Geography is the study of the earth and its people. Maps and globes are some of the tools used to study the physical and human characteristics of our planet. LANDSAT photos and geographic information systems (GIS) help geographers provide information used by government and business leaders as they plan and make decisions.

Scientists have developed a theory about the earth’s structure called plate tectonics. This theory states that the earth’s crust is made of plates, or huge slabs of rock, that move. Movement of the plates can result in volcanoes and earthquakes. The earth’s people have adapted in order to live on various landforms. Mountains, plateaus, valleys, and other landforms are found on land and under the oceans. About 70 percent of the earth’s surface is water, but only a small percentage is freshwater, which is drinkable.

Climate is the usual pattern of weather in an area over a long period of time. A combination of factors creates climate. Wind and ocean currents, the sun, latitude, and elevation all contribute to climate. People’s actions can also affect climate. The burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of the rain forest are human actions that are causing concern.

The world’s growing population threatens the delicate balance of life on the earth. Issues such as pollution, land use, and scarcity of freshwater create the need for policies to protect the environment for the future.