Question

development of geomorphology?

Answer 1

1. Davisian Theory:

The most popular theory of landform development was given by American geomorphologist William Morris Davis. His concept of geographical cycle (or commonly known as cycle of erosion) provided a genetic classification and systematic description of landforms.
2. Penck’s Theory:

According to German geomorphologist Walther Penck, the characteristics of landforms of a given region are related to the tectonic activity of that region. Contrary to the Davisian concept that “landscape is a function of structure, process and time (stage)”, Penck put forward his view that geomorphic forms are an expression of the phase and rate of uplift in relation to the rate of degradation, where it is assumed that interaction between the two factors, uplift and degradation, is continuous

3.Gilbert’s Theory:

On the basis of his investigation of landforms and the processes associated with their formation in different parts of the United States, Grove Karl Gilbert formulated a set of principles to explain geomorphic features. The concepts and principles propounded by Gilbert provided the base for the development of the dynamic equilibrium theory involving time- independent development of landforms and it subsequently became the pivot of drastic methodological shift in geomorphology.

4. Theory of L.C. King:

L.C. King’s theory of landform development is based on his studies of landforms in arid, semi-arid and savanna regions of South Africa. He formulated a set of cyclic models (such as landscape cycle, epigene cycle, pediplanation cycle, hillslope cycle, etc.) and asserted that these are practicable in other parts of globe as well. The reference system of King’s model says “there is uniform development of landforms in varying environmental conditions and there is insignificant influence of climatic changes in the development of fluvially originated landforms.

5. Theory of J.T. Hack:

American geomorphologist J.T. Hack made a serious attempt to fill the conceptual vacuum created by the criticism and rejection of Davisian evolutionary model of geographical cycle and Penck’s morphological system. Hack pointed out that multi-level landscape (polycyclic relief) cannot be explained in terms of multiple erosion cycle (Davisian notion), rather these landscapes can be explained in terms of dynamic equilibrium theory.