Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

award-winning author
Wolman won a medal in 2000 from the American Geophysical Union, and in thecitation they said, "although written 35 years ago, it remains one ofthe most cited works in geopmorphology and was recently republished byDover, not as a historical artifact but as required reading for the newestgeneration of fluvial geomorphologists. Brimming with clarity andliteracy... a good bedtime read." (well... at least for those who wantto understand stream morphology.)

The classic of stream geomorphology
This book forms one of the foundations of the field of stream geomorphology from one of the founding fathers. I would recommend it as the basic text for someone serious about learning about fluvial geomorphology. Considerable work has been added to the field since Dr. Leopold's book wasfirst published in 1964 but this forms a very good synthesis of a complexsubject.As a civil engineer/geomorphologist, I have referred to this bookmany times over the past 25 years since I was one of his students atBerkeley. A great value in paperback. ... Read more

Book Description
Geomorphology has undergone a dramatic change in scope andphilosophy over the last several decades. It has expanded from focusingmerely on the evolutionary development of landforms to being a more applieddiscipline, linked with others in solving problems associated with globalchange and environmental stress. Today's students must understand theprocesses involved in landform creation. Even those examining the subjecthistorically need to grasp surficial process mechanics before analyzing theeffects of past climatic or tectonic phenomena or predicting those of thefuture. Process Geomorphology provides an accessible introduction to thesubject and assumes only a minimal background in physical or historicalgeology. Whether approaching geomorphology from the perspective ofhydrology, engineering, geology, pedology, forestry, or any other earthscience, the process approach makes this text a practical choice. A wealthof photos and diagrams aids in understanding the concepts presented in thetext. The authors include an extensive bibliography for readers who wish topursue a particular topic in greater depth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very Detailed
This book is very detailed, even explaining the common sense concepts.The writer asks questions that I would not be interested in asking or knowing the answers to,then gives the answer.For someone who would like to specialize in the study of geomorphology, this book may be more interesting.For me, is was very boring to read, and too detailed to absorp the general concepts.

Good book, one critical flaw
This is a very well illustrated book, but it has one serious flaw if it is being used by geologists.It doesn't give much/any attention to the structural control of features on the landscape.(i.e., how folds and faults in bedrock control fluvial erosion, etc.).This is standard in many geomorphology texts.Unfortunately, the other good Geomorphology books are out of date from the 1990s.

Meteorite impact craters have gained much more attention lately as well, and they also deserve at least a few pages of attention.Otherwise, I'd give it 4 or 5 stars.

Great shape, super cheap!
This was a great buy. The book was brand new and in perfect condition. It was also about $60.00 cheaper than at the Akron U bookstore. thanks for saving me a ton of money

Good beginner's Geomorph text
Ritter's book "Process Geomorphology" is one of the better books available to elementary students in Geomorphology. The book is divided into logical categories and contains a plethora of useful diagrams, maps and graphs. This book is especially useful for those who have had only a little background in Physical Geology or Earth History and want to explore earth processes such as weathering, erosion, fluvial and eolian processes at depth. It is worthy of a read and is worth the price. 4 Stars! ... Read more

Book Description
Geomorphological landforms and processes exert a strong influence on surface engineering works, yet comparatively little systematic information on geomorphology is available to engineers. This book presents a worldwide view of geomorphology for engineers and other professionals on the near-surface engineering problems associated with the various landscapes. This new and completely revised edition has additional chapters with an improved format and is broadly divided into three parts.

