Empirical research needs a profound theory to be successful. This is the simple but, in its consequences, radical approach for this study in geomorphology. It critically analyses the current system understanding and offers a new view for a geomorphology that understands systems as being open but at the same time operationally closed, as self-organized, structure-building and potentially self-referential. Kirsten von Elverfeldt succeeds in designing a theoretical framework that sets new standards within Physical Geography. By using state-of-the-art concepts in system theory, it offers also new bridges to Human Geography as well as to other neighbouring disciplines. This book was awarded the Dissertation prize 2010 of the German Working Group in Geomorphology of the DGfG and the Hans Bobek-prize of the ÖGG (Austrian Geographical Society).
This study in geomorphology regards systems as open but at the same time operationally closed, as self-organized, structure-building and potentially self-referential. Uses state-of-the-art systems theory as a bridge to Human Geography and related studies.
Fluvial Geomorphology studies the biophysical processes acting in rivers, and the sediment patterns and landforms resulting from them. It is a discipline of synthesis, with roots in geology, geography, and river engineering, and with strong interactions with allied fields such as ecology, engineering and landscape architecture. This book comprehensively reviews tools used in fluvial geomorphology, at a level suitable to guide the selection of research methods for a given question. Presenting an integrated approach to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, it provides guidance for researchers and professionals on the tools available to answer questions on river restoration and management. Thoroughly updated since the first edition in 2003 by experts in their subfields, the book presents state-of-the-art tools that have revolutionized fluvial geomorphology in recent decades, such as physical and numerical modelling, remote sensing and GIS, new field techniques, advances in dating, tracking and sourcing, statistical approaches as well as more traditional methods such as the systems framework, stratigraphic analysis, form and flow characterisation and historical analysis. This book: Covers five main types of geomorphological questions and their associated tools: historical framework; spatial framework; chemical, physical and biological methods; analysis of processes and forms; and future understanding framework. Provides guidance on advantages and limitations of different tools for different applications, data sources, equipment and supplies needed, and case studies illustrating their application in an integrated perspective. It is an essential resource for researchers and professional geomorphologists, hydrologists, geologists, engineers, planners, and ecologists concerned with river management, conservation and restoration. It is a useful supplementary textbook for upper level undergraduate and graduate courses in Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and interdisciplinary courses in river management and restoration.
"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.
This collection of papers from the 23rd Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium is intended to: 1. reevaluate the influence of systems theory in geomorphology; 2. explore links between traditional systems-oriented approaches and contemporary applications of nonlinear dynamical systems theory in geomorphology; and 3. present cutting-edge examples of the analysis of geomorphic systems. Contributions encompass hillslope, fluvial, coastal, aeolian, and tectonic geomorphology. This volume should be of interest to geomorphologists, physical geographers, and geologists, as well as to other earth and environmental scientists who deal with landscapes and earth surface systems.
Filling a niche in the geomorphology teaching market, this introductory book is built around a 12 week course in fluvial geomorphology. ‘Reading the landscape’ entails making sense of what a riverscape looks like, how it works, how it has evolved over time, and how alterations to one part of a catchment may have secondary consequences elsewhere, over different timeframes. These place-based field analyses are framed within their topographic, climatic and environmental context. Issues and principles presented in the first part of this book provide foundational understandings that underpin the approach to reading the landscape that is presented in the second half of the book. In reading the landscape, detective-style investigations and interpretations are tied to theoretical and conceptual principles to generate catchment-specific analyses of river character, behaviour and evolution, including responses to human disturbance. This book has been constructed as an introductory text on river landscapes, providing a bridge and/or companion to quantitatively-framed or modelled approaches to landscape analysis that are addressed elsewhere. Key principles outlined in the book emphasise the importance of complexity, contingency and emergence in interpreting the character, behaviour and evolution of any given system. The target audience is second and third year undergraduate students in geomorphology, hydrology, earth science and environmental science, as well as river practitioners who use geomorphic understandings to guide scientific and/or management applications. The primary focus of Kirstie and Gary’s research and teaching entails the use of geomorphic principles as a tool with which to develop coherent scientific understandings of river systems, and the application of these understandings in management practice. Kirstie and Gary are co-developers of the River Styles® Framework and Short Course that is widely used in river management, decision-making and training. Additional resources for this book can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/fryirs/riversystems.
