"Human Geography is a study of the changing relationship between unresting man and the unstable earth." This definition was given by:

Question

Accepted Answer

E.C. Semple gave the definition: "Human Geography is the study of the changing relationship between the unresting man and the unstable earth." This definition emphasizes the dynamic interaction between human activities and the environment, a core concept in human geography. Semple, a prominent American geographer and student of Ratzel, focused her work on how the environment influences human actions and societies. Her definition clearly reflects this environmental determinist perspective, highlighting the constant adaptation and modification that humans undertake in response to the ever-changing Earth.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Retzal (Friedrich Ratzel):** While Ratzel is considered the father of modern human geography and significantly influenced Semple, his definitions and focus were broader. He emphasized *Lebensraum* (living space) and the state as an organism. While he explored the relationship between humans and the environment, he didn't specifically articulate the given definition. His work laid the groundwork, but Semple refined it into the stated form.

2. **J. Brunhes:** Jean Brunhes, a French geographer, focused more on the principles of human geography, particularly the essential facts of human geography related to earth occupation and exploitation. His work centered on human activities like cultivation and animal husbandry and their impact on the landscape. He didn't formulate the specific definition provided in the question.

3. **Huntington:** Ellsworth Huntington was known for his theories on climatic determinism, suggesting that climate is a major factor in determining human health, energy, and civilization. While he also explored the relationship between humans and the environment, his focus was primarily on the impact of climate, and he did not give the specific definition attributed to Semple. His work was more about the direct influence of climate on human characteristics and societal development, not the broader "changing relationship between unresting man and the unstable earth."