Geography

Ptolemy’s First World Map, c. AD 150

What is Geography?Geography is a representation of the whole known world together with the phenomena which are contained therein.

Ptolemy, Geographia 2nd Century A.D.

Geography is the science of place. Its visionis grand, its view panoramic. It sweeps the surface of the Earth, charting the physical, organic and cultural terrain, their areal differentiation, and their ecological dynamics with humankind. Its foremost tool is the map.

Leonard Krishtalka, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 20th Century A.D.

What is Geography?Geography is the study of what is where and why it’s there.

Mike Reed

Okay, but what exactly is it?Well, it’s a way of thinking about intellectual problems, both natural and societal, which emphasizes the importance of spatial relationships.. Take any social, environmental, or physical question or problem and ask yourself whether there is a spatial aspect to it. Chances are that space and place play a role in the explanation and distribution of that question.

Mike Reed, Making It Up As I Go

For example: Why are so many plant and animal species becoming extinct at the end of the twentieth century?

Why do there always seem to be been so many wars in Africa?

Why is corn such an important part of a traditional Mexican diet?

Why are some beers known as India Pale Ales?

Divisions of Geography

Physical Geography Human Geography

Rocks and Minerals Population

Landforms Settlements

Soils Economic Activities

Animals Transportation

Plants Recreational Activities

Water Religion

Atmosphere Political Systems

Rivers and Other Water Bodies Social Traditions

Environment Human Migration

Climate and Weather Agricultural Systems

Geography is a bridge between the natural and social sciences. Geography is a holistic or synthesizing science.

The Geography of Breakfast

a geographic thinking demonstration

Take a minute to write down everything ate for breakfast or lunch today.

Top Ten Coffee Growing Countries

COFFEE

Chocolate was “discovered” for Europe by Christopher Columbus, but it’s commercial possibilities were recognized by Hernan Cortez who was served a drink made from cocoa beans by Moctezuma, leader of the Aztecs (whom he later executed). The cacao tree, like coffee, grows only in the tropics. Today it is grown primarily for export to the U.S. and Europe.

CHOCOLATE

Breakfast FoodsFood Place of Origin Current Production

coffee Ethiopia Tropics

oranges South Asia, India US, Mediterranean

pork China, South Asia Worldwide

wheat Near East US, Russia, Argentina

tea China Asia

oats Near East Temperate Climates

pepper South America Americas, Asia

Fieldwork: Geographers as Modern Explorers and Observers

Taos, New Mexico

Northern Baja Rest Stop