"I can think of no better guides than Professors Ken Gregory and John Lewin to lead the reader through the conceptual basis of this exciting science."
- Victor R. Baker, University of Arizona
"A very readable and informative introduction to the discipline for senior undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers."
- Angela Gurnell, Queen Mary University of London
"Time will tell, but this book may well mark a turning point in the way students and scientists alike perceive Earth surface processes and landforms."
- Jonathan Phillips, University of Kentucky
Kenneth Gregory and John Lewin explain the basics of landform science in 20 concepts, each the subject of a substantive, cross-referenced entry. They use the idea of the 'geomorphic system' to organise entries in four sections, with extensive web resources provided for each:
- System Contexts: The Systems Approach / Uniformitarianism / Landform / Form, Process and Materials / Equilibrium / Complexity and Non Linear Dynamical Systems
- System Functioning: Cycles and cascades / Force-Resistance / Geomorphic work / Process Form Models
- System Adjustments: Timescales / Forcings / Change Trajectories / Inheritance and Sensitivity / Anthropocene
- Drivers for the Future: Geomorphic Hazards / Geomorphic Engineering / Design and Prediction
Aligned with the teaching literature, this innovative text provides a fully-functioning learning environment for study, revision, and even self-directed research for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of geomorphology.
Autorentext
Ken Gregory obtained his BSc, PhD and DSc from the University of London, was made CBE in 2007 for services to geography and higher education, and is currently President of the British Society for Geomorphology. Research interests include river channel change and management, palaeohydrology and the development of physical geography, and he has written more than 140 papers, authored and edited 30 books including The Earth's Land Surface (2010) and The SAGE Handbook of Geomorphology (2011). He has 3 Honorary degrees, and received the Founder's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society (1993), the Linton award of the BGRG (1999), and the Geographical medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (2000).
Inhalt
Introduction: Concepts and Geomorphology
SECTION A System contexts
The Systems Approach
Uniformitarianism
Landform
Form, Process and Materials
Equilibrium
Complexity and non linear dynamical systems
SECTION B System Functioning
Cycles
Force-Resistance
Geomorphic work
Process form models
SECTION C System Adjustments
Timescales
Forcings
Change trajectories
Inheritance
The 'Anthropocene'
SECTION D Drivers for the Future
Geomorphic Hazards
Geomorphic Engineering
Prediction and Design
CONCLUSION
The Concept of Geomorphology