Essentials of Geomorphology

An easy-to-read and beautifully illustrated textbook, covering the major types of landforms from around the Earth and other planets.

Randall Schaetzl (Author), Richard Marston (Author)

9781108748728, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 October 2025

592 pages
28 x 21.7 x 3.3 cm, 1.6 kg

'Essentials of Geomorphology by Schaetzl and Marston is a modern and up-to-date introductory textbook with thoughtful organization, including chapters on the history and development of the fields of geomorphology, biogeomorphology, and planetary geomorphology that are seldom included in similar textbooks. The figures and diagrams are clear and add to the understanding of the text, as do the review questions for each chapter. The contributing authors are well respected in the field and provide an extra level of detail to each chapter.' Gregory Vandeberg, University of North Dakota

Essentials of Geomorphology is an introductory textbook covering the latest research on landforms, both on Earth as well as on planets and moons. This easy-to-read, non-quantitative textbook hones in on the knowledge of leading experts in the field, and presents the practicality, applications and necessity of geomorphology. Replete with beautiful color figures and photographs, it contains in-depth discussions on fluvial and glacial geomorphology while also covering topics such as planetary geomorphology, biogeomorphology, Earth history and climate change, and periglacial systems. Descriptive, but also process-driven, it is intended for readers interested in physical landscapes, regardless of their previous background or level of training in geography or geology. To this end, it only includes the basic mathematics needed to understand the concepts presented.

Acknowledgements
Preface
1. Introduction to geomorphology Richard Marston and Randall Schaetzl
2. History and foundations of geomorphology Randall Schaetzl and Bruce Rhoads
3. Dating methods in geomorphology Randall Schaetzl
4. Climate change throughout earth history Thomas Stevens
5. Geomorphology's resisting framework: minerals, rocks, and biota Gregory A. Pope
6. Tectonics and mountain building Lewis A. Owen and Warren D. Huff
7. Landforms on volcanic and plutonic rocks Warren D. Huff and Lewis A. Owen
8. Landforms on horizontal and weakly dipping rocks Randall Schaetzl
9. Landforms developed on folded rocks Kevin J. Patrick, J. Steven Kite and Randall Schaetzl
10. Landforms on faulted rocks Ronald I. Dorn, Phillip H. Larson and Ara Jeong
11. Weathering Heather A. Viles and Randall Schaetzl
12. Karst and landforms of dissolution Jo De Waele
13. Soils and paleosols Randall Schaetzl
14. Mass movements and slope processes Markus Stoffel
15. Surface water, drainage basins, and sediment transport D. J. Faulkner and L. Allan James
16. Landforms of fluvial erosion and deposition L. Allan James, D. J. Faulkner and Randall Schaetzl
17. Coastal processes and landforms Ethan Theuerkauf
18. Glacial systems Patrick M. Colgan
19. Glacial sediments and landforms Randall Schaetzl and Patrick M. Colgan
20. Periglacial processes and landforms Stephen A. Wolfe
21. Eolian processes, deposits, landforms, and systems Stephen A. Wolfe and Randall Schaetzl
22. Biogeomorphology David R. Butler
23. Planetary geomorphology Devon M. Burr
Glossary
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]