Basic Geography Companion
1
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
In the beginning, when God began to create the
“heavens” and “earth”, the “earth had no form and was
void, darkness was over the deep and the spirit of God
hovered over the waters.” The earth as a planet provide
its bounty on physical and human resources. It was
made as the home of mankind. The air, water and earth
made the earth as the world of the living organism
(cosmic). The cycle of life supported by its landforms,
water forms, climate, peoples, animals, agriculture,
forest, fishing, mining, industries and manufacturing
products made the glocal (global and local) commerce
of the mankind competitive. Understanding the
surrounding environment made the ecosystem
proactive to life. How can these life form (Biosphere)
sustain its system in the systemic behavior of mankind?
How do they do it? And, why we do it? Where do we begin? The eLibrary and the Google classrooms
with this paper attempts everything the child study and learn should be as closely related as possible to
the life of the child is living. Come and joint us to the bandwagon of rebuilding a beautiful place to
live.
Short Title: Home of Mankind & its interaction
Introduction
In the beginning the “earth is nothing” (Loyola, 2015).
This would mean no existence. But our presence proved
something, our doubts and everything lingers in our imagination
are footprints of the opposite “concepts” or “idea” of something.
Granting without admitting setting aside the story on “creation”
and “evolution” there is a “cosmic rule” that start everything.
Whatever maybe something that self-destruct creates the
beginning. Before the “big-bang and planetesimal” concepts this
cosmic rule is something that starts the microscopic substance
(Lin, 2015). From visible and invisible substances. From air,
water and earth creates an “energy” called “life” – an act of
potency (National Geographic, 2019).
Thus, this act of potency “form” the beginning.
Asteroids, meteorites, stars and other “heavenly” bodies found
in the universe are created by “energy” (Klimaszewski, 2016).
Thus, there are currently 930,801 known asteroids and 3,606
known comets. Having different shapes and sizes that form part
as the threat of the universe particularly the earth which the “big-
bang” or “planetesimal” occurrences happened (Naylor, 2014).
Lastly, the physical characteristics feature the earth
surface, such as landforms, water system, climate pattern and
2
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
plant and animal life. Of which, physical processes go through
the physical processes are nature’s methods of operation that
produce, maintain, or alter Earth’s physical systems. Physical
processes can be grouped into four categories; those operating
in the; atmosphere e.g. climate and meteorology; gases
surrounding the earth (Lewis, 2014). Lithosphere, e.g. plate
tectonics, erosion, and soil formation (Lavanchy, 2015).
Hydrosphere, e.g. the circulation of oceans and the hydrologic
cycle, water cycle (precipitation, evaporation, condensation)
(Meerow, 2017). and biosphere, e.g. plant and animal
communities and ecosystems (Hoerner, 2017). Physical
processes shape the physical environment producing landform
and other features of earth which made man a survival creature.
In the study on the basic geography is a broad study.
However, for purposes of having “a little thing of everything” about the study let me touch only the basic
from the two big branches: 1) physical and 2) human geography. Thus, the two are discuss below. Likewise,
mapping concepts are also tackled in this paper for the reason that it can be utilized tool in the study which
the following essential elements must be familiarize: 1) latitude line; 2) equator line; 3) longitude line; 4)
meridian line; 5) prime meridian line; 6) east longitude line;
7) west longitude line.
The core basic building bloc in the study of geography
are also explained such as: 1) space; 2) place; 3) location; 4)
scale; and 5) regions. These are discussed in glocal theoretical
and experiential setting by the professor.
Thus, along the line on the basic information the
author also attempted to shed light on the topic about the
interrelatedness of physical geographic processes, concepts
and the human interaction in the surrounding environment on
mans living.
Methods
The method that this study in geography employed is qualitative however, quantitative method was
also utilized to support the “descriptive” analyses made in the study (Scott, 2014). Methods on qualitative
Methods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, and reviews of documents for types of themes Surveys,
structured interviews & observations, and reviews of records or documents for numeric information
Primarily inductive process used to formulate theory or hypotheses.
Primarily deductive process used to test pre-specified concepts, constructs, and hypotheses that
make up a theory more objective: describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those
3
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
experiencing it more objective: provides observed
effects (interpreted by researchers) of a program on
a problem or condition.
