Physical Geography Syllabus

General Geography & Geomorphology focuses on the Earth’s origin, interior structure, and the forces that shape its surface. 

1. The Universe: Big Bang Theory, star and planet formation, and the Solar System.
2. The Earth’s Interior: Crust, mantle, core; seismic waves (P & S waves), and discontinuities.
3. Geological Theories: Continental Drift Theory (Wegener), Sea Floor Spreading, and Plate Tectonics.
4. Geomorphic Processes: Endogenic Forces: Diastrophism, orogenic (mountain-building) processes, volcanism, and earthquakes. Exogenic Forces: Weathering (chemical, physical, biological), Mass Wasting, and erosion.
5. Volcanoes and Mountains: Types, Formation, Important examples all over the world and India
6. Landforms and Evolution: Landforms created by running water (fluvial), groundwater (karst), glaciers, waves/currents, and winds.
7. Rocks and Minerals: Types of rocks (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic) and the rock cycle. 

Climatology covers the atmosphere’s dynamics and global weather systems. 

1. Atmosphere: Composition and vertical structure (Troposphere to Exosphere).
2. Solar Radiation: Heat budget of the Earth, insolation, and temperature distribution.
3. Atmospheric Circulation: Pressure belts, planetary winds (Trade Winds, Westerlies), and local winds.
4. Humidity & Precipitation: Condensation, types of clouds, and rainfall types (convectional, orographic, cyclonic), Artificial Rain, Cloudbursts
5. Weather Systems: Air masses, fronts, Jet streams, Tropical and Temperate cyclones.
6. World Climatic Regions: Koeppen’s classification and major biomes. 

Oceanography details the physical and chemical properties of the world’s oceans. 

1. Ocean Relief: Continental shelf, slope, abyssal plains, and mid-oceanic ridges.
2. Hydrological Cycle: Distribution of water on Earth.
3. Physical Properties: Vertical and horizontal distribution of temperature and salinity.
4. Ocean Movements: Tides (Spring and Neap), waves, and major ocean currents (warm and cold).
5. Marine Phenomena: El Niño, La Niña, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
6. Marine Resources: Coral Reefs, Coral bleaching, and ocean deposits. 

Biogeography & Environmental Geography bridges physical features with biological life. 

1. Soil: Soil formation factors, profiles, classification, and erosion.
2. Natural Vegetation: Major global biomes and forest types.
3. Ecosystems: Biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen), food chains, and biodiversity conservation.
4. Environmental Issues: Climate change, global warming, and environmental degradation.