An Introduction to Physical Geology

The study of geology is composed of different divisions, of which physical geology is one. Physical geologists investigate the processes and influences occurring above and below the surface of the Earth.

Identification

Earth's physical environment can be seen as divided into three major parts, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the solid Earth. There is on-going interaction among these three.

Misconceptions

Physical geology includes more than air, water and land. The biosphere is a fundamental part of physical geology. It includes plant and animal life. This reaches into the atmosphere several kilometers high, and down to the ocean bottom.

Considerations

The biosphere is affected by the physical environment, and the biosphere affects the physical environment.

Features

The study of physical geology involves knowledge of chemistry, physics and biology.

History

Modern geology began with James Hutton. His "The Theory of the Earth," published in the late 1700s, states that "physical, chemical and biological laws that operate today have also operated in the geologic past."

References

• Tulane University Earth & Environmental Sciences 111 Physical Geology
• Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology; Tarbuck and Lutgens; 2005

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish