Abstract: The study on synthesis,region-locality and human-natural dimensions are not only a deep scientific tradition of physical geography, but also a new insight in the research on global environmental change. There are broad development prospects and innovation opportunities for physical geography in the domain of basic applied research. Physical geography has distinctively contributed much to national development and construction. Based on the traditional themes and academic foundation and oriented to the social demands, physical geography will make innovative fruits for man-nature relation optimization, territorial management and resource conservation. The extreme complexity of the study object requires methodological innovation of physical geography. In new insights and approaches,appropriate `physical'models should be established and the mechanism study should be emphasized. Physical geography research projects should clearly identify detail scientific questions, setting clear priorities of what should be studied at the regional and local scales and how,and making the relationship of various issues at various spatial and temporal scales clear in particular. These may be the innovation points and the unique contribution that physical geographers can do for global environmntal change study. Integrated researches on unique physical geographical regions and unique problems usually result in innovative achievements. Physical geography should pay more attention to Chinese characteristics and address Chinese situation. This is not only the practical requirement of the nation but also beneficial for strengthening the place of Chinese geography in the international academic community.

Key words: scientific innovation, physical geography, synthesis, regional and local scales, human-natural dimensions

摘要： 综合性、地域性和人地关系研究，既是自然地理学深厚的科学传统，也是全球环境变化研究中自然地理学可创新之所在。曾经在国家开发建设中作出独特贡献的自然地理学，要立足传统主旨和学科基础，针对社会的新需求，在人与自然关系调控、国土整治和资源保育诸方面作出创新性贡献。自然地理学研究对象的复杂性，要求以全新的思路和途径，建立贴切的“物理”模型，并重视机理研究，在方法论上有所创新。明确界定一定地域空间和时间尺度上的科学问题，尤其搞清不同尺度问题之间的关系，是自然地理学家可创新和可对全球变化作出独特贡献之处。在独特的自然地理区域展开对独特问题的综合自然地理研究，往往能作出创新成果。自然地理学要突出我国特色，重视我国国情，这既是解决实际问题之所需，也有利于加强我国学术在国际上的地位。

关键词: 科学创新, 自然地理学, 综合性, 地域性, 人地关系