1) Introduction To Geomorphology
1) Introduction To Geomorphology
1) Introduction To Geomorphology
Structure: Limestone
concerned with the form of Earth's bedrock (Mesozoic)
“The two images illustrate the concept of uniformitarianism. On the left is an imprint of ripple
marks in sandstone, similar current ripple forms in the right image. If the present is the key
to the past, we can infer that the sandstone rock formed in a low energy, fluvial environment
similar to the conditions in the right image”
Processes
“progressive steps by which an end is
attained”
Weathering, erosion, transport,
deposition
Agents
“that which acts or has the power to act”
Water, ice, wind…
Energy
Solar, geothermal, gravitational, chemical
Systems
“an assemblage of parts forming a whole”
Fluvial, glacial, coastal
Climate
Determines dominant agents
Time
Evolution of landforms/landscapes
Regionality - Physiography
Scale of landforms
continents (107 km2) to microscale features like ripples, glacial
striations (10-8 km2).
Age of landforms
continents (109 years) to microscale features like pools and
riffles (102 years).
Larger landforms most durable (longer-lasting).
Smaller landforms created/destroyed faster than larger ones.
Rates of geomorphic / geologic change slow for larger
areas,
faster when measured over small areas.
example: earthquakes compared to glaciers / rate of erosion in
small watershed compared to larger one
process-response balance between opposing forces such that
any change in any of the controlling variables (independent
variables) will necessitate a corresponding response in the
dependent variables to maintain overall system equilibrium.
The elements of the landscape adjust to changes in the
process, forming a cause and effect relationship to maintain
static equilibrium.
e.g. River systems: if a river is shifted out of equilibrium by
increased sediment load, the river will adjust its geometry to
carry the load relative to processes of erosion, transporation
and deposition.
Dynamic Equilibrium: Hack (1960's) - elements of the
landscape rapidly adjust form in response to changes in the
processes operating on them.
Within an equilibrium system, an equal state of disequilibrium
also exists
Geomorphic Thresholds: represent the limits of
equilibrium or critical limits, as processes extend beyond
thresholds, disequilibrium or response occurs.
E.g. hillslope water moisture are exceeded, the system may
respond in the form of slope failure or landslide.
Extrinsic Threshold:-
(a) meteorite impact,
(b) storm/rainfall event - flood discharge
Intrinsic Threshold :-
(a) roof collapse of a cave / sinkhole
(b) channel cutoff of a meander loop
Defination - the action involved when a
force induces a change either chemical
or physical in the materials or forms at
the earth’s surface.
Geomorphology Agents
have the ability to acquire and
transport the earth material. eg;
Water, glacier, wind, gravity
Geomorphology processes -
classified into 3 groups (based on –
the origin of the agents)
Endogenic
Excogenic
Extra-terrestrial
destructive geomorphic processes that originate
at or above the earth's surface (still in atmosphere
region).
Processes Agents
Degradation Running water, groundwater,
(destructional/erosion) sea water, wind, glacier, gravity
-Weathering / denudation
- mass wasting
- erosion
Agradation (sedimention) Running water, groundwater,
sea water, wind, glacier, gravity
Biological Human, plant, animals
internal processes within the earth that result in uplift and
rejuvenation of the landscape.
Processes occuring in Earth's interior that create relief by
elevating mountains and land masses, and depressing basins
and ocean floors
Cause by the movement of plate tectonic.
Processes Agents
Rain of Cosmic dust Cosmic dust
Meteorit impact meteorit
This impact crater in Winslow, Arizona, is one of about 200 on Earth. At 50,000 years old, it’s
also one of the newest. The crater is 1.1 km (.7 mi) in diameter and 150 m (495 ft) deep. The
meteorite that made it weighed 100,000 tons. Most meteorites that hit the ground are too
small to leave a crater, but anything larger than a house explodes just before or during
impact and leaves a crater that is much larger than itself.