Methodological Approaches in Physical Geography

Description

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. Preface Contents Editor and Contributors 1 Epistemology of Geography Abstract 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Objectives 1.3 Methods 1.4 Procedure/Steps 1.5 Description/discussion 1.5.1 Principles of Geography Science 1.5.2 The Development of Geography Views 1.5.2.1 Geography Views in Classical 1.5.2.2 Geographical Views in Medieval and Renaissance (Daniels 2001) 1.5.2.3 Geography Views in Modern (Ribas and Vitte 2009) 1.5.2.4 Geography Views in the Late 19th and Early Twentieth Centuries 1.5.2.5 Geography Views in Cutting-Edge 1.5.3 Epistemology of Geography Science 1.6 Conclusion, Advantages and Disadvantages Acknowledgements References 2 Site Selection Method Using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Abstract 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Objective 2.3 Method/Equipment/Instrument/Software 2.3.1 Data Used and Thematic Maps 2.3.2 Software Used for Data Management 2.4 Procedure/Steps/Method 2.4.1 Interview 2.4.2 Distribution of Questionnaires to Experts 2.4.3 The Degree of Suitability Classes 2.4.4 Field Survey 2.4.5 Sample Size 2.4.6 Recruitment and Training of Interview Enumerator 2.4.7 The Application of the AHP 2.4.8 Application of AHP in Decision Support 2.4.9 GIS Application to Freshwater Aquaculture and Prawn Farming 2.4.10 The Conceptual Framework and Flowchart of the Analysis 2.4.11 Determination of Criteria and Factors 2.5 Description/Discussion/Elaboration 2.5.1 Water Quality 2.5.2 Land Characteristics for Constructing Prawn Pond 2.5.3 Infrastructure Facilities 2.5.4 Database Construction 2.5.5 Map Validation and Verification of the Result (Ground Truth) 2.6 Advantages References 3 The Application of a Data-Driven Method for Spatial Analysis and Prediction of Gully Erosion Susceptibility Abstract 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Materials and Methodology 3.2.1 The Case Study—Southe Gombe State (SGS), Nigeria 3.2.2 Methodology 3.2.2.1 Spatial Data Used for the Study 3.2.2.2 Spatial Analytical Process 3.2.2.3 Spatial Data Collection 3.2.2.4 Spatial Data Analysis Partitioning of GE Inventory Data Extraction of GEIFs Multicollinearity Scrutiny 3.2.3 Susceptibility Spatial Modeling Using MLR 3.2.3.1 Determination of Spatial Relation Between GE and GEIFs 3.2.3.2 Estimation of Probability of Gully Occurrence 3.3 Validation of the GESM 3.4 Results and Discussion 3.4.1 Gully Erosion Inventory 3.4.2 Multicollinearity Scrutiny 3.4.3 Susceptibility Spatial Prediction 3.4.3.1 Spatial Relationships Between GE and GEIFs 3.4.3.2 The Relative Importance of the GEIFs 3.4.3.3 GE Probability Mapping 3.5 Validation 3.6 Conclusion References 4 Methods and Approaches of Flood Susceptibility Assessment and Mapping: A Review in Geographical Perspective Abstract 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Global Overview of Flood Disasters 4.3 Floods and Flood Susceptibility in Pakistan 4.4 Methods and Approaches of Flood Susceptibility 4.4.2 Applications of Frequency Ratio (FR) Model in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.3 Applications of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) Approach in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.4 Applications of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.5 Applications of Decision Tree (DT) Approach in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.6 Applications of Random Forest (RF) Method in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.7 Applications of Weight of Evidence (WoE) Model in Flood Susceptibility 4.4.8 Applications of Statistical Index (SI) Method in Flood Susceptibility 4.5 Merit and Demerits of Flood Susceptibility Approaches 4.6 Conclusion and Wayforward References 5 Digital