Geomorphology in the Anthropocene

A comprehensive treatment of the human role in modifying geomorphological forms and processes and their influence on the Earth's systems.

Andrew S. Goudie (Author), Heather A. Viles (Author)

9781107139961, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 October 2016

380 pages, 99 b/w illus.
25.5 x 17.8 x 2 cm, 0.83 kg

'In today's climate of media-induced alarm about what mankind is doing to our planet, this book stands out as a calm and considered appraisal of human impacts on Earth resources and natural systems. Few are better placed than these authors to interpret the scientific data on human and natural forces driving those rapid changes currently challenging sustainability of Earth systems.' Michael Crozier, Victoria University of Wellington

The Anthropocene is a major new concept in the Earth sciences and this book examines the effects on geomorphology within this period. Drawing examples from many different global environments, this comprehensive volume demonstrates that human impact on landforms and land-forming processes is profound, due to various driving forces, including: use of fire; extinction of fauna; development of agriculture, urbanisation, and globalisation; and new methods of harnessing energy. The book explores the ways in which future climate change due to anthropogenic causes may further magnify effects on geomorphology, with respect to future hazards such as floods and landslides, the state of the cryosphere, and sea level. The book concludes with a consideration of the ways in which landforms are now being managed and protected. Covering all major aspects of geomorphology, this book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students studying geomorphology, environmental science and physical geography, and for all researchers of geomorphology.

Preface
1. Introduction to the Anthropocene and anthropogeomorphology
2. Drivers of anthropogeomorphological change
3. Construction and excavation
4. Subsidence in the Anthropocene
5. Weathering processes in the Anthropocene
6. Hillslope processes in the Anthropocene
7. Fluvial processes and forms in the Anthropocene
8. Aeolian processes and forms in the Anthropocene
9. Coastal processes and forms in the Anthropocene
10. Cryospheric processes and forms in the Anthropocene
11. Conclusions on the relationships between geomorphology and the Anthropocene
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Physical geography & topography [RGB], Stratigraphy [RBGH], Soil science, sedimentology [RBGB], Earth sciences [RB]