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  1. Dartmouth Libraries
  2. Research Guides
  3. Dartmouth Libraries Guides
  4. Physical Geography
  5. Defining Physical Geography

Physical Geography

This guide highlights the library and internet resources for Physical Geography.
  • Defining Physical Geography
  • Biogeography
  • Climatology
    • Meteorology
    • Weather
  • Geomorphology
  • Hydrology
  • Oceanography
  • Scholarly communication This link opens in a new window

Subject Librarian

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Lucinda M. Hall
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Contact:
Evans Map Room, Baker-Berry Library
Dartmouth College
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Hanover, NH 03755
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Subjects: Film and Media Studies, Geography, Polar Studies

Something new ...

  • Cover artThe Andes: a geographical portrait by Axel Borsdorf; Christoph Stadel
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry F 2212 .B6713 2015
    ISBN: 9783319035291
    The Andes are attracting global interest again: they hold valuable mineral resources, tourists appreciate their great natural beauty and the diversity of indigenous cultures, climbers scale rock and ice faces, while many others are intrigued by regional political developments, ...
  • Cover artThe illustrated history of the elements: earth, water, air, fire by Jan Kozák; Roger Musson
    • On Campus or VPN
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    ISBN: 9783030214241
    This beautiful art book portrays the forces of nature through the main elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire. It is composed from a large selection of unique images of a wide variety of sources, mostly private collections. It is a highly illustrated book, containing reproductions of rare engravings, maps both old and new, sketches, and diagrams. The book is a sequel to The Illustrated History of Natural Disasters, published in 2010. While the first book provided a detailed look into two main kinds of natural disasters (of seismic and volcanic character), this volume presents natural disasters of all kinds: geophysical, hydrological, climatological and biological. ...
  • Cover artInternational encyclopedia of geography: people, the Earth, environment, and technology by Douglas Richardson; Noel Castree; Michael F. Goodchild; Audrey Kobayashi; Weidong Liu; Richard A. Marston, eds.
    • On Campus or VPN
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    ISBN: 9780470659632
    Representing the definitive reference work for this broad and dynamic field, The International Encyclopedia of Geography arises from an unprecedented collaboration between Wiley and the American Association of Geographers (AAG) to review and define the concepts, research, and techniques in geography and interrelated fields. The Encyclopedia assembles a truly global group of scholars for a comprehensive, authoritative overview of geography around the world.
  • Cover artInternational encyclopedia of social and behavioral sciences by James D. Wright, ed.
    • On Campus or VPN
    Call Number: Electronic resource
    ISBN: 9780080970875
    Publication Date: 2nd ed.
    From the fully revised and updated edition, this links directly to the section on Geography.
  • Cover artRain: a natural and cultural history by Cynthia Barnett
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry Popular Science QC 925 .B315 2015
    ISBN: 9780804137119
    Rain is elemental, mysterious, precious, destructive. It is the subject of countless poems and paintings; the top of the weather report; the source of the world's water. Yet this is the first book to tell the story of rain. Cynthia Barnett's Rain begins four billion years ago with the torrents that filled the oceans, and builds to the storms of climate change.

Other library resource(s)

  • Resource logoPhysical geography from the Oxford Bibliographies Online by Mark Welford
    • On Campus or VPN
    Call Number: Electronic resource
    ISBN: 9780199874002
    Physical geography is the study of the processes that shape the Earth’s surface, the animals and plants that inhabit it, and the spatial patterns they exhibit. Self-identified in the mid- to late 1800s, physical geographers and in particular geomorphologists dominated the discipline of geography to the late 1930s. But emphasis on description and classification of climates, landforms, and biomes and an unhealthy dose of environmental determinism weakened physical geography to its low point in the 1950s. Physical geography along with human geography underwent radical quantification in the late 1950s and early 1960s. ...

Keeping up with the journal literature

Want an easy way to keep up with the journal literature in Physical Geography? And you use a mobile device? You can install the BrowZine app and create a custom Bookshelf of your favorite journal titles. Then you will get the Table of Contents (ToCs) of your favorite journals automatically delivered to you when they become available. Once you have the ToC's you can download and read the articles you want.

You can get the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Don't own or use a mobile device? You can still use BrowZine! It's now available in a web version. You can get to it here. The web version works the same way as the app version. Find the journals you like, create a custom Bookshelf, get ToCs and read the articles you want.