The first part is concerned with the major factors which control the materials, form and processes on the Earths surfaces. The second part deals with the geomorphological processes which help shape land surfaces and influence their engineering characteristics and the final part covers environments and landscapes, including some specialist chapters. Each chapter is written by leading authorities on the subject and is both self-contained and referenced with other chapters as appropriate to make a balanced whole. ... Read more

Book Description
In recent years there has been a marked increase in funding and employment in river restoration. Methods in Fluvial Geomorphology provides an integrated approach to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and offers guidance for researchers and professionals on the tools available to answer questions on river management on very difference scales.
* Each chapter is organised to cover everything from general concepts to specific techniques
* Topics covered include evolution of methods, guiding concepts, a framework for deciding when to apply specific tools, advantages and limitation of the tools, sources of data, equipment and supplies needed, and a summary table
* Provides the professional with a useful handbook covering all tools used in fluvial geomorphology
* Also provides valuable information on the advantages and limitations of the tools
* All chapters include case studies to give examples of the applications of the tools discussedDownload Description
In recent years there has been a marked increase in funding and employment in river restoration. Methods in Fluvial Geomorphology provides an integrated approach to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and offers guidance for researchers and professionals on the tools available to answer questions on river management on very difference scales.

• Each chapter is organised to cover everything from general concepts to specific techniques
• Topics covered include evolution of methods, guiding concepts, a framework for deciding when to apply specific tools, advantages and limitation of the tools, sources of data, equipment and supplies needed, and a summary table
• Provides the professional with a useful handbook covering all tools used in fluvial geomorphology
• Also provides valuable information on the advantages and limitations of the tools
• All chapters include case studies to give examples of the applications of the tools discussed

Book Description
World Geomorphology deals with the large scale relief features of the earth and shows how these are related to the major segments of the earth's crust known as lithospheric plates. The aim of the book is to convey an understanding of the earth's major relief features and to present a subdivision of the earth's surface in provinces which have had similar geological or geomorphological history.The book starts by presenting the reader with the basic geological column and the means of subdividing the landscape into areas with a common origin and developmental history, and gives an explanation of the basic principles of plate tectonics. The continental and oceanic areas of each lithospheric plate are then described: successive chapters deal with the African Plate, American plate, Antarctic plate, Asian plate, the European plate and the Pacific plate, indicating the regional geomorphological features after a brief geological introduction. This encyclopedic volume will provide a valuable reference for students of geology and geography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great great book
This is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in geomorphology. A great overview of mega-landforms around the world, what used to be characterized as "physiography"; geomorphology at a coarse, broad scale. Where are the mountains ranges, plateaus, and plains regions of the world? This book answers those questions, providing explanations for these broad patterns across the globe (plate tectonics, etc).Great great book. Great! ... Read more

Book Description
Geomorphology is an eclectic subject, drawing from geology, physical geography, soils and atmospheric sciences, civil and environmental engineering, and still other fields. The third edition of Bloom's outstanding, classroom-tested text reflects the diversity of geomorphology, synthesizing its principles to make them accessible to students and practitioners from all disciplines. Bloom covers all of the major constructional and erosional processes of landform creation and change with separate sections devoted to glaciation and coastal geomorphology. Each set of processes and the resulting landforms are explained in a separate chapter, providing a comprehensive, nonmathematical overview. Profuse examples and illustrations represent landforms from around the world, avoiding the regionalism pervading other texts in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Geomorphology the last 15 million years
It is an excellent textbook, can be used in different ways, to meet the students need. Recomend the textbook, will be using it this fall. ... Read more

Book Description

This extensively revised and updated edition continues to present an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the subject, exploring the worlds landforms from a broad systems perspective. It reflects on the latest developments in the field and includes new chapters on geomorphic materials and processes, hillslopes and changing landscapes.

Fundamentals of Geomorphology is an engaging and comprehensive introduction to geomorphology. Starting with a consideration of the nature of geomorphology and the geomorphic system, geomorphic materials and processes, and the quest of process and historical geomorphologists, it moves on to discuss:

Structure: landforms resulting from, or influenced by, the endogenic agencies of tectonic and volcanic processes, geological structures, and rock types.

Process and form: landforms resulting from, or influenced by, the exogenic agencies of weathering, running water, flowing ice and meltwater, ground ice and frost, the wind, and the sea.

