GEOGRAPHY: FORM ONE

TOPIC I: CONCEPT OF GEOGRAPHY

The word geography comes from two Greek words;

Geo – means earth, and

Graphea/Grapher/grapho/graphien – means to write, to draw or to describe about the earth.

 

Definition of Geography

  • Geography is the study of distribution and interrelationship of phenomena in relation to the earth’s surface. Or
  • Geography is a science that deals with the earth and its life,the description of Land Sea, air,plants and animal life including human being and their activities.
    or
  • Geography is the science of distributions and is concerned with spatial variations in any physical or cultural.

 

BRANCHES OF GEOGRAPHY

There are three main branches of geography namely: -

  1. Physical geography
  2. Human and economic geography
  3. Practical geography

 

A. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

Physical Geography is concerned with Land formation processes, weather and climate. Also it is the branch of geography that studies all physical features
e.g .Mountain,rift valley

 

B. HUMAN AND ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY OR REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY.

It deals with all activities of human on the earth’s surface which includes mining,agriculture,transportation,settlement,tourism etc,

 

C. PRACTICAL GEOGRAPHY

Is concerned with field study of photograph interpretation, map work, statistics and research.

 

Importance of Studying Geography

  1. Facilitates good relationship among nations by studying geography of other regions of the world.
  2. It enables one to go for advanced studies in specialized fields e.g. geography teachers, meteorology, surveying etc.
  3. Enables us to appreciate other people’s way of life by learning economic activities of different communities.
  4. Enables us to conserve our environment. When we learn negative and positive effects of human activities on theenvironment.
  5. Enables us to conserve our resources.When we learn wise use of resources in conservation and management of resources e.g.wildlife,forests,energy, etc.
  6. Promotion of industrysuchas tourismbyguidingtourists toplacesof interestbyusingmaps,calculationsofdistancesetc.
  7. It enables us to appreciate nature

Exercise 1

  1. What is geography?
  2. How many branches of geography do we have? Mention and define them.
  3. Why are we studying geography? (Give three strong reasons and examples)