geography [n.]

1. the study of the physical features of the earth and of human activity as it relates to these. 2. the relative arrangement of places and physical features. DERIVATIVES geographer, noun.

Compact Oxford English Dictionary

This page provides links to information and resources for units and topics covered in this subject at a range of Australian universities. It does not attempt to include all these. Be aware some units/topics have different titles in different universities, even though content may be the same or similar. Australian information is supplied wherever possible.

They are at undergraduate level and listed in alphabetical groupings for ease of access. Some information may be useful at a higher level.

In addition, there are journals, search engines, annual reviews, reference material and other general information where these are seen to be relevant.

Additional unit material will be included as time permits.

If you are aware of any worthwhile information which is not included, suggestions or additions are welcome and will be given every consideration.

A - F

Australian Cooperative Research Centres

Those listed relate to Geography.

• Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems
  ‘Our research focuses on projecting future changes in sea level, understanding the ocean’s processing of greenhouse gases and managing marine ecosystems.’
• Bushfires
  ‘Research projects that collectively aim to enhance the management of the bushfire risk to the community in an economically and ecologically sustainable way.’
• Desert Knowledge
  ‘Research and brokerage institution that links researchers with 28 partners. The DKCRC focuses these research efforts on creating useful outcomes with commercial application for desert people, communities and our partners.’ Check Education directory.
• eWater
  ‘Technologies and knowledge will enhance the ability of industry to make water management decisions that are cost-effective, transparent, and scientifically defendable.’ Catchment Hydrology, a previous sites for eWater is archived here.
• Invasive Animals
  Runs land and water based programs linked to a variety of invasive creatures. Wworth visiting for the detail provided.
• Irrigation Futures
  ‘Facilitate cooperative research and training networks and programs which continuously improve irrigation policy, tools, practices and processes to double irrigation water use productivity, improve profitability and protect and enhance landscapes and the environment.’
• Sustainable Tourism
  ‘Development and management of intellectual property to deliver innovation to business, community, and government enhancing environmental, economic and social sustainability of tourism.’
• Tropical Savannas
  ‘Research on the region’s plants and animals and land-management issues such as sustainable industries, fire, weeds, water, vegetation and climate.’
• Water Quality and Treatment
  ‘Provides a national strategic research capacity for the Australian water industry. We focus on issues relating to water quality management and health risk reduction.’
• Cooperative Research Centres
  Information on the Australian program and a listing of all CRCs at present [including links], is found here.

Biogeography

• Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development
  Human Ecology. Online Text, diagrams.
• Biogeography
  History, Palaeobiogeography, classification, related areas, notes, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Biogeography Resources
  The International Biogeography Society. Listed under 6 major headings and to journals and other publications. Several sections.

Biomes

• Other Biome Links
  Check here for further links on Biomes.
• A Short Introduction to Terrestrial Biomes
• Biome Web Links
  Annotated listing of biome sites, specific and general.
• Characteristics of Bioclimatic Zones
  Brief introduction. Use the menu for information about specific zones, from tropics to tundra.
• MBGnet
  ‘Biomes of the world, Freshwater Ecosystems and Marine Ecosystems cover 12 areas in all.’ Missouri Botanical Garden. Good basic level.

• Chrono-Biographical Sketches
  Some Biogeographers, Evolutionists and Ecologists. ‘Each name is linked to a corresponding capsule chrono-biographical sketch of that individual. There are many persons on the list who are better known as climatologists, zoologists, botanists, ecologists, oceanographers, palaeontologists, etc. - in other words, who made their main reputations in cognate disciplines.’
• Early Classics in Biogeography, Distribution, and Diversity Studies
  To 1950. ‘A bibliography and full-text archive designed as a service to advanced students and researchers engaged in work in biogeography, biodiversity and related studies.’
• Early Classics in Biogeography, Distribution, and Diversity Studies
  1951 to 1975. Companion to the link above.
• Global Ecology and Biogeography
  Journal. Tables of Contents, abstracts are available as are several Free articles. Others by subscription or institutional access.
• Journal of Biogeography
  ‘Papers dealing with all aspects of spatial, ecological and historical biogeography are considered.’ Tables of Contents, abstracts are available as are several Free articles. Others by subscription or institutional access.
• Some Basic Ecological Concepts
  Short article covering the essentials.

Top of Page ↑

G - L

General Sites

Includes resource sites as well as the broader Geography area.