Geography is not what we have assumed it, we have conceived it and we have perceived it, but it is that what we have not imagined it-it is around us. It is a system in itself. Because, human behaviour becomes rational, when it acts individually, but is becomes rational, when it operates upon in a collective form. Therefore, it is very difficult to understand man and his behaviour in a given situation. So it is incredible to argue about the discipline, its past history and the methodological contents. It is a misconceived notion of set boundary and a goal of its own, in a multidimensional facets of the changing world complexes in which we are living. Geography in its manifestations begins with the land-scape evolution (Physical basis), interacts with the phenomena culminating in human relationships, (Cultural land-scape) of conceptual world of real and abstract, interactions and processes, conditions and relations of multivariate facets of elements. Geographers are thus, drawn to the illusion with perlex mind of geographical images. This perception has drawn geography and geographers both into a state of unending dilemma of academic jargon of puzzles i e. Whether it is founded on systems theory or simply an irrelevant distraction ? Science provides us very sharp tools. But any craftsman will tell you it is the sharp tool which cane do most damage or harm when misapplied. It is apparently observed that geographers are badly operationalised with their blunted tools. The present attempt is thus, to discuss all those problems arises due to multidimensional approaches of the past, present analysis and future methodologies, more particularly in the system analogy of systems theory, General Systems and the General Systems Theory, as all these notions have different connotations. How geography as a discipline is fitted well in the analogy of systems theory has been the main concerned to these volumes. Let us explore the possibilities-What Geography is? The first volume deals with the Systems Theory and Geography, whereas, the second interprets the Possible World of Geographer in Systems Theory. Contents Vol. I Part I- General Systems & Systems Theory; Chapter 1: General Systems Theory; Chapter 2: General Systems Theory: Specific Features; Chapter 3: General Systems Theory as a Metatheory; Chapter 4: Outline History of the Systems Theory; Chapter 5: The Systems Approach and its Development; Chapter 6: Classification of Systems into Open and Closed-Logic of Methodological Problems; Chapter 7: Systems Theory and Modern Sciences; Chapter 8: The Systems Approach in Social Sciences; Chapter 9: Paradox of Systems Analysis; Chapter 10: Prospects of the Systems Approach; Part II- Development of Nature of Geography; Chapter 11: Progress in Geography Through Ages; Chapter 12: German Contribution to Geography; Chapter 13: Geographers of the Second and Third Generation; Chapter 14: Leaders of the Fourth Generation; Chapter 15: French Geographers Contribution to Geography; Chapter 16: The Second Generation of French Geographers; Chapter 17: Geography in Indian Context; Chapter 18: Theories, Laws and Models: A Systematic Explanation in Geography; Vol. II Chapter 1: Nature of Geography; Chapter 2: Problem of Paradigm Shift: Conceptual Themes; Chapter 3: Geography and General Systems Theory; Chapter 4: American School and Geographers of the Time; Chapter 5: The Modern Perceptivism; Chapter 6: A Real World (Physical Geography) of Geographer; Chapter 7: Geographic Space Perception; Chapter 8: Environment as Perceived in Geography; Chapter 9: Diffusion Process in Geographic Research and Normative Values; Chapter 10: Welfare Geography of Economics; Chapter 11: In Search of Systematic Geography; Chapter 12: Geography in Systems Theory.
This book, first published in 1979, collects together a key set of papers from the 10th Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium. They analyse fluvial theory, channel processes, stream adjustments, paleo-adjustments and channel adjustments.
