Huntington made several significant contributions to the field of geography and related disciplines:

Environmental Determinism: Huntington's work was instrumental in shaping the concept of environmental determinism, which posits that human societies are profoundly influenced by their physical environment. He argued that factors such as climate, topography, and soil quality play a crucial role in determining the cultural and historical trajectories of societies.

Climatic Influences on Civilization: Through his extensive research on climatology, Huntington demonstrated how variations in climate exerted profound effects on the development and decline of civilizations. His seminal work "The Pulse of Asia" (1907) examined the impact of climate on the rise and fall of empires in Central Asia, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in shaping historical events.

Desertification Studies: Huntington conducted pioneering research on desertification, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. He investigated the processes leading to soil degradation and desert expansion, emphasizing the role of human activities in exacerbating environmental degradation. His studies contributed to a better understanding of the causes and consequences of desertification, laying the groundwork for subsequent research and conservation efforts.

Geographical Determinism Reevaluation: While Huntington initially supported the deterministic view of geography, he later revised his stance to acknowledge the importance of human agency in shaping cultural and societal development. His later works reflected a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between environmental and human factors, highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of geographical processes.