Physical+Geography

Physical Geography



Physical geography is the study of natural features, processes, and characteristics that occur on the Earth's surface. Physical geography is divided into four spheres of study: Rock, Life, Water, and Air. The rock sphere is encompasses physical features such as mountains, valleys, or other landforms. The life sphere is biological--geographic aspects of plants, animals, in addition to their ecology and interaction with inanimate physical features and climate. The water sphere consists of water in its various states of matter ranging from liquid, to solid, to gas. In this sphere, the water cycle is a vital concept. The air sphere is made up of the Earth's atmosphere and its composition. Physical geography is much more than the labels of rivers and mountain ranges on a map (McMichael).
 * What is it?**



Physical geography is a study strongly connected to hard sciences such as hydrology, and full of questions relating to the interconnectivity of Earth's environment. Alternatively, how might physical geography have an impact on peoples' lives and culture? One only has to consider where the world's major population centers are located. They are generally located near a significant body of water--being close to water facilitates sea trade and industry related to the ocean, in addition to generally lending to a land area with climate suitable for land industries like agriculture.
 * What are its implications?**

An understanding of geography and its influences is actually key to the understanding the origin of the town. The town grew and flourished from small beginnings to a notable mill town. The presence of the Mousam River highlights the effect of physical geography on industry, as the town was built around the mill that was built because of the water-power of the river. The location on the Mousam River was favorable because it was not too far inland to be isolated from routes leading to the population and trade centers of Portland, ME and Portsmouth, NH.
 * How does this relate to Sanford-Springvale?**



The image above depicts the urbanized area originating from the river, which runs nearly parallel to Route 109.

McMichael, Christine. "Physical geography." //The Encyclopedia of Earth//. 2010. Web. .