About Geography

Geography term was the very first time devised by Eratosthenes, a Greek scholar (276-194 BC.). Geography as a subject is a combination of spatial synthesis and temporal synthesis. As per the definition of geography, Earth is defined as the abode of human beings where plains are used for agricultural practice and minerals and forest are seen on the plateaus. Mountains serve as a common space or area for meadows, forests, tourist spots, etc. along with that they are also considered as a source of rivers. 

The subject of Geography makes us understand the diversity and the causes and factors that have created it. Through the map we make our concept clear about how spherical earth is presented on the plain surface. It also gives information about soil, minerals, weather, climate, population, means of transport and communication, local landscape, etc.

Why is the study of Geography important?

1. To know how we live on the Earth’s surface.
2. To know how our life gets affected by the resources which are present in our surroundings.
3. We are totally dependent on the sources which are present on the Earth’s surface.
4. Primitive societies are totally dependent on plants and animals.
5. Pattern of cropping is based on the climatic condition of the region.
6. There are several requirements like food, shelter and dress that are also dependent on climate.
7. To know about the lands and people.
8. To visualise the sense of the earth surface.
9. Skill of converting globe to map

Check NCERT notes on Earth – Origin & Evolution here.

Download NCERT Notes on Geography as a Discipline PDF Here

Branches of Geography

Geography is divided into three branches they are:

1. Physical Geography
2. Human Geography
3. Biogeography

Check out NCERT notes structure of atmosphere here.

Physical Geography

Basic concept of geography starts with the study of Physical Geography.

There are many aspects on which physical geography focus, they are:

1. Existence of earth in the solar system.
2. Physical systems of earth like atmosphere, biosphere and geospheres.
3. Different processes and landforms.
4. Types of ecosystem and their interlinking with each other.
5. Characteristic features of land, water and climate.

You might also like: NCERT notes on Earth and the Solar System

Branches under Physical Geography

1. Geomorphology: Branch of geography which deals with the study of landforms, the formation of landforms, and associated courses is called geomorphology.
2. Climatology: Branch of geography which deals with study of atmosphere structure, elements of weather, climate, climatic types and climatic regions is called climatology.
3. Hydrology: Branch of geography which deals with the study of water present on the surface of the earth comprising oceans, rivers, lakes and other water bodies is called hydrology. Along with that it also has its influence on various life forms on earth and allied activities.
4. Soil Geography: Under this branch study the courses of soil formation, types of soil, fertility status of soils, soil distribution and utilization is done.

Check NCERT notes on Volcanic Landforms here.

Human Geography

Under this geography the main focus is on the patterns of human settlements, human activities and their relations with the environment. More effort is given on the study of areal differentiation, regional synthesis, Dichotomy, dualism and environmentalism. This branch also does the study of locational analysis, radical, behavioural, human and welfare approaches, languages, religions and secularization.

Branches which come under Human Geography

1. Social/ Cultural Geography: Under this branch, the study of society and the spatial dynamics of society and the cultural aspects caused by society is done.
2. Population Geography: Under this branch of geography study of the population growth, density, distribution, migration, sex ratio and occupational structure, and so on.
3. Settlement Geography: this branch of geography deals with the features of urban and rural settlements.
4. Economic Geography: Under this branch study of how people’s economic activities comprising agriculture, industry, services, trade, transport, infrastructure, etc. is done
5. Historical Geography: This branch of geography deals with the historical processes by which space gets organised.
6. Political Geography: Under this branch of geography study of the spatially unbalanced results of political courses and the various manners in which political processes occur is done.

Biogeography

Under this type of geography study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time is done. As there is always irregular variation in the organism and biological communities along geographic gradients of latitude, elevation, isolation and habitat area.

Read NCERT notes on Biogeochemical Cycles here.

Branches under Biogeography

1. Ecology and Ecosystem: This branch of geography deals with the scientific study of the features of the habitat of species.
2. Plant Geography: This branch of geography deals with the spatial structure and order of natural vegetation in their environments.
3. Zoo Geography: Under this branch study of the spatial patterns as well as geographic features of various fauna and their habitats is done.

We hope the above NCERT Notes on Geography as a Discipline for UPSC aspirants proves to be useful for your UPSC and other competitive exams preparations. For more notes and updated details, download the Testbook App and get exam-ready in no time!