Text-based (Rogers, 2014), Number-based,
More in-depth information on a few cases, Less in-
depth but more breadth of information across a large
number of cases, Unstructured or semi-structured
response, options Fixed response, options No
statistical tests. Can be valid and reliable: largely
depends on skill and rigor of the researcher (Kay,
2016). Can be valid and reliable: largely depends on
the measurement device or instrument used Time
expenditure lighter on the planning end and heavier
during the analysis phase Time expenditure heavier on the planning phase and lighter on the analysis phase
Less generalizable and more generalizable.
Thus, in this study the author visited on the eLibrary materials and the Google classroom (Lininger,
et al 2018) to explore different ready virtual
intellectually migrated materials and information
that has something to do on the basic geography.
However, some information taken and included to
the study are coming from the “field work” and
“focus group discussion” both are “glocal.” The
information coming from the NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and
PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical
and Astronomical Services Administration) are
also considered as vignette of the study.
Findings and Discussions
To be honest with you, we cannot give the
exact details on the study about the “basic geography” because of its broad “concepts” of the term “Geo”
means “earth” and “graphein” means writing or “earth writing” or “earth description” (Ford, 2015). The
reason for this because we vary our daily living. The space, place, location, scale and region of our origin
are not the same. Its build-up different upbringing. It creates different culture. And, therefore our manner
of living, thinking, feeling, behaving and acting matters vary (Hunter, 2016).
However, getting into the important “concepts” that would help us understand earth as the home of
mankind the geographic physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, human activity as it affects and
is affected by these, including the air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere) and earth (lithosphere) its
landforms, water forms, climate, peoples, animals, agriculture, forest, fishing, mining, industries and
manufacturing products commerce of mankind are lensed by the study as biosphere (life cycle) probably
4
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
we can SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bounded) the
findings and discussion.
E.g. in the month of __ and ___ the men
of your province, town (municipality), city,
barangay turn over the soil with plows and
harrow to make it loose, soft, and smooth
before planting their crops. It may be there are
hilly, sloppy and mountainous sections in your
province, town (municipality), city, barangay
or neighborhood where plows and harrows
cannot be used. How do men prepare such
land for planting? We know that different
geographic location and factors may vary our
surface or surrounding adaptation and
preparation.
The basic needs that we have acquire in
our family consumption may vary according
to the place, space and location (Kyung, 2014). And, with the help of the map as a tool we may be able to
trace or find them. Let may orient you how to use the map. As a diagrammatic representation of an area of
land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc it made a perfect exact representation of the land
(Engstrom, 2017).: 1) space; 2) place; 3) location; 4) scale; and 5) regions. Thus, the following essential
elements of the map/globe must be
considered:
1) Physical: 1.1. Latitude line – in the
study of geography known as
parallels imaginary line, circle the
earth parallel to the equator and
measure the distance north or south
of the equator in degrees (Ehlenz,
2015). 1.2. The equator is measured
at the 0
o
latitude imaginary line,
while the poles lie at the latitude 90
o
North and 90
o
South. Parallel north
of the equator are called north
latitude imaginary line and parallels
south of the equator are called south
latitude imaginary line. 1.3. longitude line likewise in the study of geography known as meridians,
circle the earth from Pole to Pole and measure distances east or west of the starting line, which lies
at 0
o
longitude line and is called the Prime Meridian (Drake, et al 2015).
5
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
By international agreement, the Prime Meridian is the line of longitude line that runs
through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich England (Diao, 2017). Places east of the Prime
Meridian are known as east longitude line, and places west of the Prime Meridian are known as
west longitude line. While it is true that the earth was divided into two halves either eastern
hemisphere and western hemisphere or northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere. And, the
eastern hemisphere was divided also into two halves: 1) north-eastern hemisphere and 2) south-
eastern hemisphere. And, the other halves were also divided into as 1) north-western hemisphere
and the south-western hemisphere.
All we’ve understand in the
discourses above is the explanation why
we’ve individual differences (hereditary
and environmental). Those who are
living in the North (Arctic circle) and
South (Antarctic circle) Poles are colder
than any part of the earth. The way of
living is not exactly the same to those
who are living in the tropical Cancer and
tropical Capricorn circle. Likewise, in
the tropical north and tropical south. Can
you name a few on their walks of life that
made them different? How would you
consider this difference? Would it mean
to say that the other is superior than the
other one? Tell the class your
observation and suggestion for “equality
for life.”
2) Mapping concepts. In 1569, a
geographer named Gerardus Mercator
created a flat map to help the sailors navigate long journeys across the globe (Doornbos, et al 2015).
