Geography as a Discipline
Geography as a Discipline is a chapter in Class 11 NCERT Geography. In this chapter, we learn about the definition, scope, branches, and significance of geography. We also study the relationship of geography with natural sciences and social sciences, as well as the systematic and regional approaches in geography.
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Geography |
Geography studies the Earth, its physical environment, human activities and their interrelationships. |
| Coined By |
The term Geography was coined by Eratosthenes (276–194 BC). |
| Meaning |
Derived from Greek words Geo (Earth) and Graphos (Description). |
| Core Subject Matter |
Study of the Earth's surface and spatial variation of natural and human phenomena. |
| Natural Features |
Mountains, plateaus, plains, oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, deserts, climate, vegetation, soils. |
| Human Features |
Villages, cities, roads, railways, ports, industries, settlements, population. |
| Resource Dependence |
Humans depend on land, soil, water and climate for survival and development. |
| Spatial Variation |
Different regions have different characteristics across space and time. |
| Modern Tools |
Maps, latitudes, longitudes, GIS (Geographical Information System), Computer Cartography. |
| Areal Differentiation |
Geography studies differences between places on the Earth's surface. |
| Scholars of Areal Differentiation |
Richard Hartshorne and Alfred Hettner. |
Geography as an Integrating Discipline
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Integrating Discipline |
Geography connects Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. |
| Spatial Context |
Studies phenomena in relation to their location and surroundings. |
| Interrelated Elements |
Landforms, climate, vegetation, population, economy and culture. |
| Spatial Relationships |
Examines interactions among geographical features. |
| Data Representation |
Uses maps and spatial patterns to understand regions. |
| Time and Space |
Studies geographical changes over time. |
| Sustainable Development |
Helps in planning, resource management and balanced growth. |
Geography and Natural Sciences
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Geology |
Study of rocks, landforms and Earth's structure. |
| Geomorphology |
Study of origin, evolution and processes of landforms. |
| Meteorology |
Study of weather and atmosphere. |
| Climatology |
Study of climate and climatic regions. |
| Hydrology |
Study of water resources. |
| Oceanography |
Study of oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. |
| Pedology |
Study of soil formation and soils. |
| Botany |
Study of plants. |
| Zoology |
Study of animals. |
| Mathematics |
Important for latitude, longitude and map calculations. |
| Astronomy |
Helps understand Earth's rotation and revolution. |
Geography and Social Sciences
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| History |
Physical factors influence historical developments. |
| Himalayas |
Acted as protective barrier in Indian history. |
| Khyber Pass |
Facilitated migration and invasions. |
| Indian Coastline |
Encouraged trade with Asia, Europe and Africa. |
| Political Science |
Study of boundaries, nations, geopolitics and electoral regions. |
| Economics |
Studies agriculture, industry, transport and tourism. |
| Sociology |
Study of society and social organization. |
| Anthropology |
Study of culture and human societies. |
| Population Studies |
Distribution, migration and settlement patterns. |
Branches of Geography
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Major Branches |
Physical Geography, Human Geography, Biogeography. |
| Two Approaches |
Systematic Approach and Regional Approach. |
| Dualism |
Equal emphasis on Physical and Human Geography. |
Systematic Approach
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Developed By |
Alexander Von Humboldt (1769–1859). |
| Other Name |
General Geography. |
| Method |
Studies one phenomenon globally at a time. |
| Examples |
Climate, vegetation, population, economy. |
| Purpose |
Identifies spatial patterns and regional variations. |
| Importance |
Helps understand distribution, causes and consequences. |
Physical Geography
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Studies |
Natural features of the Earth. |
| Major Components |
Landforms, climate, water bodies, soils and vegetation. |
| Natural Processes |
Weathering, erosion, volcanism, earthquakes, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents. |
| Major Sub-Branches |
Geomorphology, Climatology, Hydrology/Oceanography, Soil Geography (Pedology). |
| Geomorphology |
Mountains, plateaus, plains and valleys. |
| Climatology |
Atmosphere, weather and climate. |
| Hydrology/Oceanography |
Oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. |
| Soil Geography |
Soil formation, fertility and distribution. |
Human Geography
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Studies |
Human beings and their activities. |
| Areas Covered |
Settlements, culture, economy and political organization. |
| Human-Environment Interaction |
Adaptation and modification of environment. |
| Major Branches |
Social/Cultural Geography, Population Geography, Settlement Geography, Economic Geography, Historical Geography, Political Geography. |
| Population Geography |
Growth, density, migration and occupation. |
| Settlement Geography |
Rural and urban settlements. |
| Economic Geography |
Agriculture, industry, trade, transport, tourism. |
| Historical Geography |
Evolution of regions over time. |
| Political Geography |
Boundaries, geopolitics and territorial disputes. |
Biogeography
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Studies |
Distribution of plants, animals and life forms. |
| Factors |
Climate, soil, relief and water availability. |
| Plant Geography |
Distribution of vegetation. |
| Animal Geography |
Distribution of wildlife species. |
| Related Subject |
Ecology. |
| Importance |
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. |
| Examples |
Western Ghats, Sundarbans, Himalayan Ecosystem. |
Regional Approach
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Developed By |
Karl Ritter (1779–1859). |
| Method |
Studies all geographical phenomena of a region together. |
| Focus |
Unity and identity of regions. |
| Region Types |
Macro, Meso and Micro Regions. |
| Classification |
Natural, Political and Planning Regions. |
| Applications |
Regional Planning, Regional Development and Regional Analysis. |
Physical Geography and its Importance
| Concept |
Important Facts |
| Four Spheres |
Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere. |
| Lithosphere |
Landforms and rocks. |
| Atmosphere |
Air and climate. |
| Hydrosphere |
Water bodies. |
| Biosphere |
Living organisms. |
| Himalayas |
Climatic barrier and source of major rivers. |
| Major Rivers |
Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus. |
| Deccan Plateau |
Rich in minerals and forests. |
| Monsoon |
Influences agriculture and daily life. |
| Indian Ocean |
Important water body and resource base. |
| Arabian Sea |
Part of India's marine resources. |
| Bay of Bengal |
Important marine region. |
| Ecological Balance |
Essential for sustainable development. |
| Resource Management |
Important application of geographical knowledge. |
