Rock Weathering and Landform Evolution brings together a series of important studies on rock weathering by leading researchers, and illustrates the diversity of approaches and techniques that are currently being used by geomorphologists to study weathering processes and responses. The book commences with a number of research studies and review chapters on weathering processes and weathered products. This is followed by several discussions of the weathering of cut or dressed rock in urban and coastal environments. Contributors then examine the application of weathering and weathering rates to the dating of deposits or rock surfaces. The final section of the book comprises studies of the relationship between weathering and landforms in a variety of climatic environments. The contributions included in this book cover a wide range of topics and demonstrate the many advances that are being made by researchers investigating rock weathering. Some of the studies deal with state-of-the-art technology, others the very traditional geomorphological skills of observation and deductive reasoning, backed up as necessary by statistical analysis. This volume is the first collection of papers on weathering published for many years, and provides a wealth of information not just to geomorphologists but also to geologists, engineers, architects and archaeologists.

In recognition of the fundamental control exerted by weathering on landscape evolution and topographic development, the 35th Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium was convened under the theme of Weathering and Landscape Evolution. The papers and posters presented at the conference imparted the state-of-the-art in weathering geomorphology, tackled the issue of scale linkage in geomorphic studies and offered a vehicle for interdisciplinary communication on research into weathering and landscape evolution. The papers included in this book are encapsulated here under the general themes of weathering mantles, weathering and relative dating, weathering and denudation, weathering processes and controls and the 'big picture'. * Contains 15 papers on the techniques and methodologies of research * Provides an up-to-date overview of various aspects of weathering and landscape evolution complemented by a number of excellent case studies * Contains a wealth of basic field data and relevant information

Geomorphology can be defined simply as the study of landforms. Landforms are the result of the interaction between what Ritter (1978) has called the driving and resisting forces. The driving forces or processes are the methods by which energy is exerted on earth materials and include both surface, geomorphological or exogenous processes and subsurface, geological or endogenous processes. The resisting forces are the surface materials with their inherent resistances determined by a complex combination of rock properties. Stated in these simple terms it would be expected that both sides of the equation be given equal weight in syntheses of landform evolution. However, this has not been the case. Until about the 1950s, geomorphology was mainly descriptive and concerned with producing time-dependent models of landscape evolution. Although the form of the land was the main focus, there was little detailed mention of process and scant attention to the properties of surface materials. There were, of course, exceptions. In the late 19th century G.K. Gilbert was stressing the equilibrium between landforms and processes. Many hydrologists were examining the detailed workings of river 'systems and drainage basins, culminating in the classic paper of Horton (1945).

"Given the sheer scale of the topic under consideration here, Professor Gregory does well to condense it into bite-size pieces for the reader. I recommend this text to all undergraduate students of physical geography and earth sciences, particularly to those in their first and second years... This book is a comprehensive and (crucially) inexpensive text that will provide students with a useful source on geomorphology." - Lynda York, The Geographical Journal "I would highly recommend this to anyone doing geology or geography at university as a ′go to′ book for geomorphology and landform." - Sara Falcone, Teaching Earth Science "An excellent source of information for anyone who needs a well-informed, easy to use reference volume to introduce them to the fascinating complexities of the earth’s land surface, past, present and future." - Angela Gurnell, Queen Mary, University of London This introductory text details the land surface of the earth in a readable style covering the major issues, key themes and sensitivities of the environments/landscape. Emphasising the major ideas and their development, each chapter includes case studies and details of influential scientists (not necessarily geomorphologists) who have contributed to the progress of understanding. Providing a very clear explanation of the understanding achieved and of the debates that have arisen, the book is comprised of 12 chapters in four sections: Visualising the land surface explains and explores the composition of the land surface and outlines how it has been studied. Dynamics of the land surface considers the dynamics affecting the earth′s land surface including its influences, processes and the changes that have occurred. Environments of the land surface looks to understand the land surface in major world regions highlighting differences between the areas. Management of the land surface is an examination of the current and future prospects of the management of the earth′s land surface. With pedagogical features including further reading, questions for discussion and a glossary, this original, lively text is authored by one of the leading experts in the field and will be core reading for first and second year undergraduates on all physical geography courses.

This is the first book to bring together practical examples from around the world to show how geomorphological evidence can help in effective land utilisation and hazard risk assessment. Case studies provide important lessons in risk management, and experts provide summaries of current research. The text also promotes good practice and effective land use, and looks at problems caused by misuse of the environment and potential solutions based on geomorphological evidence.

Mountain Geomorphology - Integrating Earth Systemspresents the papers of the 32nd Annual Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium, held in 2001 in advance of the United Nations-designated '2002 International Year of Mountains'.The three co-editors have collectively worked in mountain environments for over 70 years, and brought together internationally recognized experts in mountain geomorphology from 7 nations presenting research on mountain processes from around the world, including the USA, Canada, China, Europe, and South America.The volume utilizes Earth Systems as a unifying and organizing theme, examining the interactions of the four Earth "spheres" (Lithosphere, Biosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere) in the context of geomorphic processes in mountain environments. The volume is also a "Festschrift" in honor of Professor John D. "Jack" Vitek, long-time editor of Geomorphology and an outstanding mentor to each of the three co-editors. Papers presented in the volume represent cutting-edge examinations of mountain landforms, geomorphic processes in mountains, and the application of advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information Science technologies for the study of mountain geomorphology.The book should be of interest to all geomorphologists, and to physical geographers and geologists interested in mountain environments. Mountain Geomorphology - Integrating Earth Systemsis the only book of its kind, and stands as a testament to the importance of mountains as locations for studying the interaction of geomorphic processes within an Earth Systems perspective.