01 / Earth systems
Physical Geography
Landforms, climate, oceans and the living systems of the planet.
15 study topics
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Start with a concept, then follow its links through the wider geographic system.
Physical Geography
Earth's Rotation
The west-to-east spin of Earth and its effects on time, motion and circulation.
Physical Geography
Earth's Revolution
Earth's annual orbit around the Sun and the geometry behind the seasons.
Physical Geography
Latitude and Longitude
The coordinate framework used to locate places.
Physical Geography
Seasons
Seasonal change caused by axial tilt and revolution.
Physical Geography
Earth's Interior
The layered structure of the crust, mantle and core.
Physical Geography
Plate Tectonics
The movement of lithospheric plates and its role in shaping Earth's surface.
Physical Geography
Earthquakes
Sudden ground movement caused by released tectonic energy.
Physical Geography
Volcanoes
Openings through which magma, gases and ash reach the surface.
Physical Geography
Rocks
The three major rock groups and the rock cycle.
Physical Geography
Weathering and Erosion
The breakdown and removal of material that reshape landscapes.
Physical Geography
Atmosphere
The gaseous envelope supporting weather, climate and life.
Physical Geography
Atmospheric Pressure
The force exerted by the weight of air.
Physical Geography
Winds
The horizontal movement of air from high to low pressure.
Physical Geography
Ocean Currents
Large-scale movements of seawater driven by wind, density and rotation.
Physical Geography
Tides
Periodic sea-level change produced mainly by lunar and solar gravity.