Webster, it defines geography as the science of the earth and
its life, the description of land, sea, air and the distribution of plants, animals including man and
his industries with reference to mutual relation of diverse elements. In some textbooks,
geography indicates the physical environment of the earth and how it is related to its inhabitants.

Unit I: Looking at the World

8
In a nutshell, while man changes the landscape, his actions are influenced by the environment
which means geography is a study of the earth as the home of man.
Climate, topography, water, land, soils, weather, natural plant and animal life and numerous
other factors illustrate the role of physical elements as the backdrop of human behavior. There
are some limitations that man has to accept certain physical elements but also either to control or
modify some of them. And the things he uses to change the physical environment to serve his
needs make up what are called cultural elements or the elements that result from his presence.
Under cultural elements are population, cultural heritage, economic activities, and major works
or accomplishments.
Historically, it has been a concerned with the nature how man is curious with his homeland and
known world, but not until the Golden Age of Greece that the science of geography was
established. Herodotus who was the Father of History of 485-425 BC and also of geography
because of the historic events he placed in their geographic setting. Herodotus observed the Delta
of the Nile which has a rich black soil and explained the result of river deposition. Herodotus
pointed out that the riches of the delta contributed to making the place one of the cradles of
ancient civilization. He found the relationship of the physical environment importance to the
activities of man which became the very essence of geography.

Activity 1- Study Questions

Direction: Write the definition of the following concepts:
GEOG1 Physical Geography
1. What is geography?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the significance of studying geography?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
3. What do you mean by geographers?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the difference of physical elements to cultural elements?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the role of Herodotus in the field of geography?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Unit I: Looking at the World

9
 Five Themes of Geography
In studying geography, it is important to have a basic understanding of geographic terms. The
study of geography can be organized around five themes: location, place, human/environment
interaction, movement, and region. The purpose of five themes offer a structured way of thinking
about the world and can be used to study all kinds of geographic issues at local, national and
global levels.
Location
This theme concerned with the question “Where is it?”. Geographers first take a look at where
place is located. Knowing the location of places helps you to orient yourself in space and to
develop an awareness of the world around you.
Place
Geographers also look at places and regions. Place is concerned with “What is it like there?”
Place includes those features and characteristics that give an area its own identity or personality.
For instance, landforms, climates, plants and animals are considered as physical characteristics
while language, religion, architecture, music, politics, and way of life are human characteristics.
People’s activities change the way a place looks. Thus, a place may look quite different
depending on whether it is used for hunting and fishing, herding, farming, manufacturing, or
shopping. Geographers often group places or areas into regions which are united by one or more
common characteristics. For example, the regions of Asia: Central Asia, Eastern
GEOG1 Asia,
Physical Southern
Geography
Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Western Asia and Northern Asia.
Human/Environment Interaction
The study of geography includes looking at human and environmental interaction, or how and
why people change their surroundings. It answers the question “What is the relationship between
people and their environment?” Geographers strive to understand the relationship of places on
the earth to people and to other places. All places have some desirable and undesirable features.
Places attract people for various reasons. For such, people may be attracted to a place by an
ocean, a river or a lake. They may be attracted to a place by the amount of sunshine it receives.
Different groups of people may use the features of a place in different ways. Some people are
interested in warm, sunny places for growing crops while other people are interested in the same
places for recreational activities.
Geographers are interested in how people adapt to their environment and how people change
their environment. For example, some people wear light clothing in hot places and warm clothing
in cold places. Some people considered deserts ay undesirable places to live but today people use
irrigation to change desert land into farmland. Lastly, geographers are also concerned with how
people created problems with their environment. Among the problems are air pollution, water
pollution, and waste material, which consider hazardous to living things.

Unit I: Looking at the World

10
Movement
Another important theme in geography is movement. This theme relates to the question “How are
people and places connected?” there have been movements of larger groups of people from one
place to another throughout history. People moved from different reasons such as better land,
religious freedom, a chance to earn a better living. Movement can be part of our lives. For
instance, people use automobiles, buses, subways, and commuter trains to move from one place
to another. There are also movement of goods, information and ideas which people become
interdependent that relies on each other for goods and services. Geographers help us to
understand the importance of movement.

Activity 2: Like a Geographer

Direction: Using the 5 Themes of Geography, complete a study of your home
town. You can choose to present your information as a poster, story, essay, map
or comic. Choose ONE from the following:
a. Story: Write a story with you as the main character. The story should take place around where
you live. Be sure that you IDENTIFY and EXPLAIN all of the 5 Themes of Geography that can
be found around your home.
b. Essay: Write a 7 paragraph essay IDENTIFYING and EXPLAINING all of the 5 Themes of
Geography. The essay will included an intro and conclusion paragraph andPhysical
GEOG1 one paragraph for
Geography
each of the 5 Themes.
c. Map: Make a map of where you live. Make sure to LABEL and EXPLAIN each of the 5
Themes of Geography that you can find near your home. Your map should be neat and have
color.
d. Comic: Make a comic that has at least 5 Panels. Each panel should show one of the 5 Themes
of Geography that can be found around where you live. Make sure to add words to help
EXPLAIN your understanding of each of the themes.
e. Poster: Create a collage poster with pictures and maps to describe the 5Themes of Geography
around your town. Be sure to LABEL and EXPLAIN all of the 5 themes.