As the globe perfectly represent the earth while the map represents the perfect and exact space,
place, location, scale and region. One may face and read the map starts from the top is the north
and begin reading right up (Milligan, 2016). Upon reading the map at the top you’ll notice the
numbered grid which the basis of the longitude line intersecting the numbered grid at the right side
for your latitude line then that will be the location of the place where the intersected line meets.
As map perfectly and exactly represented the place, space, location, scale and region of the
place one wanted to look and see; so, color and the granular texture of the coloring and roughness
of the area are being depicted according to the topographic representation of the place, space, and
location. Thus, e.g. dark brown represents for soil, light brown for sandy, rocky and stony.
Likewise, for the green generally represented for the vegetation and blue for water. Once portion
6
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
of the space or place of location colored red so it represents fire (volcanic). Due to our awareness
on the catastrophe, conventional sign was developed, posted, mark to the vulnerable places, space,
and location, definitely can be located pointed-out in the map by scale.
With the learning on the basic geography everybody now is very much conscious on their
surrounding environment. The marking of the fault line especially to those vulnerable places and
location on the “big one” the Quezon, Marikina, Mandaluyong and etc people are already proactive
in their day to day undertaking. Can you name a few fault lines that you’ve in your own vicinity?
What is the precautionary measure that you’ve prepare and plan for immediate evacuation? What
can you suggest to mitigate the killing
of lives and destruction of property?
Can our earthquake drill help us in time
of disaster? Why? If you’re the victim
of the flash flood, increasing volume of
water, volcanic eruption and other
natural calamities, what have you done
as an immediate response for the so-
called incidence? Why? These are only
few of the many things that one should
and must prepare.
3) The core basic building bloc in the
study of “basic geography” are: 1)
space; 2) place; 3) location; 4) scale; 5)
and 6) regions in contrast to the
interaction of mankind in their
immediate surrounding environment.
And the following are:
3.1. Space – in this study we
mean as the extent of area that is
occupied by something. It can be
referring to physical and cultural objects on the surface of the earth. Relative space is concerned
with where something is in relation to something else and changes constantly as interrelationships
between people, place, and things change (Headley-El, 2017). Like Buildings, Parks, Monuments,
and other relative infrastructure. Likewise, absolute space is a measurable area with definite
boundaries. It is essential ingredients in map-making (cartography) and spatial analysis of any time
(Connor, 2017). Site is also a considerable physical location of a place that one may consider in a
situation. Thus, location based on its relation to other places are understood to be under the
situational space. Typical example for this is the natural boundaries using the rivers, mountains,
lakes and relative physical geographic factors.
3.2. Place – is another word for location. We examine place very carefully when we get
to the study to human geography. We often refer to a location’s sense of place and are talking
7
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
about all the attributes – physical, cultural, emotional that a location has to be personal.
Placelessness also taken cared of the study being the condition in which a place actually loses its
sense of being “special.” All places shared the following attributes (Brecheisen,2017): 1) have
location, direction, and distance from other places; 2) change over time; 3) interrelate with all
other places in some way; 4) have size and scale; 5) possess a physical aspect and cultural aspect;
6) and can be grouped into regions based on how they are alike and how they are dissimilar.
Most of the time places that has value are remembered often as compared to those non-
significant existence of another place. However, valuable or not they are not measured by value but
by time and space. E.g. piece of land was not considerably given value for now because the area
lacking amenities such as: roads, water, current and etc. so the value is not lucrative but a “matter
of time and space” it will become the captivating ingredient to the buyer’s eye or shall we say it as
an “apples eye.”
Therefore, provide amenities to the place where incognizable by someone to create place(s)
identity. It gives “value” to those inhospitable places to mankind for the reason that mankind left
behind these places unproductive. Help nature to make the mother-earth a beautiful place to live by
mankind.
3.3. Location – is also being considered as important study in both physical as well as
human geography; it is also related to the global grid system of “latitude and longitude.” In the map
the exact position of something is situated. As we see and read the map, the location and position
of the place situated can be locate by using the grid line longitudinal down and intersect then read
right up. The Absolute location can be found going through the actual space of the place that
occupies on the earth surface. Geographic factors can be a typical example for this. Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao was bounded by body of water to form a big mainland. It just the same to the 21
major islands of the Philippines. The location is definite and absolute because of its naturally
constructed location. It is usually referred to a mathematical form using degrees (latitude and
longitude coordinates). The relative
location comes in also as a location
of a place in relation to the location
of other places (Barnes, 2014).