Finding New Titles on Physical Geography in the Library's Collections

Find new titles about Physical Geography in the library's collections.

Introduction to Physical Geography

Physical geography focuses upon the character of, and processes shaping, the land-surface of the Earth and its envelope, emphasizes the spatial variations that occur and the temporal changes necessary to understand the contemporary environments of the Earth. Its purpose is to understand how the Earth’s physical environment is the basis for, and is affected by, human activity. Physical geography was conventionally subdivided into geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, and biogeography, but is now more holistic in systems analysis of recent environmental and Quaternary change. It uses expertise in mathematical and statistical modelling and in remote sensing, develops research to inform environmental management and environmental design, and benefits from collaborative links with many other disciplines such as biology (especially ecology), geology and engineering’ (K. Gregory 2002). However, R. Inkpen (2005) makes the soundly based claim that there is not a single history of physical geography.

Between 1850 and 1950, the main ideas that had a strong influence on the discipline were uniformitarianism, evolution, exploration and survey, and conservation (G. P. Marsh 1864). In the 1960s, ‘a new type of physical geography began to emerge that accentuated a concern with dynamic processes of earth systems. This new approach, which has evolved to the present, is founded on basic physical, chemical, and biological principles and employs statistical and mathematical analysis. It has become known as the “process approach” to physical geography…Over the past fifteen years, physical geographers, who have always acknowledged that the systems they study are complex, have turned to emerging ideas in the natural sciences about nonlinear dynamical systems and complexity to explore the relevance of these ideas for understanding physical-geographic phenomena’ (Rhoads (2004) AAAG 94, 4). ‘Advances in remote sensing, geographical information systems and information technology have enabled a more global approach; a second new development has been the advent of a more culturally-based approach throughout many branches of physical geography. By 2000 a series of issues can be identified including the increasingly holistic trend, greater awareness of a global approach and of environmental change problems, and of the timely opportunities which can arise from closer links with human geography and with other disciplines’ (Gregory (2001) Fennia 179, 1).

Harden (2011) Phys. Geog. 33, 1, 1 writes that ‘while the sub-discipline of physical geography remains firmly grounded in research undertaken to explain Earth’s landscapes and its geomorphic, hydrologic, atmospheric, cryospheric, petrologic, and biogeographical processes, which change over time and space, the extent of the human “footprint” on this planet challenges physical geographers to pay greater attention to the role of people in environmental change and the interactions between people and their environments’.

Mayhew, S. (2015). "Physical geography." In A Dictionary of Geography. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 23 Mar. 2017

This page focuses on general resources for Physical Geography. For specific subjects under Physical Geography, see the other pages in this guide.

In the Library's Collection

How do I find books about physical geography?

You can start in the library's online catalog with the following subject search: "physical geography."

The Library of Congress (LC) classification for Physical Geography ranges from GB 1 through GB 5030. Those books are in Baker-Berry Library. They were in the Kresge Physical Sciences Library.

Other call number ranges for subjects under Physical Geography include:

GC 1 through GC 1581 Oceanography

QE 501.4 .P3 Paleogeography

  • physical geography
    This is the main subject heading for searching the catalog.
  • biogeography
  • climatology
  • fluvial geomorphology
  • geomorphology
    Geomorphology covers the call number range of GB 400 through GB 649 .
  • hydrology
    The call number range is GB 651 through GB 2998.
  • oceanography
  • paleogeography

Introductory reading(s)

