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.

References

• M. J. Selby, Earth's Changing Surface (Oxford University Press, 1985) ISBN 0198232527
• Richard Chorley, Stanley Schumm, and David Sugden, Geomorphology (Methuen, 1984)