What does physical geography study?

Physical geography is focused on the study of the Earth's natural features and processes. This includes examining landforms, climate, vegetation, soils, and natural resources. By understanding how these elements interact and change over time, physical geography provides insights into phenomena such as weather patterns, ecosystems, and geological formations.

This makes it distinct from other branches of geography that might focus on human activities or socio-political constructs. For example, the impact of human activity on the environment is more aligned with environmental geography, while urban landscapes and city planning falls under human geography, which concerns how people construct and utilize urban spaces. Additionally, the study of political boundaries and governance pertains to political geography, which examines how political processes affect spatial relationships. Therefore, the emphasis of physical geography on the Earth's natural characteristics is what makes the correct answer comprehensive and accurate.