Coming Full Circle: Physical Geography in the Twentieth Century

The role of physical geography (and its practitioners) in the affairs of the Association of American Geographers and in the development of American geography has been varied in both substance and influence during the past seventy-five years. Physical geography was at its strongest in the Association's first decade and has recently experienced a resurgence. American physical geographers have tended to be adherents of the so-called “man-land”tradition in geographical teaching and research, which position is supported herein: firstly, by a review and perspective of physical geography during this century; secondly, through an exposition of some geographical opportunities for the future; thirdly, by discussion of the breadth vs. depth question in geographic education; and, fourthly, by concluding comments on this century's closing circle of events past, present, and future in American geography.