Methodological Approaches in Physical Geography

Geography science aims to observe the dynamics in describing earth's surface as a place and space for humans to carry out their lives, starting from simple identification using recording and sketching models, then utilizing tools such as maps, satellite imagery, statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In the development of geography science, it is appropriate to explain phenomena of the earth in the present context along with the process of developing science and technology using suitable and effective methods. Physical geography is the branch of natural science that deals with the study of processes and patterns in the natural environment such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.

This book covers the methodology of the study for all aspects of physical geography, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. A comprehensive geography textbook consists of a detailed research methodology for physical geography research including a few selected case studies in Asia. The uniqueness of this book is due to the contribution of several professors and subject experts from South East and East Asia with special particular reference to cases studies from a particular region. This book covered selected methodological approaches for hydrology, climatology and geomorphology including the discovery of the best method for exploring and assessing mysterious physical phenomena using a diversity of methodologies.

This book explains the principal concept, basic method, optional method, detailed description of each method, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods. The technique of data selection, data acquisition, method of analysis, data interpretation and data analysis techniques with a specific focus on deterministic modeling, geography techniques, geospatial modeling with Geographic Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Automated machine techniques and combination of statistical analysis.

This book attempts to explore different approaches, methodological possibilities and challenges in conducting geographical research in physical geography. New digital geographic data sources and GIS applications can help researchers to receive clearer concepts and obtain better measurements of the relevant attributes changes in the physical environment. Opportunity to critically examine the conceptualization and identification of the field in geographical research and how digital media has not only expanded the scope of what constitutes the field but has redefined the field in itself as well as the practices of observing, knowing, and analyzing the real world.

Firuza Begham Mustafa is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University Malaya. She specialized in agriculture geography, environment, aquaculture and geophysical fields. She has collaborated with local and international researchers and produced more than 100 publications including in WOS-ISI journals, books, chapters, conferences papers and posters. Most of her papers are published in reputable international journals like the International Review of Hydrobiology (Q1), Soil Use Management (Q3), Soil and Water Conservation Research (Q1), Acta Geophysica (Q3) and Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography (Q3). She has also written chapters on many international books published by Pearson Learning Solutions, Boston in 2010, Springer, Cham in 2018, Taylor & Francis Online in 2017, Emerging Technologies and Research, London in 2019. She has also published a few scientific books in her field of interest and specialization for the benefitof local populations and native students. The books entitled Akuakultur Udang Harimau (Tiger Shrimp Aquaculture) Geografi Pertanian (Agriculture Geography) and Geografi Tanih (Soil Geography) are published by the University Malaya Press. The research work has been funded by international and local research grants i.e High Impact Research Grant (HIR), University of Malaya Research Grant (UMRG), KPM Community Research Grant, FRGS, LRGS, and others. She has several intellectual property rights (IP), and many international and local post-graduates completed their studies under her supervision. She had won Gold Medal for Innovation and Creativity Expo (2010), Silver Medal Silver Award for Learning Improvement and Teaching Enhancement Research (Liter) in 2018, Bronze Medal for Malaysia Technology Expo in 2010, Bronze Medal for Bioinno Awards in 2010, Bronze Medal for PECIPTA in 2009 and Bronze Medal for Biomalaysia in 2009. She was also appointed as Visiting Fellow of Qinghai National University, China. She actively participated in Theo Murphy's High Flyers Think Tank of Australia entitled “Stressed ecosystems: better decisions for Australia (2011) and High Flyers Think Tank on Australia’s population: shaping a vision for our future (2012)” organized by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS). Between 2016-2021, she was also a Council Member of the International Geographical Union Commission on Commission Marginalization, Globalization, and Regional and Local Responses- C16.29, a member of the International Geographical Union for Commission on Geographical Education, a member of the Southeast Asian Geography Association (SEAGA) and the Centre for Global Geography Education (CGGE) training by Association of American Geography (AAG). She is an Associate Fellow (AFMSA) of the Malaysian Scientific Association (MSA). She served on the Editorial Board of the Malaysian Journal of Tropical Geography (MJTG), University Malaya, Editorial Board Water Conservation Management (WCM), Editorial Board of Geology, Ecology and Landscapes (GEL) and International Journal of Creative Industries (IJCREI). She is also active in ISI-WOS journal reviewer including the Science of the Total Environment, Frontiers of Earth Science, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, Journal of Public Affairs, Quaestiones Geographiceae, Land Degradation & Development, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, Current Urban Studies and Natural Resources Forum and many others including local journal. She has also served as Auditor for Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) since 2009 for Geography and Environmental subjects and had audited programs in many universities and private colleges. She is the Ph.D. thesis examiner for international and other Malaysian Universities. She had delivered lectures in many national and international seminars and conferences including in Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, India, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Cambodia, Brunei, Philippines, Bangladesh and Korea.