History: Earth surface history, giving a discussion of Quaternary landforms and ancient landforms, including the origin of old plains, relict, exhumed, and stagnant landscape features, and evolutionary aspects of landscape change.

Fundamentals of Geomorphology provides a stimulating and innovative perspective on the key topics and debates within the field of geomorphology. Written in an accessible and lively manner, it includes guides to further reading, chapter summaries, and an extensive glossary of key terms. The book is also illustrated throughout with over 200 informative diagrams and attractive photographs, including a colour plate section.

Customer Reviews (2)

An impact is missing for the tenderfoot.
I love Huggett's work in physical geography. But check out these 3 others--Geoecology, Environmental Change, and Catastrophism --and ask yourself, as you read Geomorphology, why a geographer like Huggett would write extensively about impact craters as fundamental surface features of the earth and destroyers of biota(in the 3 books mentioned above) yet chose NOT to include a chapter on this important topic for introductory geomorphology students. Even Lobeck covered meteor craters in the final chapter of his '39 text. Tectonics has permeated geomorphological writings and Huggett introduces this topic well, but impact cratering continues to be coveredby geologists and earth systems researchers rather than geomorphologists (who probably would like to deny the existence of these landforms). Still, Huggett is a geographer who knows better. Geomorphology (and the field of physical geography in general according to Olav Slaymaker) needs to be connected to global environmental change research efforts addressed by geographers. Huggett could've beenthe guy to make this connection too, but failed to do so in this book. With this said, I still gave the book 4 stars-- Huggett is an eclectic geographer who only gets better.

An impact is missing for the tenderfoot.
I love Huggett's work in physical geography. But check out these 3 others--Geoecology, Environmental Change, and Catastrophism --and ask yourself, as you read Geomorphology, why a geographer like Huggett would write extensively about impact craters as fundamental surface features of the earth and destroyers of biota(in the 3 books mentioned above) yet chose NOT to include a chapter on this important topic for introductory geomorphology students. Even Lobeck covered meteor craters in the final chapter of his '39 text. Tectonics has permeated geomorphological writings and Huggett introduces this topic well, but impact cratering continues to be coveredby geologists and earth systems researchers rather than geomorphologists (who probably would like to deny the existence of these landforms). Still, Huggett is a geographer who knows better. Geomorphology (and the field of physical geography in general according to Olav Slaymaker) needs to be connected to global environmental change research efforts addressed by geographers. Huggett could've beenthe guy to make this connection too, but failed to do so this book. With this said, I still gave the book 4 stars-- Huggett is an eclectic geograper who only gets better. ... Read more

Book Description
Coastal Geomorphology, Second Edition is a comprehensive and systematic introduction to this subject and demonstrates the dynamic nature of coastal landforms, providing a background for analytical planning and management strategies in coastal areas that are subject to continuing changes.

This introductory textbook has been completely revised and updated, and is accompanied by a website which provides additional illustrations, global examples, case-studies and more detailed and advanced information on topics referenced in the book, together with explanations of terminology, annotated references and research material.  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great for university students
I find this book an excellent reference book for the study of coastal geomorphology. We have just finished a long coastal assignment and this was a major reference for my essay. It is easy to read and understand and if you live near a coast as we do in New Zealand, you can read and study at the same time. A great book. Thanks for your prompt delivery, that was my most hoped for wish, that it would get hear on time. It Did.

coastal geomorphology: an introduction
A wonderful explanation of current thinking on coastal morphology.
A must for all researchers and students, and I would suggest that more Uni Professors used it. ... Read more

Book Description
Tectonic geomorphology is the study of the interplay between tectonic and surface processes that shape the landscape in regions of active deformation. Recent advances in the quantification of rates and physical basis of tectonic and surface processes have rejuvenated the field of tectonic geomorphology. Modern tectonic geomorphology is an exciting and highly integrative field which utilizes techniques and data derived from studies of geomorphology, seismology, geochronology, structure, geodesy, and Quaternary climate change. While emphasizing new insights from the last decade of research, Tectonic Geomorphology reviews the fundamentals of the subject which include the nature of faulting and folding, the creation and use of geomorphic markers for tracing deformation, chronological techniques which date deformation, geodetic techniques for defining recent deformation, and paleoseismologic approaches to calibrate past deformation.

