World atlas of physical geography

This article introduces the second volume of the World Atlas of Physical Geography, published in 1954. The atlas, measuring 50×33 cm, contains 246 maps and 20 pages of explanatory text, planned in three parts: World, continents, and the USSR. With scales ranging from 1:60,000,000 to 1:10,000,000, it systematically covers themes such as orography, geology, climate, soils, and vegetation, aiming to characterize the geographical environment from general to specific levels. Compiled from original research and data synthesis, and produced through collaboration among Soviet state agencies, the atlas serves as an authoritative reference for geographers and related professionals, while outlining future directions for physical geography as a science.