Lecture on Physical Geography

Introduction

• Objective: Crash course on natural systems in physical geography.
• Focus: Based on Instagram votes, physical geography was prioritized.

Understanding the Syllabus

• Key Sections: General objectives, specific objectives.
• Advice: Turn specific objectives into questions for self-assessment.

Specific Objectives

• Describe, explain, define key processes and terms.
• Convert syllabus objectives into study questions.

Physical Geography Content

Internal Structure of the Earth

• Components: Continental and oceanic plates, crust, mantle, core.
• Plate Tectonics: Theory, plate distribution, movement (convergent, divergent, transform).

Plate Tectonics

• Features: Earthquakes, volcanic islands (island arcs), volcanoes, fold mountains, faults, ocean trenches.

Volcanic Features

• Intrusive: Sills, dikes, plugs, batholiths.
• Extrusive: Calderas, shield volcanoes, composite volcanoes, lava plateaus.

The Rock Cycle

• Types: Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic.
• Processes: Formation, weathering, sediment compaction, metamorphic changes.

Weathering and Mass Wasting

Types of Weathering

• Chemical: Carbonation, hydrolysis.
• Physical: Frost action, exfoliation.
• Biological: Plant roots, animal activity.

Mass Movement

• Types: Soil creep (slow), landslides (fast).
• Factors: Water acts as a lubricant, affecting movement speed.

Limestone Features

• Surface Features: Clint and grikes, surface depressions, cockpits, swallow holes.
• Underground Features: Caves, stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, underground rivers.

Hydrological Cycle

• Processes: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, transpiration, runoff, infiltration, through flow, percolation, groundwater flow.

River Systems

Fluvial Processes

• Erosion Types: Corrosion, attrition, solution, hydraulic action.
• Transportation: Traction, saltation, suspension, solution.
• Deposition: Occurs when river loses energy.

River Landforms

• Features: Meanders, oxbow lakes, river cliffs, point bars, v-shaped valleys, interlocking spurs, deltas.

Drainage Patterns

• Types: Dendritic, trellis, radial.

Coastal Systems

Wave Characteristics

• Types: Constructive (building up beaches), destructive (eroding beaches).

Coastal Processes

• Erosion: Abrasion, attrition, solution, hydraulic action.
• Transportation: Longshore drift, movement within the sea.

Coastal Landforms

• Features: Blowholes, headlands, stacks, stumps, arches, caves, bays, beaches.
• Processes: Erosion, deposition.

Practical Tips

• Study Strategy: Use syllabus with textbooks for focused study.
• Diagrams: Familiarize with diagrams for exams.

Note: These notes are designed to capture key elements for exam preparation in physical geography, focusing on understanding processes and identifying geographical features. Use these structured notes as a study aid to reinforce your understanding of the material.