The overall focus of this book is on new interpretations of landform evolution and insights on the interplay between surface processes and tectonics that emerge from integrative studies. The authors have developed an up-to-date interpretation of landscapes in tectonically active environments for upper-level undergraduate and graduate earth science students and practicing geologists.

For an instructor's image bank, please visit:

http://www.geol.ucsb.edu/faculty/burbank

First text to take a broad interdisciplinary approach: integrated geomorphology, geophysics, and paleoclimatology.

• Includes the latest technological advances used in dating: Uranium series and dating and observation.
  
• Emphasizes the role of surface processes.
  
• Focuses on landscapes at different time scales.
  
• Provides strong coverage on numerical modeling of tectonically active landscapes.
  
• Presents the recent approaches to calibrating rates of uplift and erosion.
  
• Stresses the tectonics of active plate margins in a detailed yet succinct way.
  
• Contains "Chapter introductions," "Chapter summaries," and "References" that reinforce principles and theory as well as provide additional background information.

Customer Reviews (2)

Tectonic Geomorphology
Tectonic Geomorphology

An Excellent New Book in Tectonic Geomorphology
A new 274-page book on tectonic geomorphology has been authored by Douglas Burbank of the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Robert Anderson of the University of Colorado.Tectonic geomorphology is a new branch of geology that evaluates the "unrelenting competition between tectonic processes that tend to build topography, and the surface processes that tend to tear them down."

This affordable soft-bound book is organized into 11 chapters, as follows:(1) Introduction, (2) Geomorphic Markers, (3) Establishing Timing in the Landscape - Dating Methods, (4) Stress, Faults, and Folds, (5) Short-term Deformation - Geodesy, (6) Paleoseismology, (7) Rates of Erosion and Uplift, (8) Holocene Deformation and Landscape Processes, (9) Deformation and Geomorphology at Intermediate Time Scales, (11) Numerical Modeling of Landscape Evolution.

The book is targeted for upper-division undergraduates, first-year graduate students in geology, and for working engineering geologists who need an update in tectonic geomorphology.There are 461 references, most of them within the past five years, so the book contains a robust foundation of new citations that will be particularly useful for students.

The authors include nine developments that have driven rapid changes in tectonic geomorphology:new age-dating methods, process-oriented geomorphic studies, new insights into past climatic change, new geodetic tools (like GPS), paleoseismology methods (like trenching of active faults), new ability for physical characterization of faulting and folding, new digital topographic methods (like GPR), and accessibility to high-speed computing for numerical modeling of geomorphic processes.

The geomorphic concepts explained in the text are shown in 295 line-drawings or sketches (black & white) that have been carefully redrawn for clarity from the original sources.There is minimal use of field photographs, and no color is employed.Instead, the authors utilize drawings, graphs, cross sections, and simplified maps to convey geomorphic concepts.Quantitive methods are emphasized, yet the book is not burdened by difficult higher mathematics.

"Tectonic Geomorphology" is highly recommended for the following reasons:(1) understandable explanations of complex geologic processes are provided in clear diagrams, (2)world-wide examples are used, (3) modern interdisciplinary approaches are emphasized, (4) a robust bibliography is provided, and (5) the book is affordable and represents "good value" for students and working professionals alike. ... Read more

