Geomorphology
The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes

A modern, quantitative, process-oriented approach to geomorphology and the role of Earth surface processes in shaping landforms, starting from basic principles.

Robert S. Anderson (Author), Suzanne P. Anderson (Author)

9780521519786, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 June 2010

651 pages, 578 b/w illus. 10 tables 185 exercises
27.7 x 21.9 x 3 cm, 1.79 kg

'The authors encourage us to study geomorphology by successfully demonstrating that it is the ability to formally express geomorphic processes that makes it true science … Anyone pursuing studies of surface processes should have Geomorphology on his or her shelf. For libraries in earth-science institutions it is a must.' Piotr Migo?, Geologos

This textbook provides a modern, quantitative and process-oriented approach to equip students with the tools to understand geomorphology. Insight into the interpretation of landscapes is developed from basic principles and simple models, and by stepping through the equations that capture the essence of the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes. Boxed worked examples and real-world applications bring the subject to life for students, allowing them to apply the theory to their own experience. The book covers cutting edge topics, including the revolutionary cosmogenic nuclide dating methods and modeling, highlights links to other Earth sciences through up-to-date summaries of current research, and illustrates the importance of geomorphology in understanding environmental changes. Setting up problems as a conservation of mass, ice, soil, or heat, this book arms students with tools to fully explore processes, understand landscapes, and to participate in this rapidly evolving field.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Whole Earth morphology
3. Large scale morphology: the roles of geophysics
4. Tectonic geomorphology
5. Atmospheric processes and climate
6. Establishing timing in the landscape: dating methods
7. Weathering
8. Glaciers and glacial geology
9. Periglacial forms and processes
10. Hillslopes
11. Water in the landscape
12. Rivers
13. Bedrock channel incision
14. Sediment transport mechanics
15. Eolian processes and forms
16. Coastal geomorphology
17. Geomorphology of big floods
18. Whole landscapes
Appendix A. Physics
Appendix B. Mathematics
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Physical geography & topography [RGB], Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]