Geography and Its Methods Abstract 5.1 Introduction: The Interconnecting Physical and Digital Worlds 5.2 The Digital Field 5.3 Methods in Digital Geography 5.4 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 6 Automated in Situ Water Quality Monitoring—Characterizing System Dynamics in Urban-Impacted and Natural Environments Abstract 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Deployment, Maintenance, Downloading, and Data QA/QC 6.3 Water Environment Temporal Dynamics 6.3.1 Dissolved Oxygen 6.3.2 Signature Characteristics of Storm Events 6.4 Water Environment Spatial Dynamics 6.4.1 Land Use Impacts 6.4.2 Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Performance 6.4.3 Water Column Profiling 6.5 In Situ Monitoring as a Surrogate 6.6 Data Analysis Techniques 6.7 Conclusion References 7 Research Methods and Techniques in Physical Geography Abstract 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Objective 7.3 Research Methods in Physical Geography 7.4 Methods of Literature Review 7.5 Methods of Data Collection 7.5.1 Instrumental Surveys 7.5.2 GPS Survey 7.5.3 dGPS Survey 7.5.4 Total Station Survey 7.5.5 Remote Sensing 7.6 Methods of Analysis 7.6.1 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) 7.6.2 Simple Linear Regression and Correlation 7.6.3 Factor Analysis 7.6.4 Statistics and the Computer 7.7 Methods of Communication 7.7.1 Graphs and Diagrams 7.7.2 Methods of Interpretation 7.7.3 Methods of Data Interpretation 7.8 Technique of Interpretation 7.8.1 Precautions in Interpretation References 8 The Methodological Approaches in Physical Geography Abstract 8.1 Introduction 8.2 The Selected Methodological Approaches in Hydrology 8.2.1 Introduction 8.2.2 Objective 8.2.3 Methods 8.2.3.1 Simple Arithmetic Mean Method 8.2.3.2 Normal Ratio Method 8.2.3.3 Inverse Distance Method 8.2.4 Procedure 8.2.4.1 Estimate of Missing Precipitation at S2 Station 8.2.4.2 Estimate of Missing Precipitation at S5 Station 8.2.4.3 Estimate of Missing Precipitation at S8 Station 8.2.5 Advantages and Disadvantages 8.3 The Selected Methodological Approaches in Climatology 8.3.1 Introduction 8.3.2 Objective 8.3.3 Methods 8.3.4 Procedures 8.3.5 Homogeneity and Normality Testing 8.3.6 Missing Values 8.3.7 Time Series Plot and Moving Average Plot 8.3.8 Decomposition 8.3.9 Trend Analysis 8.3.10 Mann–Kendall Trend Test 8.3.11 Time Series Forecasting Using ARIMA Model 8.3.11.1 ACF & PACF Analysis 8.3.12 Ljung-Box Test and Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test (ADF Test) 8.3.13 Advantages of Climate Data Analysis 8.4 The Methodological Approaches in Geomorphology 8.4.1 Introduction 8.4.2 Objectives 8.4.3 Method 8.4.4 Procedure 8.4.5 Determination of Soil Texture by Using Hydrometer Method 8.4.6 Discussion 8.4.7 Advantages and Disadvantages 8.5 The Methodological Approaches in Biogeography 8.5.1 Introduction 8.5.2 Objectives 8.5.3 Methodology 8.5.4 Procedure 8.5.4.1 Simpson's Diversity (D) 8.5.5 Advantages and Disadvantages References 9 Urban River Restoration: A Methodological Discourse with Examples from Kerala, India Abstract 9.1 Introduction 9.3 River Restoration as Part of Urban Water Management 9.4 Urban River Restoration: A Brief Overview 9.5 Urban River Restoration: Importance and Changing Perspectives 9.6 Concept of Co-Evolution 9.7 People’s Participation 9.8 Case Studies in Kerala, India 9.8.1 Urban River Restoration in India 9.8.2 Lessons from Case Studies 9.8.3 Framework for Urban River Restoration 9.9 Summary and Conclusion Acknowledgements References 10 The Methodological Approach of Assessing Urban Vertical Expansion Using Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques Abstract 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Objectives 10.3 Methods 10.4 Procedure of the Analysis 10.5 Discussion 10.6 Advantages and Disadvantages References