Book Description
Featuring an accessible, non-mathematical, but rigorous conceptual treatment--with numerous very simple explanatory illustrations--this introduction to the basic principles of glaciology, geomorphology, and geology serves as a portal to the more advanced literature in the field and to discussion and research of the local situation. Focusing on processes and history (not just descriptions), it helps readers understand how glaciers form and move, what effect they have, when and where they have affected the Earth, and the consequences of ice ages.Covers a full range of topics from glaciology, geomorphology, and glacial geology: Ice Properties. Glaciers. Glacial Erosion. Glacial Transportation And Deposition. Glacial Landforms Formed By Glacial Sediments. Fluvial Sediments And Landforms. Glaciomarine And Glaciolacustrine Environments And Deposits. Aeolian Sediments And Landforms. Cold-Climate And Frozen-Ground Processes And Features. Quaternary Stratigraphy. Glacial Legacy (Isostasy, Eustasy, Volcanism, And Biota). The Cenozoic Ice Age. Pre-Quaternary Glaciations. Causes Of Glaciation.For anyone interested in Glacial Geology and Geomorphology. ... Read more

Book Description

Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology provides an accessible introduction to the study of river landforms and the processes that shape them. Rivers are significant geomorphological agents, they show an amazing diversity of form and behaviour and transfer water and sediment from the land surface to the oceans. This book examines how river systems respond to environmental change and why this understanding is needed for successful river management. Highly dynamic in nature, river channels adjust and evolve over timescales that range from hours to tens of thousands of years or more and are found in a wide range of environments.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in river channel management, clearly illustrating why an understanding of fluvial geomorphology is vital in channel preservation, environmentally sensitive design, and the restoration of degraded river channels.

Fundamentals of Fluvial Geomorphology isan indispensable text for undergraduate students. It provides straightforward explanations for important concepts and mathematical formulae, backed up with conceptual diagrams and appropriate examples from around the world to show what they actually mean and why they are important. A colour plate section also shows spectacular examples of fluvial diversity.

Book Description

The plate tectonics revolution in the earth sciences has provided a valuable new framework for understanding long-term landform development.

This innovative text provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of global geomorphology, with the emphasis placed on large-scale processes and phenomena. Integrating global tectonics into the study of landforms and incorporating planetary geomorphology as a major component the author discusses the impact of climatic change and the role of catastrophic events on landform genesis and includes a comprehensive study of surface geomorphic processes.

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Educational
This was my textbook for a STUDY OF LANDFORMS, a course I needed for my undergraduate Minor (Geography) several years ago.I was immediately impressed by the thorough coverage provided by Summerfield.

The work starts with the basics: s-waves and p-waves and a brief introduction to seismology, a look at the apparent strata of the earth from the core to the atmosphere, and an introduction to endogenic (earth-originated) - e.g. mantle plumes and the "conveyor belt" effect leading to the movement of the lithosphere on the athenosphere - and exogenic (largely solar-related) processes - e.g., wind - which provide the energy for plate tectonics and the building up & erosion of land forms.Following this the work takes a more indepth look at topics such as various forms of uplift (orogenic and epierogenic processes such as block faulting, folding and igneous-related activity) followed by individual chapters on processes relating to coastlines, deserts, glacial, permafrost & etc.

This is an excellent introduction to the earth sciences which treats the subject in a professional manner and largely eschews any indoctrination into or against ecological considerations.

Highly recommended!

Not worth your reading time
I find this book to be extremely dull and lifeless. I love studying geomorphology, but this book is almost enough to turn me away. The graphs, diagrams, and charts are overwhelming. It seems to based more on statistics then observations of how systems really work. The photos are boring and uninspirational. Reading through the text is like slowly dragging my fingernails down a chalkboard. I can barely make it through 5 pages at a time without losing complete interest. The explanations of how systems and processes work makes no sense to me. I find myself having to cross refernce this text with other geology texts from different classes. Also, many of the people that are quoted are from the 1940's and '50's. Ridiculous!! It reads like a computer assembly manual in Japanese. Granted, the text does cover a wide range of geomorphological features, it does not cover them well.

