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The Basics of Geomorphology
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The Basics of Geomorphology
Key Concepts

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November 2014 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

"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

This student focused book provides a detailed description and analysis of the key concepts, ideas, and hypotheses that inform geomorphology.

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.

 
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

Supplements

The text is a good overview of the main principles underpinning the study of landforms and processes. It is well structured and it clearly explains concepts that are abstract in terms that students can understand, with examples that are relevant to applied aspects of the discipline. It creates a strong sense of the history of geomorphology and its future developments. It is well pitched at undergraduate students and highly recommended for those studying geomorphology and physical geography.

Dr Iain Cross
Geography , St Mary's University, Twickenham
November 25, 2015

"Key concepts - the basics of geomorphology" is a nice and concise summary of the topic. The combination with the web resources in innovative, however, some more references in the printed text would have been good. What I like specifically is the systems context (section A) and the system adjustments (section C). This is a clear difference to classical works of other scholars. The price-performance ratio makes it also affordable for the students. Highly recommended.

Professor Sven Fuchs
Institute of Mountain Risk Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
April 1, 2015
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Kenneth J. Gregory

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... More About Author

John Lewin

John Lewin graduated with a BA and PhD from the University of Southampton. He was Professor of Physical Geography at Aberystwyth University, where he also served as Dean of the Science Faculty and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. His major research interest lies in fluvial geomorphology, especially floodplains, and the development of landforms over a full range of timescales. He is a former chairman of the British Society for Geomorphology and received the Society’s Linton Award in 2011. More About Author

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ISBN: 9781473905757
£31.99

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