Relative locations vary greatly and
depends on your perspective. The
position of the map reader.
3.4. Regions – This is also
important concepts to understand
that allows us to study space, place,
and locations in better detail by
allowing us to generalize about a
common characteristic and thus
group them. It is understood an area
that displays a common trait such as
culture, government type, language,
8
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
landform, etc. Thus, this high level of consistency in a certain cultural or physical attribute. Usually,
those who are living of the same geographic region have one thing in common because of the
common environment or surroundings they are living. The common advocacy, idealism and
aspirations dictated upon by their surrounding environment. And region in geography we mean the
geographic factors that engaged or intervenes on the casual and usual activity of man in his
surrounding environment. Traditionally, political sub-division and boundary follow the geographic
factors. E.g. landmarks usually mountains, valleys, rivers, canyons, ridges, etc as long as it is
absolute boundary.
Human or Cultural Geography Interaction (Gomez, 2015). In the diagram on human geography;
economics, political science, business, psychology, history, religion, linguistics, urban studies and
planning, geology, biology, climatology, environmental studies, anthropology, sociology, demography,
medicine and health are collaborated and corroborated their sciences in exploring and uncovering the man’s
interaction in his/her home to mankind (Shakil, 2015; Smith-Greenaway, et al 2014; Tabor, 2015). All
principal forms of the world are represented in the Philippines. Name and locate the four great mountain
ranges of the 21 major islands in the Philippines which are represented by the three great islands of Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao. Tell about the mountain ranges, gorges, ridges of the Visayas and Palawan. Explain
the effect of this mountains on the rainfall of the Philippines; on migration of people and settlement of
lands; on commerce. Name and locate the great mountain ranges, gorges and ridges on each continent and
explain how each affects the climate of the lands on both sides of it. Explain the effect, if any that each has
had on commerce, on the migration of peoples (ethnic sectors) and on the formation of the nations of the
world.
Name and locate the most important mountain peaks of the Philippines
The convergence place is potential to be peak and at the same time volcanos. Mount Pinatubo last
eruption in 1991 (Philippines). Eyjafjallajökull last eruption 200 years (Iceland). Deccan Traps last eruption
in 60 million years ago (Deccan Plateau India). Yellow Stone last eruption 640, 000 years ago (Northwest
of Wyoming, USA. Thera – island of Santorini at the Aegean Sea in 1645 BC and 1500BC. Vesuvius –
Pompeii, Italy last eruption in 1944. Mount Laki in Iceland last eruption 1783. Tambora in 1815 and
Krakatoa in Indonesia last eruption in 2018. Mount Taal in the Philippines last eruption 2020 usually
changes the places and landscape of the area. How did it change? Which are landmarks? Which are active
volcanos? Which are extinct volcanos? Which is the highest?
Compare the important mountains of the world with those of the Philippines? Locate the important
ranges, ridges, gorges in the world of the map? What is the highest mountain in the world? Tell about the
most famous volcanoes of the world. Mount fuji was considered by the Japanese as holy mountain. While
all erupted volcanos destructed their cone and made it irregular but mount Mayon remain its perfect cone.
Despite of their being destructive to lives and property they contributed the richness and bounty of the
sceneries. The many volcanos in the 64 kilometers round the small island of Camiguin made their root
crops, water and lanzones fruits sweet. It contributed the fertility of the soil. What parts of the world are
subject to the earthquake? Tell about some destructive earthquakes that have occurred. Did you know that
your house is built in an earthquake belt? How did one know? Tell about some of the hot springs and geysers
in other parts of the world? If you wish to travel to see beautiful scenery, where should you go and why?
How did you do it.
9
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Snow-Capped Mountain
Draw an imaginary snow-capped mountain in the temperature zone and indicate on it the kinds of
vegetation you think are found at various altitudes. There are no snow-capped mountains in the Philippines.
Why other tropical countries have them. Why? Draw the outline of an imaginary snow-capped mountain in
the tropics and indicate on it the vegetation and crops found in various elevations. What is found at the top
of the highest mountains in the Philippines? Why is ascending a high mountain in the tropics like going
from the equator toward the poles?
Plateaus and Climates
Plateau is a landform that is relatively both sides are high and at a top having a high flat ground
(Yi, 2017; Zhang, 2018). Name and locate the highest plateau in the Philippines and tell about its forests
and crops as compared with those of the lowlands. Name and locate two other Philippine plateaus and tell
about each. Did you know that the
largest and the biggest plateau in
southern Philippines is located in the
heart of Mindanao? Name and locate
several highlands in the Philippines
and tell about their principal products.