• Geography World
  Extensive list of directories from Africa to World Geography and beyond. More directed at secondary level, but still worth visiting for the information available. Multiple awards.
• Geo-Guide
  ‘Subject gateway to scholarly relevant websites in earth sciences, geography and mining. Part of the Virtual Library Earth Sciences, Geography and Mining GEO-LEO.’ University of Göttingen. Search by subject or source type.
• Geosource
  12 major areas, often with vast listings of links [4 500+]. ‘Web resources for human geography, physical geography, planning, geoscience and environmental science.’ University of Utrecht [Holland].
  Highly Recommended !
• Global Change Master Directory [NASA]
  ‘More than 20 000 descriptions of Earth science data sets and services covering all aspects of Earth and environmental sciences. Use the search box or select from the keywords to search.’ 16 directories.
• Internet Resources for Geography
  University of Delaware. Collated in directories.
• The Virtual Geography Department
  Major topics from Cartography to World Regional Geography. Each has links to courses [Active Learning Modules] in that area, with most, if not all, material included for each course. For example, Earth’s Environment and Society has 5 courses included.
• World Lecture Hall - Geography
  ‘Links to pages created by faculty worldwide who are using the Web to deliver course materials in any language.’ Select Geography from the area listings.

Geographic Information Systems [GIS]

Information on the system and its use within the geographic framework, e.g. with hazards.

• Geographic Information Systems
  Information and graphics that answer the question What is GIS ?. Double sided poster format from the USGS. Quality information including how it works, history, applications, display techniques, more.
• Geographic Information Systems [ESRI]
  Introduction, information for specific groups accessed from the top, left menu.
• Geographic Information Systems [GIS]
  USGS. Introduction, articles [includes What is GIS ?, informative poster with information and illustrations to download in PDF format, GIS-Based Lessons with annotated links providing information, Data and Resources including a range of How to’s.
• Geographic Information Sciences [Hazards]
  ‘Directed to identifying : sources of hazard related data sets, applications of GIS and hazards [nature, impacts, and management] and resources for GIS and hazards.’ Bibliography, research data, links to hazards in directories such as Atmospheric, Hydrologic, etc..
• GInfoServer
  Directories covering 4 major divisions and 20 sub-directories for software, FAQs, tutorials, journals.
• GIS Data Sets
  Scroll down to Internet Resources. Extensive listing of available data sets. While many are US based, there are also UN developed sets covering the world.

Global Positioning System [GPS]

• GPS Frequently Asked Questions
  Answers to questions, links to other information relating to GPS, glossary, tutorial, advisory information. acronyms, abbreviations, more.
• The GPS Primer
  ‘Take the mystery out of using a GPS. We explain how it works and how to make it work for you in easy, straightforward terms.’ Terms, how it works, basic skills, pitfalls, tutorial, links.

• Internet Sources of Information About GIS
  Annotated links collated and maintained by McMaster University in the US.
• Nice Geography Sites
  The major listing covers GIS and Remote Sensing and a list of News Groups, including for GIS.
• The GIS Data Depot
  ‘Data from this site requires users to be proficient in GIS and may require access to GIS software. Numerous data holdings are available for Free download, otherwise data can be downloaded via our Premium option or written to CD-ROM.’

Geomorphology

• Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
  ‘Journal for research papers on all aspects of geomorphology.’ Articles in PDF format once a subscriber or through a participating institution. Abstracts available.
• Fluvial Geomorphology Module
  State University of New York. Several sections describe how the site is set up. Other sections provide more value.
• Geomorphology
  History, processes, taxonomy, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Geomorphology [Journal]
  Sample issue available, read abstracts, purchase full copies of articles in PDF format. Archive of previous issues.
• Geomorphology From Space
  ‘The core of this book is a gallery of space imagery consisting of 237 plates, each treating a geographic region where a particular landform theme is exemplified. Commentary, photographs, locator maps, and sometimes a geologic map accompany each plate.’
• Images Illustrating Principles of Geomorphology
  Part of the larger Geo-Images Project which covers a range of geographical topics.
• Karst Link Page
  Information through links under regional headings.
• Teaching Geomorphology in the 21st Century
  ‘We have provided links to a growing collection of activities and assignments, internet and computer resources, presentations from the summer 2008 workshop on teaching geomorphology, and lots of creative ideas for teaching geomorphology’. From Carleton College, US. Has links to similar pages for teaching other aspects of the Geology field.
• The Virtual Geomorphology
  Each section of the book has information about one aspect of morphology and may be created by a different individual.
• The Scientific Nature of Geomorphology
  PDF book of 18 chapters, each by different authors, collated through an American University.

