TMN3706
ASSIGNMENT 4
DUE DATE: SEPT 2025
, TMN3706 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
QUESTION 1
CHAPTER 4 TEACHING GEOGRAPHY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THE
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR PHASES
1.1 Physical Earth (25)
Physical Earth is one of the core concepts in Geography, focusing on understanding the
natural world and the physical processes that shape it. It refers to the study of the
Earth’s natural systems, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and
biosphere, as well as the interactions between these systems (Wilmot & Irwin, 2015).
This concept underpins physical geography, which investigates landforms, weather and
climate, vegetation, soils, and ecosystems. Understanding these components is
essential because they influence human activities, settlement patterns, and resource
use.
Physical geography emphasises the Earth as a dynamic system where processes such
as erosion, plate tectonics, and the water cycle continuously modify landscapes. For
example, mountains are formed through tectonic movements, while rivers carve valleys
through erosion and deposition. Studying these processes enables geographers to
explain natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, floods, and droughts,
which have direct impacts on society. The knowledge derived from studying the
Physical Earth supports disaster management and environmental planning, equipping
learners with skills to respond to hazards and mitigate risks (DBE, 2011b).
ASSIGNMENT 4
DUE DATE: SEPT 2025
, TMN3706 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
QUESTION 1
CHAPTER 4 TEACHING GEOGRAPHY IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THE
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR PHASES
1.1 Physical Earth (25)
Physical Earth is one of the core concepts in Geography, focusing on understanding the
natural world and the physical processes that shape it. It refers to the study of the
Earth’s natural systems, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and
biosphere, as well as the interactions between these systems (Wilmot & Irwin, 2015).
This concept underpins physical geography, which investigates landforms, weather and
climate, vegetation, soils, and ecosystems. Understanding these components is
essential because they influence human activities, settlement patterns, and resource
use.
Physical geography emphasises the Earth as a dynamic system where processes such
as erosion, plate tectonics, and the water cycle continuously modify landscapes. For
example, mountains are formed through tectonic movements, while rivers carve valleys
through erosion and deposition. Studying these processes enables geographers to
explain natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, floods, and droughts,
which have direct impacts on society. The knowledge derived from studying the
Physical Earth supports disaster management and environmental planning, equipping
learners with skills to respond to hazards and mitigate risks (DBE, 2011b).