Geography and Other Disciplines

Geographers study both physical and human features of the earth and analyze patterns and
relationship of each. In the process, these areas of geographic study are linked to other subjects
including natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Geography belongs to the field of natural science because of its physical features of studying the
earth as a central theme. You will notice that this module will comprise topics about nature such
as the water, landforms, minerals, soil, climate, and flora and fauna on the surface of the earth. It

Unit I: Looking at the World

11
will also discuss some common ground with geology, biology, astronomy, and oceanography,
science and technology among other things.
Geography also deals with social science that focus on man as the architect of the earth’s surface.
It will explain in the latter discussion about man’s political and economic system, religious and
educational institutions, man’s cultural values, mores and folkways and beliefs. Geography also
included in the field of humanities for it studies artistic works. Lastly, geography is linked with
history, economics, political, science, anthropology, sociology and demography. Hence,
geography provides the blending of the natural science, social science and humanities.

Scope of Physical and Human Geography

Geographers organize their study of the earth in many ways. They also classify the branches of
geography according to whether they deal with the physical or with human activity.

Physical Geography
Physical geography deals with the location of such earth features as land, water, and climate and
their relationship to one another and to human activities. Physical geographers study all
processes and characteristics of the natural environment in which they cannot exclude the human
element because people affect and otherwise affected by natural processes and features. It is also
concerned with the forces that create and change them. Physical geography is further categorized
into the following: GEOG1 Physical Geography

Geomorpholog Climatology Mathematica Oceanograph Biogeograph Medical

y and l y y geography
Meteorology Geography
 Studies land  Climatolog  Deals with  Studies the Studies  Deals
and water forms y studies accurate ocean and its geographical with the
as well as the wind measurement phenomena, distribution relationship
development of movements of the earth current wave of plants between
irregularities in , cloud and activity, which related disease-
the surface of formation, calculation of temperature to ecology causing
the earth. temperature the exact differences that studies organisms
changes, location of and tides. the and their
and points on the relationship physical
precipitatio earth’s between environment
n of all surface such plants and .
kinds while as the exact animals and
meteorolog location of a their habitat
y consider city in latitude or natural
the and longitude environment.
processes
that affect
daily
weather
and

Unit I: Looking at the World

12
 forecast
weather
conditions.

Human Geography
Human geography is primarily concern with man and his works that is closely allied with other
social sciences such as economics, political science, history, sociology, anthropology. Human
geography is further subdivided into the following: (a) cultural geography, (b) population
geography, (c) political geography, (d) historical geography and (e) urban geography.

Cultural Population Political Historical Urban

Geography Geography Geography Geography geography
 Studies the  Deals with  Studies  Studies the Deals with
distribution of numbers and the patterns of cities with
cultural traits distribution relationship man and his significant
such as of people. It between works roles cities
customs, is related to political change play in the
traditions, demography, units such as through life of a
taboos, the statistical provinces or time; may nation, site
religions, study of states, place of a city, the
dialects, population. nations, or emphasis of type and
customs and unions of a small direction of
dwellings. . nations, how region at aGEOG1 Physical Geography
its growth,
boundaries certain time. function of a
are drawn city and
and probable strong
problems or commercial
disputes may ties.
create.

Elements of Physical Geography

Spatial Science Perspective
In physical geography, they use scientific method to study variations over space which is called
spatial science. There are five spatial topics- location, characteristics of places, spatial
distribution and pattern, spatial interaction, and change over space and time. These illustrate
factors that geographers consider in understanding the field of study.
It is important for geographers’ to begin with locational information that describes a location
with two methods: absolute location and relative location. Absolute location explained by a
coordinate system while relative location identifies where a feature lies in relation to something
else. Typical questions for spatial science involving location were include the following: Where
are Volcanoes found? (or other type of Earth feature) Why are volcanoes located where they are?
What method can we use for to locate Volcanoes?

