The History of the Study of Landforms

Book excerpt: This book is the fourth volume in the definitive series, The History of the Study of Landforms or The Development of Geomorphology. Volume 1 (1964) dealt with contributions to the field up to 1890. Volume 2 (1973) dealt with the concepts and contributions of William Morris Davis. Volume 3 (1991) covered historical and regional themes during the 'classic' period of geomorphology, between 1980 and 1950. This volume concentrates on studies of geomorphological processes and Quaternary geomorphology, carrying on these themes into the second part of the twentieth century, since when process-based studies have become so dominant. It is divided into five sections. After chapters dealing with geological controls, there are three sections dealing with process and form: fluvial, glacial and other process domains. The final section covers the mid-century revolution, anticipating the onset of quantitative studies and dating techniques. The volume's objective is to describe and analyse many of the developments that provide a foundation for the rich and varied subject matter of contemporary geomorphology. The volume is in part a celebration of the late Professor Richard Chorley, who devised its structure and contributed a chapter.