Top of Page ↑

M - R

Physical Geography

• Fundamentals Of Physical Geography [2nd Edition]
  Online text, in 10 chapters. Each section has a study guide, links to additional readings and related web sites.
• Internet Resources for Physical Geography
• Natural Hazards Data
  ‘Natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes affect both coastal and inland areas. The National Geophysical Data Centre plays a major role in post-event data collection. If you use data or information from this web site, please see the Copyright Notice.’
• Physical Geography
  ‘Pick the subject area from the index. Specific pages listed in each sub-index.’ 10 major areas, all with keywords listed. From The Geography Site.
• Physical Geography [2]
  Information on Physical Geography, literature, notable physical Geographers, further reading, links. From Wikipedia.
• Physical Geography Links
  Resources to help you learn more about Physical Geography. Annotated links in specific Physical Geography topics. Done at a US university.
• Physical Geography Websites
  isting in topic groupings. Part of a larger Geography listing on all aspects of the subject. UK.
• Progress in Physical Geography Online
  Abstracts available for all articles but PDF downloads via a subscription or through your institution having access.
• Quizzes : Physical Geography
  ‘Rivers and seas, mountains and volcanoes, plains and mesas. Quizzes about these and other physical facts are to be found in this sub-category.’ While from a trivia site, some are fairly difficult.
• The Physical Environment
  An Introduction to Physical Geography. Online textbook, with sections using articles and information developed by others. There is a glossary, atlas, blog, podcasts and links to other areas.

Quaternary Environments

Looking at forces that created change, both natural and human made. Particular emphasis on the Australian Quaternary Environment.

• Astronomical Theory of Climate Change
  Short presentation, references and links to related information.

Australian Information

• Australasian Quaternary Association
  ‘Brings together researchers studying various aspects of the Quaternary period [about the last 2 million years] in the Australasian region. It seeks to encourage research by younger workers in particular, and to inform members of current research and publications.’ Its Data Archive contains ‘Australia’s repository for datasets relating to Quaternary geochronology and climate change.’
• Australian Centres of Quaternary Research
  Centres at Australian Universities. Other links also included.
• Megafauna Extinction
  Transcript of an ABC Science Show featuring Robyn Williams and Tim Flannery, covering general aspects and the occurrence in Australia.
• Taming the Fire - Hypotheses
  Related to information from The Future Eaters, covering the impact of fire on Australia and megafauna.

• Boreas
  ‘Published since 1972. Articles of wide international interest from all branches of Quaternary research are published.’ Table of Contents, Abstracts available. Download or online viewing by subscription or access through an institution.
• Global Land Environments Since the Last Interglacial
• Holocene Extinction Event
  Information on Megafaunal extinction in different areas of the world, younger extinctions, ongoing extinction, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Human Dimensions of Global Change
  ‘Ten teaching/learning modules. Each consists of several units, each of which focuses on an aspect of the module’s theme. The core of each unit is a variety of student activities that have been designed to be challenging but not baffling. The activities vary in type, in the time they require, in skill level assumed, and in the skills developed. They involve critical reading; data collection, assessment, interpretation, and analysis; map reading and interpretation; field trips; interviewing; role playing; and writing for particular audiences.’
• Palaeoclimatology and Climatology Resources
  ‘The following links will guide you to publications, software, data and various other things pertinent to paleoclimate research’.
• Paleogeography Through Geologic Time
  ‘Uses some of the same palaeogeographic and plate-tectonic reconstructions as shown on the Regional Palaeogeographic Views page except the maps and globes are organized by geologic period.’
• PALEOMAP Project
  ‘To illustrate the plate tectonic development of the ocean basins and continents, as well as the changing distribution of land and sea during the past 1 100 million years.’ Earth History, Climate History, research, software, animations, full-colour maps, globes, more.
• Plate Tectonics
  Theory, history, animated presentations [gif, AVI and Quicktime], links. University of California.
• Quaternary Studies
  180+ annotated links to materials from Intute.
• Tectonic Forces [Robert Maurer]
  ‘The Origin and the Mechanics of the Forces Responsible for Tectonic Plate Movements.’
• World Data Centre for Palaeoclimatology
  Lists available data sets grouped in directories from Bore Holes to Tree Rings and Speleothem.
• WWW Sites Related to Quaternary Studies
  Google Directory. General plus multiple directories on specific topics.