Unit I: Looking at the World

13
Another spatial topics is the characteristics of places which focus on environmental features and
processes that make a place unique with shared or similar characteristics. Example questions are
How does Sahara desert compare to Australian desert? What environmental conditions make one
country more agriculturally productive? How does the climate of Africa differ from America?
And Why?
In terms of the describing extent of the area or areas where feature of interest exist is called
spatial distribution. For example tropical rainforest which cover particular expanses of Earth’s
surface that is spatially distributed. While spatial pattern refers to how multiple individuals of the
same type of feature or event are arrange on Earth’s surface. For spatial distribution and spatial
pattern relevant questions are: Where are certain features abundant, and where are they rare?
What processes are responsible for these distributions or patterns? If a spatial pattern exists, what
does it signify?
Spatial Interaction differ from spatial distribution and pattern because of areas in our planet are
interconnected in which they are linked elsewhere on Earth. In other words spatial interaction is a
process in one place that has impact on other places. For example, excessive rainfall from one
place may lead to flooding with the other place. Spatial interaction exists so physical geographers
consider problem such as: What are the important interconnections link the ocean to the
atmosphere and the atmosphere to the land surface? What will the effect of stricter pollution?
How spatially interacting variables affect each other?
Earth’s feature and landscapes change continually. Changes in storms conditions, landslides,
GEOG1
volcanic eruptions and floods of different types modify the landscape Physical Geography
at different rates. As a
result, geographers ask questions such as: How are Earth features changing in ways? What
processes contributed to those changes? Do all places on Earth experience the same level of
change or is there spatial variation?
Physical Science Perspective
Like other scientist, physical geographers use the scientific method in their investigations of the
characteristics and processes acting on Earth’s surface. They observe the phenomena, collect and
analyze the data, answer questions, and find solution to problems related to natural processes,
draw and contribute to larger body of knowledge and results of their research. There are physical
geographers who are specializing in different field such as climatology or meteorology,
geomorphology and soil geographers. The geographers tend to take a holistic approach to their
studies.
Environmental Science Perspective
The physical environment or the environment itself is our surroundings consisting of social,
cultural and physical aspects of the world that affect our growth, health, and the way we live.
Physical geography in a holistic approach enhances the ability for geographers to study the
environment because of the important factors and processes not only individually but also as
integral parts of a function environmental system. The geographic distribution of human

Unit I: Looking at the World

14
population densities around the world, varying from uninhabited to dense settlements that reflects
the environmental disparity.
Physical geography contribution
Every day in our lives we are affected by our physical environment, the principles and
perspectives of physical geography help us to be aware environmentally, assess the situation of
our environment from the past, present, and for the future, analyzed the factors involved, and
make informed decisions about courses of action. Physical geographers make major
contributions to human well-being and to the environment.
Geography is a way of looking at the world and observing and analyzing its features.
Appreciating the beauty and complexity of the nature involves asking questions. With greater
awareness and deeper understanding, you will have learned to observe Earth differently.

Activity 3: Study questions

Direction: Answer the following questions.

1. How spatial science differ from physical science perspective?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
GEOG1 Physical Geography
2. Why is the study of geography important to man?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Differentiate physical geography from human geography?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. How is geography related to other discipline?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. As a social science major, how would you relate the importance of geography in your practical
life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Unit I: Looking at the World

15
 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the following subdivisions of Geography.
_________ 1. It deals with the location of such earth features as land, water, and climate and
their relationship to one another and to human activities.
_________ 2. It is concerned with the study of distribution of cultural traits such as customs,
traditions, taboos, religions, dialects, customs and dwellings.
_________ 3. It studies the land and water forms as well as the development of irregularities in
the surface of the earth.
_________ 4. It deals with cities with significant roles cities play in the life of a nation and site
of a city.
_________ 5. It studies the patterns of man and his works change through time; may place
emphasis of a small region at a certain time.
__________6. It studies the relationship between political units such as provinces, states and
nations GEOG1 Physical Geography

__________7. It deals with numbers and distribution of people. It is related to demography, the
statistical study of population.
__________8. It studies the ocean and its phenomena, current wave activity, temperature
differences and tides.
__________9. It is concerned with man and his works that is closely allied with other social
sciences
__________10. It deals with the relationship between disease-causing organisms and their
physical environment

Unit I: Looking at the World

16
Diagnostic Assessment Answer Key:
1. C 6. B 11. B
2. A 7. B 12.C
3. B 8. C 13. C
4. B 9. C 14. D
5. D 10. C 15. A

Summative Assessment Answer Key:

1. Physical geography 6. Political geography
2. Cultural geography 7. Population geography
3. Geomorphology 8. Oceanography
4. Urban geography 9. Human geography
5. Historical geography 10. Medical geography GEOG1 Physical Geography

References

Boehm, R. G., (2000). World Geography. Glencoe Mc Graw Hill. Columbus, Ohio, United Staes
of America.

Duka, C. D., (2001) World Geography. Rex Printing Company. Quezon City, Philippines.

Petersen, J.F., et al (2017) Physical geography, Eleventh Edition. Cengage Learning. Boston,
USA.

Unit I: Looking at the World

17
Study Questions Clip art https://www.google.com/search?
q=STUDY+QUESTIONS+CLIP+ART&sxsrf=ALeKk02LKnXVgeFQR4_0UVPiGiFR0GjRSQ:1593442558318&tbm
=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=WMf0P0Tmjftk5M%252CJxG47tsQzgOL7M%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-
kRQZJt_KukE6BMegKPLFXoPKPyDXA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj24qGNpKfqAhWKfd4KHYNdA4cQ9QEwDnoE
CAkQLg&biw=1242&bih=597#imgrc=7hzW9kvJa84Z7M

GEOG1 Physical Geography

Unit I: Looking at the World

18