  • Cover ArtThe dictionary of physical geography by David S.G. Thomas
    • On Campus or VPN
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    ISBN: 9781118782309
    Publication Date: 4th ed.
    This fully-revised comprehensive fourth edition covers the whole field of physical geography including climate and atmosphere, geomorphology, biogeography, hydrology, oceans, Quaternary, environmental change, soils, remote sensing and GIS. The new edition reflects developments in the discipline during the last decade, with the expert advisory group providing an international perspective on the discipline of physical geography. ...
  • Cover artGeosystems: an introduction to physical geography by Ginger Birkeland; Robert Christopherson
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry GB 54.5 .C48 2018
    ISBN: 9780134597119
    Publication Date: 10th ed.
    Among the most highly regarded texts in physical geography, Robert Christopherson's best-selling Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography is known for its meticulous attention to detail, up-to-date accuracy, and rich integration of climate change science. Uniquely organized, the text presents Earth systems topics as they naturally occur: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. This interconnected and organic systems-based approach is highlighted in strong pedagogical tools, a structured learning path, and current, updated information. ...
  • Cover ArtThe Palgrave handbook of critical physical geography by Rebecca Lave; Christine Biermann; Stuart N. Lane,
    • On Campus or VPN
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    ISBN: 9783319714608
    This handbook is recognition of the need to better integrate physical and human geography. It combines a collection of work and research within the new field of Critical Physical Geography, which gives critical attention to relations of social power with deep knowledge of a particular field of biophysical science. Critical Physical Geography research accords careful attention to biophysical landscapes and the power relations that have increasingly come to shape them, and to the politics of environmental science and the role of biophysical inquiry in promoting social and environmental justice. The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Physical Geography lays out the scope and guiding principles of Critical Physical Geography research. ...
  • An OER physical geography textbookThe physical environment: an OER geography textbook by Lisa Pitts; Michael E. Ritter
    • Open Access Icon
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    Geography touches every aspect of our lives. At its simplest, geography is concerned with where something is at, why it's there, and how it relates to things around it. Geography influences where we live, affects our economic prosperity, has dictated the outcome of significant historical events, and shapes our local, regional, and global relationships with each other. This textbook focuses on physical geography and can answer many questions that you might have about the natural world and how it relates to your life. ...
  • Cover artPhysical geography: the global environment by Peter Muller; Harm de Blij; Joseph Mason; Jason Burt
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry GB 55 .D34 2016
    ISBN: 9780190246860
    Publication Date: 5th ed.
    Well known for its flexibility, clarity of presentation, and graphic excellence, Physical Geography: The Global Environment provides a thorough, scientifically authoritative, accessible, and geographic view of Earth's physical systems.

Selected book title(s)

  • Cover artAnsichten der Natur: mit wissenschaftlichen Erläuterungen und sechs Farbtafeln, nach Skizzen des Autors by Alexander von Humboldt
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry Q 171 .H86 2004
    ISBN: 9783821847412
  • An history of the earth, and animated nature by Oliver Goldsmith
    • On Campus or VPN
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    Part of the Early American Imprint series, this was originally published in 1795.
  • Cover artIntroducing physical geography by Alan H. Strahler
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry GB 54.5 .S77 2013
    ISBN: 9781118396209
    Publication Date: 6th ed.
    Introducing Physical Geography is known for its clear writing, distinctive photos and illustrations and a strong supplements program. The text continues its tradition as a great book to help non-science readers visualize and understand earth processes and learn the basic language of physical geography. The new edition features a strengthened "Eye on Global Change" coverage and coverage of the geographers tool box.
  • Cover artMan and nature: or, physical geograpy as modified by human action by George P. Marsh
    • Open Access Icon
    • E-Book
    Call Number: eBook
    The object of the present volume is: to indicate the character and, approximately, the extent of the changes produced by human action in the physical conditions of the globe we inhabit; to point out the dangers of imprudence and the necessity of caution in all operations which, on a large scale, interfere with the spontaneous arrangements of the organic or the inorganic world; to suggest the possibility and the importance of the restoration of disturbed harmonies and the material improvement of waste and exhausted regions; and, incidentally, to illustrate the doctrine, that man is, in both kind and degree, a power of a higher order than any of the other forms of animated life, which, like him, are nourished at the table of bounteous nature. ...
  • Cover artPhysical geography: the key concepts by Richard John Huggett
    • Book
    Call Number: Baker-Berry GB 54.5 .H84 2009
    ISBN: 9780415452083
    Physical Geography: The Key Concepts is a thought-provoking introduction to the central ideas and debates within the field. It provides extended definitions of terms that are fundamental to physical geography and its many branches, covering topics such as: biogeography, ecology, climatology, meteorology, geomorphology, hydrology and pedology. ...

Finding scholarly journal articles & titles

Articles and other writings about Physical Geography can be found in many publications. Our collection includes several journals which look at Physical Geography. Below is a link to the index GeoRef. Also included is a short list of some of the journal titles we have in our Library's collection. You can use an article index, physically browse the collection or use the search box at the top of the page to find articles.

