Discuss the scope of geomorphology in geography
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{[Geomorphology: Definition, Nature and Scope of Geomorphology
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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).
Definition of geomorphology-
Some authors have however, defined geomorphology so broadly as to include the Earths configuration as a whole and the dynamic processes that shape its surface (Von Engelini, 1942). In fact, Thornbury in 1969 suggests that the term geomorphology should be extended to include submarine forms, while Chorley et al 1984 defines geomorphology as the scientific study of the geometric features of the earth surface. The latter asserts that although the term is commonly restricted to those landforms that have developed at or above sea level, geomorphology includes all aspects of the interface between the solid earth, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Therefore, the term is not only about the landforms of the continents and their origin of concern, but also the morphology of the sea floor. Other writers have restricted geomorphology to the study of sub-aerial landforms of erosional or depositional origin or only to the genesis and history of such landforms.
Strahler and Strahler (1983) define geomorphology as the scientific study of landforms, including their history and processes of origin.