Ritter, Karl (1779-1859), a German geographer. Through his researches and writings, he helped show the importance of a systematic, comparative study of the earth's features. Ritter urged that winds, rivers, and other natural forces be studied in order to determine their effects on nature and humans. His Geography in Relation to Nature and to the History of Man (19 volumes, 1817-58) dealt with Asia and Africa. He also wrote a geography of Europe. Ritter studied at the universities of Halle and Göttingen. He taught at the University of Berlin, 1820-59.