Geomorphology is the study of the Earth's diverse physical land surface features and the dynamic processes that shape these features. Examining natural and anthropogenic processes, The SAGE Handbook of Geomorphology is a comprehensive exposition of the fundamentals of geomorphology that examines form, process, and history in the discipline. Organized into four sections, the Handbook is an overview of foundations and relevance, including the nature and scope of geomorphology, the origins and development of geomorphology, the role and character of theory in geomorphology, the significance of models and abstractions to geomorphology; techniques and approaches, including geomorphological mapping, field observations and experimental design, remote sensing in geomorphology, quantifying rates of erosion, measuring fluid flows and sediment fluxes, dating surfaces and sediment, GIS in geomorphology, and modelling landforms and processes; process and environment, including rock weathering, the evolution of regolith, hill slopes, riverine environments, glacial environments, periglacial environments, coastal environments, desert environments, karst landscapes, environmental change and anthropogenic activity; and environmental change, including geomorphology and environmental management, geomorphology and society, and planetary geomorphology.

Rock Surface and Weathering: Process and Form

Rock Surface and Weathering: Process and Form

Rock surface and weathering: Process and form
David A.Robinson and Cherith A.Moses

Weathering processes involve a range of physical, chemical and biological processes that generally weaken and break down rock materials, although some may, in the short term at least, strengthen rocks through, for example, the development of surface weathering crusts or rinds (Day, 1980; Conca and Rossman, 1982, 1985; Robinson and Williams, 1987). Although it is possible to identify distinct weathering processes, in most natural environments rocks are attacked simultaneously by more than one process often acting synergistically.

Weathering processes are fundamental to geomorphology. Occuring in situ, they release compounds in solution and prepare rock materials for removal and transportation by erosion and are, in themselves, directly responsible for the ...

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