Elements of Physical and

Human Environments

In geography the word environment is used to

describe our total surroundings.

This includes the living and non living features

of the earths surface as well as those features
altered or created by people.

Geographers divide environments into two

kinds:

1.
2.

Physical environments and;

Human environments

ROCKS / SOIL-

SUN- Solar energy: All life on earth

Lithosphere: The
earths solid
depends on the energy (light and
outer shell.
heat) produced
the sun.
-Elements
of by
Physical
Geography
Geographers
study the
Physical environments are those dominated by
processes
natural features, such as landforms and vegetation.
shaping the
earths crust and
Elements of
how these
Physical environments, include
the
earths
soil,
the Physical
processes affect
WATERHydrosphere:
The earthsand allEnvironment
water,
air, sunlight
living things. These
are
people.
store of
water and
how it circulates.
often
referred
to as the elements of physical
Geographers are interested in how
environments.
people try to control and manage
water resources to meet their needs.

AIR- Atmosphere: The combination of gases that

surround the planet. Geographers are interested in
weather & climate. They investigate:
How climate determines where plants and animals
live.
How climate affects the activities of people.
How the activities of people affect climate

PLANTS & ANIMALSBiosphere: The surface

zone of the earth in
which all life exists.
Geographers are
interested in how living
things interact with
each other and the non
living parts of the
environment

-Elements of Human
Environments.
Human environments are best defined as all the elements
of environments created people.
Social:
The way
in which
the
They
include
the social, Elements
cultural, of
economic
people organise
systems created by humansHuman
themselves and other to
Environment
live in a community

Economic:
The
and
political

production distribution
and consumption of
goods and services.
They also include those features normally associated
with

settlements, industries and agriculture.

It is important to note that thePolitical:

physicalThe
and human
environments
alwaysThe
interact.
Cultural:

manner in
beliefs,
which a
traditions
and
Physical environments are always
affected
country,
and by the
practicesand built environments are always
activities of people;
society
affected by events
within physical
environments.
characteristic
generally, is
of a group or
governed.
people.

Examples of Built Environments.

SETTLEMENTS

AGRICULTURE

INDUSTRIES