Introduction to Process Geomorphology provides an integrative approach to the process dynamics and the origin of landforms by the contemporary processes involved in their evolution. The author highlights the physical and chemical laws governing the activity of the earth-surface processes in specific environmental stress conditions, puts forward competing hypotheses on the evolution of landforms, and discusses the bases of internal geologic processes for the explanation of the tectogenic features of the earth.
Landforms evolve over a long period of cyclic and geologic time, inheriting the imprints of past process rates and/or process domains. The principles and methods of evaluating the signature of environmental change are highlighted in the text by citing suitable studies. The process-form relationships provide the building blocks also for the optimum utilization of the land resources of the earth, and quantitative assessment of the stability of geomorphic systems and the quality of environment. The approach in this part of the text enables readers to gain an in-depth understanding of the application of the principles of geomorphology to the evaluation, planning, and management of the earth’s resources for sustainable development.
This book discusses process dynamics in quantitative terms and reviews theories on the evolution of landforms that flow from theoretical and empirical data. It offers examples and case studies that enable students to comprehend the related components of process-landform relationships. The review and synthesis of information found in each chapter provides a better understanding of the complexity of still inadequately understood process activities and the manner of landform evolution.
Process Geomorphology
Nature of Process Geomorphology
Systems Concept in Geomorphology
Thresholds
Climate and Processes
Frequency Concept of Geomorphic Processes
Environmental Change
Summary
References
Geologic Processes and Properties of the Earth Materials
Origin of the Earth
Fundamental Divisions of the Earth
Internal Structure of the Earth
Geothermal Heat
Plate Tectonics
Plate Boundary and Seismicity
Rocks
Deformation of Rocks and Sediments
Sediments
Deformation of Sediments
Stress-Strain Relationships
Summary
References
Weathering
Mechanical Weathering
Chemical Weathering
Biochemical, Adsorption, and Photochemical Processes in Coastal Environments
Biological Weathering
Bacterial Activity
Weathering Profile
Soil Profile
Pedogenic Regimes
Related Deposits
Summary
References
Mass Movement
Causes
Classification of Mass Movement Activity
Slow Movemnts
Rapid Movements
Falls
Slides
Avalanches
Summary
References
Fluvial Processes
Types of Flow
Stream Load
Stream Flow
Sediment Transport
Regimes of Flow
Hydraulic Geometry
Channel Patterns
Summary
References
Fluvial Processes and Depositional Landforms
Flood Plains
Flood Plain Processes
Alluvial Fans
River Deltas
Summary
References
Glacial Processes and Landforms
Glacier Ice
Glacier Deformation
Erosion in a Glacial Environment
Erosional Features of Glacial Environment
Glacial Transport
Landforms of Drift Deposition
Active Ice Environment and Landforms
Stagnant Ice Environment and Landforms
Ice-Contact Environment and Landforms
Proglacial Ice Environment and Landforms
Summary
References
Periglacial Processes and Landforms
Identification
Frozen Ground
Classification of Frozen Ground
Major Features of Ground Ice
Periglacial Processes and Landforms
Summary
References
Aeolian Environment and Landforms
Bases of Aeolian Activity
Thresholds of Motion
Sediment Transport
Sediment Transport Rate
Wind Erosion
Dust Storms
Wind Deposition
Features of Wind Erosion
Features of Wind Deposition
Summary
References
Karst
Types of Karst Landscape
Groundwater in Karst
Dissolution Mechanism
Mechanical and Biochemical Erosion
Other Factors
Karst Landforms
Summary
References
Coastal Processes and Landforms
Gradational Processes
Tidal Currents
Wave-Induced Currents
Tsunamis
Sediment Transport
Weathering
Erosion
Features of Marine Erosion
Features of Marine Deposition
Organic Reefs
Sea Level Change
Classification of Coasts
Coast of India
Summary
References
Applied Geomorphology
Applications of Geomorphology
Land Resource Planning
Environmental Impacts
Salt Hazards
Channelization
Summary
References
Abbreviations
Glossary
Index
Biography
Vijay K. Sharma
