Physical Geography (PYG)

Section Information

Physical Geography focuses on the natural processes, patterns, and features of the Earth's surface and atmosphere. It examines the dynamics of climate, landforms, vegetation, soils, water systems, and ecological interactions, providing a scientific framework for understanding environmental change and landscape evolution.

Modern research in physical geography includes climatology, hydrology, geomorphology, biogeography, soil science, glaciology, natural hazards, remote sensing, and spatial modeling. Advances in geospatial technologies, field instrumentation, environmental monitoring, and Earth system modeling continue to deepen insights into the functioning of natural environments.

This section publishes empirical studies, theoretical analyses, field investigations, spatial models, reviews, and applied research that address environmental processes, physical landscape dynamics, climate–ecosystem interactions, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic forces on Earth systems.

Scope

Climatology and Atmospheric Processes
- Weather systems, atmospheric circulation, and climate variability
- Microclimates, boundary layer processes, and energy balance
- Paleoclimate reconstruction and long-term climate change
- Extreme weather events and climate impacts
Geomorphology and Earth Surface Processes
- Landform development and landscape evolution
- Fluvial, coastal, aeolian, glacial, and periglacial processes
- Soil erosion, sediment transport, and depositional environments
- Hazards including landslides, floods, and shoreline change
Hydrology and Water Resources
- Surface and groundwater hydrology
- Watershed processes, runoff modeling, and water balance
- Hydrochemistry and water quality dynamics
- Flood forecasting, drought analysis, and water resource management
Biogeography and Ecosystems
- Distribution and dynamics of plant and animal communities
- Landscape ecology, biodiversity patterns, and habitat modeling
- Species–environment interactions and ecological gradients
- Impacts of climate change on ecosystems and biomes
Soil Science and Pedology
- Soil formation, classification, and spatial distribution
- Soil physics, chemistry, and biological processes
- Soil erosion, degradation, and conservation
- Soils as indicators of environmental and climatic conditions
Cryosphere and Glacial Processes
- Glacier dynamics, mass balance, and ice–climate interactions
- Permafrost, freeze–thaw cycles, and cold-region geomorphology
- Snowpack processes, avalanche behavior, and meltwater systems
- Cryospheric contributions to sea-level change
Natural Hazards and Environmental Change
- Earth surface hazards including earthquakes, landslides, and floods
- Climatic hazards such as heatwaves, storms, and droughts
- Human impacts including land-use change and environmental degradation
- Vulnerability, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies
Remote Sensing, GIS, and Spatial Modeling
- Satellite imagery, aerial photography, and geospatial analysis
- Terrain modeling, land-cover mapping, and change detection
- Environmental monitoring using remote sensing technologies
- Spatial statistics, predictive modeling, and digital Earth systems