What is the chief product of most
tropical highlands? Name and locate
several in different parts of the world.
Name and locate tropical plateaus and
tell about their climates and products.
Name and locate some plateaus of the
temperate regions and tell about their
climates and products. Why are
plateaus often arid, or deficient in
rainfall? Give examples of arid or
desert plateaus. Seasons and climate
depend upon the earth’s position with
respect to the sun. Name the seasons
of the temperate zones and tell when
each occurs.
Notice the relative positions of the earth and the sun in March, June, September and December,
you’ve learn that in the torrid zone the sun rays fall almost vertically throughout the year; that in the
temperate zone they always fall obliquely sometimes more obliquely than at other times; and that in the
frigid zone they are always very oblique (Baguskas, 2014; Tenley, 2015). In your map find the circle known
as the tropic of cancer. On June 21 the sun’s rays are vertical over the region crossed by this imaginary line.
This circle marks the farthest points north on which are vertical at sometime of the year.
Then, we who live in the northern have our longest day (Black, 2015). Can you tell why? On the
other side of the equator find the tropic of Capricorn. On December 21 the sun rays are vertical over the
region crossed by this circle. Then the people in the southern hemisphere have their longest day, and we
10
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
have our shortest day. Why? The tropic of Capricorn marks the farthest points south on which the sun’s
rays are vertical at some time of the year. The space between the two tropics, which is known as the torrid
zone, is the only part of the earth which receives vertical rays (Bernstein, 2017). North on the tropic cancer
is another circle known as the arctic circle.
Find in your own map. On June 21, when the sun’s rays are vertical at the tropic of Cancer, the
north pole is turned toward the sun and receives more light and heat than at any other time during the year.
At this time the region between the north pole and the arctic circle is entirely lighted. Describe how this
physical behavior of the mother earth affects the “day to day” activity of man. And, how do they differ?
Plain and Drainage
Name five plains of the Philippines. Tell how the largest plain was formed. Tell about the drainage
and products of each. Name some plains in other tropical countries and tell about them. Name some in the
temperate regions. Why are railroads usually built on plains? Name and locate the coastal plains in the
Philippines which are broad and have fertile soil. Tell about the products of each. Name and locate the
narrow coastal plains and tell what you can about each. Why are narrow coastal plains often important for
manufacturing? Locate one such plain in the United States, name, locate and discuss several other coastal
plains of different continents.
Valleys and Formations
Valley is a lowland between two high land. And in every valley, there are always divergence and
convergence and fault are always conventional (Weaver, 2014; White, et al 2016). Explain how are valleys
formed. Describe a young valley, such as the gorges in the eastern part of Laguna province. Describe an
old river valley, such as that of Cagayan. Name and locate the important river valleys of the Philippines
and tell about the products of each. Name the important river valleys of each continent. Do you think there
would be river without valley? What is the effect when valley is form? It is said that when divergence
happened in the opposite side is convergence. Thus, when convergence happened the granular texture of
the soil is homogeneous. Likewise, when transformation happened, the granular texture of the soil is layered
latitudinally. And longitudinally it subducted. All formation happened because of the movement of the
earth. The rotation and revolution affect the life cycle of the earth.
Water forms
All the great river plains of the world are subject to flood (Ayala, 2016; Wondwosen, 2016). Much
of the Amazon basin is flooded during high water (Prajapati, 2016). The case of the Nile River as known
to all as the “Gift of the Nile” because this river overflow ones a year to bring the fertility of the soil on the
plain. Plains are populated are protected by dikes which keep the water within the river bed. These often
break and cause great floods. The running and increasing volume of water may cause the killing of lives
and destroying the property. Take note that “majority of the river system on earth flow towards the north”
(Ptak, 2017; Wu, 2014; Yaffa, 2015). The Mississippi River is subject to floods.
Name some other river basins in which destructive floods occur. Name a river of Indo-China which
is prevented from flooding by lake. What is a water gap? Locate one in the Philippines. What is its effect
on floods? Locate rivers in Asia which such have such gaps. What their effects in navigation? Does the
Irrawaddy river in Myanmar and Thailand could compete to the Mekong river of Vietnam? Locate the
11
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
famous river gap in Europe and tell you can about it. How are these gaps form? Name and locate a part of
Europe which is protected from the sea by dikes. Bulacan has a small rice districts resembling this. Tell
about it. What deltas of Indo-China and China do you think have rice fields protected from the sea in
this way?
