The definition of geographic experience varies subjectively from one individual to another. In an endeavor to explain what a geographic experience is, people give various events that have occurred in the recent history. In my case, the geographic experience that I have had is the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The natural disaster, which was a result of seismic waves and sudden adjustment in the geological strata underneath the ocean, claimed many lives and property as the raging waters swept the coastal settlements. The most important reason as to why I deem the phenomenon as a geographic experience is because it greatly involved, and was in fact caused by, earth movements and geological forces.
Matthews and David (11) describe geography as a discipline that is not just a physical science but also humanity or an art, which endeavors to explain various physical, human and regional aspects of the earth. Apparently, this definition is based on the oldest definition of geography, which was made by Eratosthenes (276-194 BC). According to Eratosthenes, geography is simply the art of writing about the earth. Over the years, the concept of geography has been developed and enhanced in such a style that it now covers such things as the manner in which human beings relate to the earth and nature. Modern description of the concept explains that Geography has such branches as physical geography, human geography, integrated geography, Geomatics and regional geography.
Work cited
Matthews, John A, and David T. Herbert. Geography: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.
