Geomorphology

Geomorphology is the study of landforms, including their origin and evolution, and the processes that shape them. The underlying question is: Why do landscapes look the way they do? The term is derived from the Greek geo, meaning Earth, and morph, meaning form. Geomorphologists seek to understand landform history and dynamics, and predict future changes through a combination of field observation, physical experiment, and numerical modeling. The discipline is practiced within geology, geography, archaeology and civil and environmental engineering. Early studies in geomorphology are the foundation for pedology, one of two main branches of soil science.

Related Topics:
Landforms - Geology - Geography - Archaeology - Civil - Environmental engineering - Pedology - Soil science

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Landforms evolve in response to a combination of natural and anthropogenic processes. The landscape is built up through tectonic uplift and volcanism. Denudation occurs by erosion and mass wasting, which produces sediment that is transported and deposited elsewhere within the landscape or off the coast. Landscapes are also lowered by subsidence, either due to tectonics or physical changes in underlying sedimentary deposits. These processes are each influenced differently by climate, ecology, and human activity.

Related Topics:
Tectonic uplift - Volcanism - Erosion - Mass wasting - Deposited - Climate - Ecology

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Particular applications of geomorphology include landslide prediction and mitigation, river control and restoration, coastal protection, and even assessing the presence of water on Mars.

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