Top of Page ↑

S - Z

Society and Environment

Ecotourism

• Ecotourism
  Criteria, history, criticisms, improving sustainability, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Ecotourism [2]
  Find how ecotourism pays its way, reduces the threat to wildlife, benefits local communities, access Free resources. The Nature Conservancy.
• Ecotourism Australia
  ‘Peak national body for the ecotourism industry.’ Certification, resources, news, special features in addition to more commercial aspects.
• What Is Ecotourism ?
  ‘Introduction to the topic along with several links to more detailed information. Basic definitions have been adapted and clarified from commonly used travel industry lingo. Some links are to articles that further define ecotourism, some promote it and some attack it but all are provocative and informative.’

Environmental Justice

• Environmental Justice
  Definition, environmental discrimination, barriers to minority participation, affected groups, around the world, references, links, more. From Wikipedia.
• Environmental Justice Case Studies
  University of Michigan. While dominantly US based, there are also international cases.
• Environmental Justice in Australia
  When the RATS became IRATE. Journal article that ‘provides an example of how environmental justice can be given specific meaning in a local context. Observations of the politics of an environmental dispute are made.’ Abstract, PDF copy.

Nature of Genetic Modification

• Benefits and Risks of Genetic Modification
  In Agriculture. From Nature. Introduction, links to a series of debates. A decade old, but puts points from opposing sides.
• Genetic Modification
  An Overview for Non-Scientists. New Zealand report [2001] from when they held a Royal Commission into this area.
• Genetic Modification Myths
  Covering responses to myths, from Biotechnology Australia.
• Genetic Modification News
  From Science Daily. The latest news in this area from around the world. Also access articles, video, audio, images.
• The Threshold Challenge of the New Human Genetic Technologies
  Article, Centre for Genetics and Society. Links to other aspects of genetic modification from the main menu.

Restoration Ecology

• Restoration Ecology
  Rationale, Conservation Biology and … , Theoretical Foundations, Emerging Concepts, Application of Theory, Ethical Considerations, The Era of Restoration, links, references. AllExperts.com.
• The Myths of Restoration Ecology

Tutorials and Other Activities

• ECN Weather and Climate Change Tutorials
  Upper secondary and beginning tertiary levels.
• GIS Tutorials
  Extensive listing from GeoCommunity. Includes tutorials on GPS and related areas.
• Hokanson’s World Geography
  For elementary and secondary levels, but activities may be of interest.
• Online Tutorials
  University of British Columbia. Most in the GIS area.

Urban Geography

• Blogs about Urban Geography
  Featured blog, others.
• Development and Cities
  ‘Papers that discuss key issues for civil society and urban authorities in regard to achieving sustainable development in cities and that critically review the role of international agencies.’ All available in PDF format.
• Environmental Design Library
  Guides to City & Regional Planning Research. University of California, Berkeley. Some listings are from their library not the web.
• Globalization and World Cities
  ‘World cities are a key physical manifestation of contemporary globalization. Our site is dedicated to investigating this modern phenomenon.’
• H-Urban Web Links
  ‘H-Urban offers these web links as additional tools for urban history and urban studies.’ Search by title, subject or location among databases of annotated links in areas from general references to photos and maps, portals, journals, education resources, more.
• Urban Geography [Intute]
  Links to documents, plans, groups, research, etc.. Much available online or as downloads in a variety of formats including PDF.
• Urban Geography [Journal]
• Urban Geography Research Group
  ‘Developing constructive dialogue between different factions within urban geography, between the economic and the cultural, traditional and non-traditional, feminist and non-feminist, and so on.’ UK. Their Links page has sites, clearly annotated, and worth visiting.
• Urban History Resources Hub
  ‘Contains a list of Urban History and Urban Studies sites you may wish to visit.’ Select alphabetically or from topical groupings. Centre for Urban History, University of Leicester, UK.
• Urban Morphology
  ‘Journal of the International Seminar on Urban Form.Published biannually, in April and October.’ Tables of Contents for later issues, PDF downloads available for articles till 2001.
• Mapping Urban History
  GIS and the analysis of the urban space of nineteenth-century Aarhus. ‘Paper presented at the International Association for History and Computing’s XVth conference in Tromsø’
• Radical Urban Theory
  Eclectic collection of articles and information in a blog format.
• Resource for Urban Design Information
  ‘RUDI commissions, researches and creates materials for professionals in the public and private sector.’ Includes news, guides, articles, policy papers, full text magazine, out of print texts, bookshop, more. Based in the UK. More than 5 000 pages.

Top of Page ↑

© D & B Mann Webmasters. All rights reserved. Last updated - 4 May 2010.
Best viewed at a resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater. We use and recommend Mozilla Firefox as the preferred browser.