Define geomorphology, and show how the recent changes of emphasis in geography have affected this field.
Answers
the study of rocks is called geomorphology
Answer:
Geomorphology is concerned with the nature and origins of Earths surface features. Literary, a study of Earth form. Geomorphology is generally understood to embrace the study oflandformsand landscapes. As long as man has walk the earth, tilled the ground and sailed the seas, he has formed ideas about the origin of the Earth and its landscapes. And as landforms are the most widespread geomorphic phenomena, speculation as to their origin has gone on since the days of the ancient philosophers. A discussion of the development of geomorphic thought may thus well begin with the contribution of such Greek and Roman philosophers as Herodotus (485-425 BC), Aristotle (384- 322 BC), Strabo (54B- AD 25) and Seneca (BC- AD65)
Recent trends in Geomorphology:
A new era, dominated by younger men started after 1940, as a result of which Geomorphology has undergone several changes. Old concepts have been challenged and new concepts have been propounded. some of the recent trends in geomorphology or briefly described as under : -
1. Better relationship between geography Geomorphology and geology
As mentioned earlier, Geomorphology is closely related to both geography and geology. Both geographers and geologists have contributed a lot to the development of Geomorphology. Scholars like Davis, Wooldridge and Morgan, B.W. Sparks believed that Geomorphology is a part of Geography while Lobeck, Thornbury argued that geomorphology is definitely a part of geology. However, it has been realized during the past few decades that geomorphology have been more geological than geographical. In America, Geography has been losing ground to geology with respect to geomorphology simply because an increasing number of American Geographers are turning to human geography and have shown comparatively less interest in physical geography.
In Europe, on the other hand (especially in Britain Germany Poland and Russia). There is an increasing trend to treat geomorphology as a branch of geography and several European Geographers have made significant contribution to the development and growth of geomorphology.
2. Growth of structural geomorphology
Study of geomorphology has become more broad based in the recent decades. In addition to the study of physical laws which govern the operation of agents of denudation, study of materials which are affected by agents of denudation, has assumed much importance. Trends towards the study of structures created by vulcanicity and tectonic activity, crustal behaviour and deformation are becoming increasingly visible. These subjects are concerned with structural geomorphology. As the concept of sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics gained popularity, physiography of the ocean basins haS been treated as an integral part of geomorphology. This field of study is being vigorously pursued and a lot of research work is being done all over the world.
3. Increasing criticism of the Davision model
Although geomorphology is still daught using the Davision approach it is quite possible to teach without any reference to the man or his ideas and indeed modern geomorphology contains little or No Davisian thinking. This is because Davis's work has been criticized in increasing measure.
4. Growth of climatic geomorphology
Another important development in the recent years has been growth of climatic geomorphology. Climatic Geomorphology rests on the idea that there are recognisable suitess of landforms that may not only be identified, but clearly established as products of particular climatic regimes. A growing number of Scholars believe that climate leaves a deep impression on the landscape and other things being the same, different landscapes develop in different climates. Besides, climate has indirect effect on the landscape through natural vegetation because cool climate has its distinctive natural vegetation .implicit is linkage ;
climate control process and process control form therefore form is a product of climate.