Geomorphology: The Mechanics and Chemistry of Landscapes
Cambridge University Press, 6/17/2010
EAN 9780521519786, ISBN10: 0521519780
Paperback, 651 pages, 27.7 x 21.9 x 3 cm
Language: English
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.
'… this book is terrific! … a model of what a textbook should be, and the first place I'd send a student or colleague to get them excited about landscapes and how we study them.' Chris Paola, St Anthony Falls Laboratory, Minneapolis
'This much needed, skilfully crafted text will be welcomed by the geomorphology community. … the text can be used for an introductory course, or as part of a more advanced course. … The overall reaction of my students using a draft version has been very positive.' David Jon Furbish, Vanderbilt University
'A wonderful, wide ranging review of the modern science of geomorphology.' Niels Hovius, University of Cambridge
'The book is both authoritative and accessible, encouraging students (and instructors) to think creatively and precisely about how the landscape evolves. Unlike previous geomorphology texts, it provides a consistent approach for defining and solving models for the full range of features found on the surface of the Earth.' Peter R. Wilcock, Johns Hopkins University