Excellent introductory text
A wide ranging, well written summary of geomorphic knowledge.This is one of the better introductions to the interesting field of geomorphology and I whole-heartedly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive and in-depth book is an essential reference handbook for students looking to extend their analytical skills and interest in coastal morphodynamics. Fully illustrated throughout, each chapter contains boxed sections designed to aid further study by providing either a further analysis or treatment of a particular issue, an interesting application of a principle just discussed in the body of the text, or a virtual field trip. ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive work on all aspects of soils includes introductory chapters on soil morphology, physics, mineralogy and organisms in anticipation of the more advanced analysis of the subject that follows. Replete with hundreds of high-quality figures and a large glossary, its global perspective makes it an invaluable text for anyone studying soils, landforms and landscape change in middle to upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A long time coming!
This book was begging to be written for the longest time.Thank goodness Randy went ahead and did it.The book fills a void in soil science by linking soil formation and geomorphology, an obvious connection.It is well-written in terms of organization and style.I can tell that Randy certainly enjoys studying soils, as his enthusiasm pours off the pages.Not only that, but he and his co-author clearly have the knowledge and background to put forth such a work.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in soils, but especially for a college-level text book for any soils-related course.

Very good resource for geographers
The subject matter is geared toward providing an understanding of soils and landforms from an earth systems perspective rather than agronomy. I'd buy this title over P. Birkeland's work, though I have both. Extensive bibliography.
Downside: given the technology now available for reproducing clear b/w photos, students and researchers deserve better. Don't soils have color as well?!

Great review
Book was delivered fast and I found it a good quality product. Would recommend purchasing from them again.

Easy to read - well written
It's hard to imagine a soils textbook that is an easy read, but this is it.The authors have a way of making dull material interesting.The writing style is very smooth and flows well.Kudos to them. ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published in 1989, Karst Geomorphology and Hydrology became the leading textbook on karst studies. This new textbook has been substantially revised and updated.

The first half of the book is a systematic presentation of the dissolution kinetics, chemical equilibria and physical flow laws relating to karst environments. It includes details of the many environmental factors that complicate their chemical evolution, with a critique of measurement of karst erosion rates. The second half of the book looks at the classification system for cave systems and the influence of climate and climatic change on karst development. The book ends with chapters on karst water resource management and a look at the important issues of environmental management, including environmental impact assessment, environmental rehabilitation, tourism impacts and conservation values. Practical application of karst studies are explained throughout the text. ... Read more

Book Description
This invaluable overview of fluvial geomorphology provides river engineers and managers, who may lack specialist training, with useful insights into, and understanding of, natural channel forms and fluvial processes.

Such information is a pre-requisite for carrying out environmental impact assessments and for developing environmentally sensitive design and management procedures to preserve riverine environments and restore degraded ones. Designing with nature is preferable to imposing hard engineering solutions as it sustains natural biodiversity and minimises costs. This book will also be a very useful teaching aid for students, both under- and post-graduate, studying civil engineering, environmental management or sciences, or geography who are looking to have a wider knowledge of new approaches to the subject.

Geomorphology requires the collection and consideration of a wide range of data, mostly field based but also including historical information such as archive documents and maps, which are outside the experience of most river engineers and managers. These data enable the current condition of the river to be explained, both locally and within the catchment, and establish historical changes and future trends. In addition, process studies have now identified many of the mechanisms controlling river moprhology which underpin the development of soft, bio-engineering, design procedures. The book incorporates material on methods and techniques of data collection, analysis and interpretation, making extensive use of case studies throughout.

Thus the experienced authors go some way towards demystifying applied fluvial geomorphology by demonstrating that, while there is still an element of judgement, major contributions to geomorphic understanding usually come from the careful assemblage and objective analysis of all available data and information.

... Read more

Book Description

About one-third of the Earths land surface experiences a desert climate, and this area supports approximately 15% of the planets population. This percentage continues to grow, and with this growth comes the need to acquire and apply an understanding of desert geomorphology. Such an understanding is vital in managing scarce and fragile resources and in mitigating natural hazards.