Likewise, all water form collects in the ocean. The widest and the deepest ocean is the
Pacific where the ring of fire is located. It has 165,250,000 square kilometers (63,800,000 square
miles) in area. The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's oceans, with land area of
about 106,460,000 square kilometers (41,100,000 square miles). Thus, the Indian Ocean (the mine
of gem) is the third-largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering 70,560,000 km
2
(27,240,000
sq. mi). The Southern Ocean, also referred to as the Antarctica Ocean, is the fourth largest, with a
land area of 21,960,000 square kilometers. The Arctic Ocean is the fifth largest, and covers land
area of 15,558,000 square kilometers.
Land formation
Land formation is not absolute. It is relative. As the earth continuously move through
rotation (axis) and revolution (orbit) around the sun the topography is affected. Thus, the
explanation of Pangea and continental drifting revealed significantly through the anthropological
and archaeological fossils. Thus, for now, the seven continent shows an evidence. Asia is Earth's
largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the Eastern and Northern Hemispheres.
It shares the continental landmass of Eurasia (Europe and Asia) with the continent of Europe and
the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with both Europe and Africa. And, covering the land
area of 44,579,000 million km
2
(17,212,000 sq. mi). Likewise, Africa is the world's second-largest
and second-most populous continent. At about 30.3 million km² including adjacent islands. Thus,
North America is third largest continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all
within the Western Hemisphere having the area North America covers land area of
about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles).
Moreover, South America is the fourth largest continent that has land area
of 17,840,000 km
2
. And, Antarctica is the fifth southernmost continent of the South Pole, is a
virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass. Most cruises to the continent visit the Antarctic
Peninsula, which stretches toward South America. It’s known for the Lemaire Channel and
Paradise Harbor, striking, iceberg-flanked passageways, and Port Lockroy, a former British
research station turned museum. Its land area consisting of 14 million kilometers. Europe is the
six biggest continents located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern
Hemisphere. It covers the land area of about 10,180,000 square kilometers (3,930,000 sq. mi).
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the
mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is
the largest country in Oceania and the world's seventh-largest country by total land area of 7,692
million kilometers.
12
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Peoples and Interactions
Peoples with “s” means “sector,” “group,” “ethnic.” The peoples of the world may be
divided into different groups, or races (Alford, 2014). Name the races of mankind. Why do we
distinguish them by color? Why these peoples have the different color? Is this hereditary or
environmental? Can you name an exception of every race? Where is the home of the black? Where
is the home of the whites? Where is the home of Muslim? Where is the home of the American?
Why are members of it found all over the world? Tell about the divisions of this race. Where are
the yellow peoples found? Where did the Malays originally come from? Where are they now
found? What other countries besides the Philippines have Negritos, the Agta, Pygmy, the Kongking
or having the kinky hair? How people around the globe interact to one another? Mention a few
factors that converge people? Why propaganda becomes an effective tool in ventilating
grievances? How advocacy begins? How the following flatteners in the “world is flat” by Thomas
Freidman affects man’s living?
Which of the following flatteners affects you very much? 1) allowed individuals to use
their own personal computers? 2) Netscape? 3) Workflow Software? 4) Uploading? 5)
Outsourcing? 6) Offshoring? 7) Supply-chaining? 8) Insourcing? 9) In-forming? 10) The Steroids.
Would you think a possibility that man communicate the outside world? How would you interact
with them? Can you mention one? How about having an amulet for bad and good charm? Would
you believe on them? Can you tell one incident happened in your life or to someone? How you
known someone who is a sorcerer? How did they do it? Did you know the globalizing effect on
the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)? How did this happen? And, did this happened? Did you
make the world as a global village? How did you do it? Why environment, race, gender, sexuality,
and other social platform agenda becoming more proactive to man’s living? How did they do it?
We hope that the decay of time, space, place, location and distance help us engaging more than
WIFI to PSYFI generation.
Conclusions
This paper is only an eye-opener to the big picture in “physical and human geography.”
Using the social studies lens and focusing only to a “little thing of everything” the discourses
would become a vignette of the bigger picture. Thus, once can “relate” geography by having a
personal account in a primary source of the information out of experiences. It is my earnest desire
to give the learner a “hint” to “move-on” from the “errors of the past” by drawing – out the lesson
learn within. Translating theory into practice and to explore and discover the unknown to become
known.
