Theory of geomorphology

Geomorphology, the scientific study of the origin and evolution of land surface processes and morphology, seeks to understand the migration of materials and energy transforming/ dissipating processes at the interfaces of the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere.

The word geomorphology, which means literally ‘to write about the shape or form of the earth’, first appeared in 1858 in the German literature written by Luamann.

The term was referred to in 1866 by Emmanuel de Margerie as ‘la geomorpholgie’; it first appeared in English in 1888 and was used at the International Geological Congress in 1891 in papers by McGee and Powell.

The first theory of geomorphology was arguably devised by the Chinese scientist and statesman Shen Kuo (1031-1095). He observed marine fossil shells in a geological stratum of mountain hundreds of miles from the Pacific Ocean.

He formulates the theory of geomorphology, including deposition, uplift, erosion and the role of climate change, in studies of the Taihang Mountains of China.

James Hutton (1726-97), the founder of modern geology published Theory of the Earth; or, An Investigation of the Laws Observable in the Composition, Dissolution and Restoration of Land Upon the Globe. He was also regarded as a father of geomorphology because of his theory of the Earth illustrated the importance of denudation in the development oif the Earth’s surface.

The quantitative revolution in geomorphology during the late 1950s and middle 1960s greatly enhanced development of the discipline.
Theory of geomorphology