  • Issue cover artGeografiska annaler. Series A, Physical geography by Svenska sällskapet för antropologi och geografi
    • On Campus or VPN
    Call Number: Electronic journal
    Looks at physical geography and glaciology with an emphasis on the polar regions.
  • Journal issue coverProgress in physical geography: Earth and environment by SAGE Journals
    • On Campus or VPN
    Call Number: Electronic journal
    PPG: Earth and Environment is an international journal, encompassing an interdisciplinary approach incorporating the latest developments and debates within Physical Geography and interrelated fields across the Earth, Biological and Ecological System Sciences. ...
  • Resource logoGeoRef by Elsevier
    • On Campus or VPN
    • Database
    Call Number: Electronic resource
    This index covers all areas of the Earth Sciences. It also covers a wide range of Physical Geography too.
  • Resource logoThe web of science citation databases by ISI (Institute for Scientific Information)
    • On Campus or VPN
    • Database
    Call Number: Electronic resource
    The online version of 3 separate ISI indexes: Arts & Humanities Citation Index, Science Citation Index and, Social Sciences Citation Index.

Internet resource(s)

The following are a list of Specialty Groups within the AAG which deal with an aspect of Physical Geography.

  • Biogeography Specialty Group
    • Link
    To promote interactions between biogeographers, stimulate active research and teaching development in biogeography, and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
  • Climate Specialty Group
    • Link
    To encourage climatological research, to promote climatological education, to promote the exchange of climatological ideas and information, to promote the interests of climatology within the discipline of geography; and to develop contacts and coordination with other climatological organizations.
  • Coastal and Marine Specialty Group
    • Link
    To encourage the intellectual exchange of knowledge related to coastal and marine enviroments and their resources.
  • Energy and Environment Specialty Group
    • Link
    To promote interaction and research among geographers interested in energy and environmental issues, to enhance the contributions of geographers to energy and environmental research and practice, and to assist in developing related educational curricula.
  • Geomorphology Specialty Group of the AAG
    • Link
    To foster better communication among those working in the geomorphic sciences, especially in geography.
  • Paleoenvironmental Change Specialty Group
    • Link
    The purpose of the group is to carry out the mission of the AAG with a specific emphasis on Pleistocene and Holocene environmental change; to facilitate better communication among practitioners of the study of past landscapes, climates, ecologies, cultures, and their interrelationships; and to foster a greater spirit of collaboration among those geographers working on topics related to long-term (decadal to millennial-scale) environmental change, both natural and anthropogenic.
  • The Physical Environment
    • Open Access Icon
    • E-Book
    more...less...
    The Physical Environment is one of the first, totally online physical geography learning environments. The Physical Environment combines text, images, audio and video programs to deliver the subject matter content. [Web site]
  • Physical Geography Net
    • Link
    more...less...
    PhysicalGeography.net is an educational web portal that focuses on a specific area knowledge known as Physical Geography. Physical Geography is a sub-discipline of two much larger fields of study - Geography and Earth Sciences. The main purpose of Physical Geography is to explain the spatial characteristics of the various natural phenomena associated with the Earth's hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. [Web site]
  • Regional Development and Planning Specialty Group
    • Link
    To encourage and promote research, teaching, service and communication among members of the group; to publish and distribute newsletters twice a year featuring upcoming activities and other items of interest.
  • Rural Geography Specialty Group
    • Link
    To promote research and education related to contemporary rural landscapes, societies and economies in the developed world. Topics range from agriculture, land use, environmental governance and population, to rural health, crime, poverty, food systems, indigenous peoples' issues, and rural restructuring processes more generally.
  • Urban Specialty Group
    • Link
    To facilitate communication of information and ideas among urban geographers and other urban specialists through a newsletter, meetings, correspondence, website, listserve, and other media.
  • Water Resources Specialty Group
    • Link
    To provide its membership with services that enhance professional opportunities to communicate research progress and results within the professional comunity and to announce events and discuss major developments in the fiels of water resources.

Citing and Tracking Your Bibliographic References

Use this guide to help you learn how to correctly cite and keep track of the references you find for your research.

  • Cite & Manage Sources
    • Link
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  • Last Updated: Apr 1, 2025 4:01 PM
  • URL: https://researchguides.dartmouth.edu/physical_geography
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Subjects: Geography
Tags: biogeography, climatology, geomorphology, hydrology, oceanography

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