Question

Answer in detail:

Explain the nature of Geography in detail.

Answer 1

1. Geography is the study of the earth as a home of man and various phenomena related to it.
2. Therefore, geography is the study of the physical environment in relation to man. The physical environment has a direct effect on cultural and social environments.
3. The earth is dynamic in nature. Hence, we find variations in its physical and cultural/social environments.
4. In geography, we study the relation between the physical environment and production, distributions and their patterns and variations.
5. Geographers study the location, and geographical phenomena, whether physical or human, which are highly dynamic and their causes.
6. Since geography is the study of space and time, it makes geography dynamic in nature. In geographical study, the geographer tries to answer questions like what, why, where and when.

Answer 2

1. Geography is dynamic in nature.

1. Geography is the study of the earth and phenomena related to it. The earth is dynamic, with variations in its physical and cultural environments. 
2. These geographical phenomena, whether physical or human, are not static but highly dynamic. They change over time.
3. Geography is also a study of ‘space’ and ‘time’. For example, we study weather over a period of time (roughly 30 years) and decide the climate of a place, the population of India or the world over a period of time, the development of a landform or the age of the earth are various phenomena which are of interest to a geographer as they are concerned with ‘time’.

2. The skills and methods required to study Geography make it empirical and practical in nature.

1. Geographers study physical and human factors, their patterns and variations, the cause and effect relationship, a ‘geographical location’ and the impact of economic activities on a region. For example, a geographer studies various crops in different regions. He correlates this with climate, soils, demand in the market, application of technologies, etc., of the region. Therefore, he can tell what types of economic activities are most suitable for a region. 
2. The study is very scientific and is always supplemented with experiments, data, observation patterns, data analysis and research findings. Thus, knowledge of computers is now an added skill that a geographer requires. 
3. A geographer doesn’t study only theory but gathers evidence based on data collection and analysis through various tools and techniques.

3. Geography is dualistic in nature

1. There are two contrasting approaches to studying Geography.
2. Dualism in Geography refers to the existence of two contrasting or separate approaches. 
3. Some geographers are of the view that nature is more dominant than man. This is called environmental determinism.
4. While others think that man dominates nature, they believe in possibilism.

4. Geography has a strong interface with natural as well as social sciences. Many branches of Geography have developed from mainstream disciplines. This makes geography an integrating and interdisciplinary subject.