What is the primary focus of physical geography?

The primary focus of physical geography is the examination of natural features and processes of the Earth. This branch of geography seeks to understand the physical characteristics of the planet, including landforms, climate, vegetation, and ecosystems. It involves the study of how these natural elements interact with each other and influence human activities.

Physical geography encompasses various topics such as geomorphology, climatology, biogeography, and hydrology, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how natural systems operate and change over time. This field is essential for understanding environmental processes, predicting weather patterns, and assessing natural hazards, all of which can have significant implications for societies and economies.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are not related to the physical environment. Cultural activities, historical cartography, and urban development all pertain more to human geography, which examines how people interact with their environment, rather than the natural features and processes that characterize the Earth itself.