Remote Sensing, Department of Geology & Geography, West Virginia University

Physical geography is an exciting subject! We deal with no less a topic than the world we live in, and how it works. We study the world from a broad perspective, examining each of the four global environmental spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere), with a special emphasis on how these environmental spheres are inter-related. For example, we study how the atmospheric circulation and ocean patterns determine climate patterns, and in turn, how climate patterns determine vegetation, and then how climate and vegetation influence soils. It is an inter-connected web!

In order to understand how the world works, you need to know the language of physical geography. Consequently, for the exams you must be familiar with definitions and able to understand the principals of geography. Because the main emphasis of exams is on critical understanding, not rote learning, students should expect questions that are a bit longer and more complicated than most multiple-choice questions. Attending class is compulsory. I expect my students to be active participants in lecture and to think critically.

The syllabus for this course is here.