Allowing everybody to see their own home of mankind and helping them to understand
“why” the space, place, location, scales and regions decay over time, it’s a great challenge with
resiliency to manifest and commit on the reinventiveness of reconstructing a better place of
13
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
mankind to live. As the challenge was put into our hands, we need to fortify ourselves or equip
with the knowledge in geography so we could help design our home of humanity full of respect
and dignity.
REFERENCES
Manuscript from the Field Researcher
Alford, Ph.D. Jennifer (2014). environmental geography; water resources; natural resources
management and policy; geospatial analysis. University North Carolina Greensboro
Ayala, Dr. Jose Javier Hernández (2016). Physical Geography/Climate Science, Extreme
weather modelling, climate change adaptation. University of Florida
Baguskas, Ph.D. Sara (2014). Terrestrial biogeography; Plant ecophysiology; Climate change;
Coastal fog; Mediterranean ecosystems; Water resource management; Urban ecohydrology;
Science education and outreach. UC Santa Barbara
Barnes, Ph.D., Jessica R. (2014). human geography, developing world, climate change, cultural
geography. Ohio State University
Bernstein, Ph.D. Jennifer (2017). American environmentalism, Western American
environmental history, online teaching and learning, California geography. University of Hawaii
Black, Ph.D. Alan W. (2015). climatology, climate change, atmospheric hazards, extreme events.
University of Georgia
Bjelland, Mark ; Montello, Daniel; Fellmann, Jerome; Getis, Arthur; and Judith Getis
(2017). Human Geography: Landscape of Human Activity. New York: McGraw-Hill Education
Brecheisen, Thomas, Ph.D. (2017). environmental studies. University of Illinois at Chicago
Chao Fan, Ph.D. (2017). Geographic information science, remote sensing, spatial analysis and
modeling, urban heat island mitigation, vegetation modeling, land cover land use change,
agriculture management. Arizona State University
Carter, Chris (2019). Introduction to Human Geography Using the ArcGIS Online. Cal.:
EsriPress
Connor, PhD, Dylan (2017). Spatial demography, economic geography, economic history,
GIScience, statistical modeling, international migration. University of California, Los Angeles
14
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Diao, Ph.D. Chunyuan (2017). remote sensing, Geographic Information Science and
biogeography. Assistant Professor. University of Buffalo
Doornbos, M.A. Eric R.M. (2015). History and International Relations. Security Studies. Calvin
College. Georgetown University
Drake, Ph.D. Luke P. (2015). Urban/economic, political ecology, GIS, qualitative methods.
Assistant Professor. Rutgers University
Ehlenz, PhD, Meagan (2015). community development, anchor institutions, urban revitalization,
community wealth building, shared equity models Stewart Fotheringham, PhD, McMaster
University, Canada
Engstrom, Ph.D. (2017). Geospatial Services Manager. Johanna, Florida
Ford, Ph.D. Trenton (2015). land-atmosphere interactions, drought prediction, North American
hydroclimatoly, remote sensing hydrology. Texas A&M University. Assistant Professor
Gomez, Frederick W (2015). The Great Plateau in Southern Philippines. Cagayan de Oro City:
24Karatz Publication
Headley-El, MS (2017). Intro GIS, Field geography, Physical. Rudolph Cal State Long Beach
Hunter, Ph.D. Nancy (2016). geography education. Portland State University. Research Assistant
Professor and Director of the Center for Geography Education in Oregon
Kay, Ph.D. Kelly A. (2016). Nature/society relations, environmental politics and policy, North
America. Clark University. Assistant Professor
Klimaszewski-Patterson, Ph.D. (2016). Paleoecology/Landscape Archaeology, Landscape
Modeling, Geovisualization, Augmented/Virtual Reality and Internet of Things (IoT), GIScience,
Applied Geography. University of Nevada, Reno. Assistant Professor
Kyung In Huh, Ph.D. (2014). tropical mountain glaciology / geography, global climate change,
water resources in Latin America, airborne and spaceborne remote sensing, GIScience and GPS
mapping. Ohio State University. Assistant Professor
Hoerner, Ph.D. Marie (2017). paleoclimate, paleoecology, sedimentary geology. University of
Chicago
15
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Lavanchy, Ph.D. Thomas (2015). human-environmental interactions, hydrology, political
ecology, Latin America, geographic information science (GISc), West African Sahel. University
of Denver. Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor
Lewis, Ph.D. Jovan, (2014). Economic anthropology of Jamaica and the USA; cooperation and
inequality; constructions of race, economy, and the market. London School of Economics.
