Geography is the scientific study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. It encompasses the analysis of physical features of the planet, such as mountains, rivers, and climate, as well as human activities and how they are influenced by and interact with these physical elements. Geography is divided into two main branches: physical geography, which focuses on natural features and processes, and human geography, which examines social, cultural, and economic aspects of human interactions with the environment. The discipline employs various tools and methods, including cartography (the study and practice of making maps), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial analysis, to understand spatial patterns and processes on the Earth’s surface. Overall, geography seeks to explain the where and why of phenomena, helping to inform planning, resource management, and understanding of global issues such as climate change and urbanization.
The Russian military presence in the Northern Territories is undergoing significant changes, particularly around the Southern Kurils. The 18th Machine Gun and Artillery Division on Kunashir Island has seen a…