Assistant Professor
Lin, Ph.D. Meimei, (2015). GIS, remote sensing, agricultural landscapes. Miami University.
Assistant Professor of Geography
Lininger, Ph.D. Katherine B. (2018). fluvial geomorphology, ecogeomorphology, hydrology,
river management. Colorado State University. Assistant Professor
Loyola, Ph.D. Laura C. (2015). GIS, human and evolutionary biology, anthropology, remote
sensing. University of Southern California. Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Meerow, PhD, Sara (2017). urban resilience, green infrastructure planning, climate change
adaptation, urban climate change governance; electricity infrastructure planning; coastal
megacities. University of Michigan. Assistant Professor
Milligan, Ph.D. Richard (2016). Political Ecology; Water Governance; Race and environment.
University of Georgia. Assistant Professor
National Geographic (2019). Geography. https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/
0017/234620/ SEC15_geog_2017.pdf
Naylor, Ph.D. Lindsay (2014). political geography, food and agricultural systems, critical
development studies, critical geopolitics, Latin America. University of Oregon. Assistant
Professor
Neumann, Roderick P. and Patricia L. Price (2018). Contemporary Human Geography:
Culture, Globalization, Landscape. New York: W.H. Freeman
Palm, Risa (5 September 2016). "Urban geography: city structures". Progress in Geography. 6:
89–95. doi:10.1177/030913258200600104.
Palmer, David (2019). Advanced Placement Human Geography. New York: Perfection
Learning
16
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Prajapati, MA, Nikita (2016). cultural, physical, world regional, California. Cal State Long
Beach
Ptak, Ph.D. Thomas (2017). Human geography, energy geography. University of Oregon.
Assistant Professor
Rogers, Ph.D. Stephanie (2014). applied GIS, glacial archaeology, field data collection.
University of Fribourg. Lecturer – GIScience
Rubenstein, James M. (2019). The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography.
New York: Pearson
Rubenstein, James M. (2018). Contemporary Human Geography (4th Edition). Oxford, Ohio:
Routledge
Scott Stephenson, Ph.D. (2014). Climate change, climate policy, GIS, political geography,
transportation Clay Tabor, Ph.D., Michigan, 2015, Assistant Professor — paleoclimates, water
Isotopes, climate change. UCLA. Assistant Professor
Shakil Kashem, Ph.D. (2015). GIS, environmental policy and planning, disaster risk
management, urban growth modeling. University of Illinois. Teaching Assistant Professor
Short, John Rennie (2017). Human Geography: A Short Introduction 2nd Edition. Maryland,
Baltimore: Oxford University Press
Smith-Greenaway, Ph.D. Emily (2014). demography, infant and child mortality, African studies,
health services. , Penn State University. Assistant Professor
Tabor, Ph.D. (2015). paleoclimates, water Isotopes, climate change. Clay, Michigan. Assistant
Professor
Tenley Banik, PhD. (2015). mineralogy, petrology, volcanology. Vanderbilt University.
Assistant Professor
Weaver, Ph.D. (2014). urban geography, GIS, geographic education. Amanda University of
Denver. Sr. Instructor
White, Ph.D. Catherine Garoupa (2016). Environmental Justice, Ethics, Applied Geography.
UC Davis
17
Social Science 105 (Basic Geography)
by Dr Frederick W Gomez_________________________________________________________________________________
Wondwosen Seyoum, Ph.D (2016). hydrogeology, remote sensing, modeling, water
management. University of Georgia. Assistant Professor
Wood, Ethel (2018). AP Human Geography: A Study Guide, 4th ed. Princeton, NewJersy:
WoodYard Publication
Wu, Ph.D. An-Min, (2014). soil science, geospatial technology, remote sensing, environmental
GIS. University of Minnesota. Lecturer
Yaffa Truelove, Ph.D. (2015). urban geography, water politics, feminist political geography,
cities of the Global South, India. University of Cambridge. Assistant Professor
Yi Qiang, Ph.D. (2017). GIS, visual analytics, and geocomputation. Ghent (Belgium), Assistant
Professor
Zhang, Ph.D. Guiming (2018). geographic information science (GISc), volunteered geographic
information (VGI), big geospatial data, spatial analysis, predictive mapping. The University of
Wisconsin-Madison. Assistant Professor
Website
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/what-is-geography/
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/topics/physical-geography/?q=&page=1&per_page=25
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/cape/
Comments
Post a Comment