Essentials of Geomorphology

Essentials of Geomorphology is an introductory textbook covering the latest research on landforms, both on Earth as well as on planets and moons. This easy-to-read, non-quantitative textbook hones in on the knowledge of leading experts in the field, and presents the practicality, applications and necessity of geomorphology. Replete with beautiful color figures and photographs, it contains in-depth discussions on fluvial and glacial geomorphology while also covering topics such as planetary geomorphology, biogeomorphology, Earth history and climate change, and periglacial systems. Descriptive, but also process-driven, it is intended for readers interested in physical landscapes, regardless of their previous background or level of training in geography or geology. To this end, it only includes the basic mathematics needed to understand the concepts presented.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements; Preface; 1. Introduction to geomorphology Richard Marston and Randall Schaetzl; 2. History and foundations of geomorphology Randall Schaetzl and Bruce Rhoads; 3. Dating methods in geomorphology Randall Schaetzl; 4. Climate change throughout earth history Thomas Stevens; 5. Geomorphology's resisting framework: minerals, rocks, and biota Gregory A. Pope; 6. Tectonics and mountain building Lewis A. Owen and Warren D. Huff; 7. Landforms on volcanic and plutonic rocks Warren D. Huff and Lewis A. Owen; 8. Landforms on horizontal and weakly dipping rocks Randall Schaetzl; 9. Landforms developed on folded rocks Kevin J. Patrick, J. Steven Kite and Randall Schaetzl; 10. Landforms on faulted rocks Ronald I. Dorn, Phillip H. Larson and Ara Jeong; 11. Weathering Heather A. Viles and Randall Schaetzl; 12. Karst and landforms of dissolution Jo De Waele; 13. Soils and paleosols Randall Schaetzl; 14. Mass movements and slope processes Markus Stoffel; 15. Surface water, drainage basins, and sediment transport D. J. Faulkner and L. Allan James; 16. Landforms of fluvial erosion and deposition L. Allan James, D. J. Faulkner and Randall Schaetzl; 17. Coastal processes and landforms Ethan Theuerkauf; 18. Glacial systems Patrick M. Colgan; 19. Glacial sediments and landforms Randall Schaetzl and Patrick M. Colgan; 20. Periglacial processes and landforms Stephen A. Wolfe; 21. Eolian processes, deposits, landforms, and systems Stephen A. Wolfe and Randall Schaetzl; 22. Biogeomorphology David R. Butler; 23. Planetary geomorphology Devon M. Burr; Glossary; References; Index.

Review :
'A clear and engaging introduction to geomorphology that will appeal to both beginners and experienced Earth science readers.' Faran Ali, University of Northern British Columbia 'Essentials of Geomorphology represents a remarkable achievement. Written by a team of the world's leading specialists, the volume provides a balanced treatment of theory, application, and illustration for all major geomorphological subfields and process regimes. The result is both comprehensive and cohesive, approachable and erudite. The volume will be an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals for years to come.' Mike Daniels, University of Denver 'Essentials of Geomorphology is a readable geomorphology textbook that does not sacrifice thoroughness. The authors skillfully construct conceptual bridges between key foundational concepts and advanced ideas that make the content applicable to a range of learners, with differing levels of expertise and disciplinary backgrounds. Engaging, high-quality photographs of landscapes and landforms are consistently paired in the same figure with equally high-quality diagrams that help reveal and explain the processes behind the scenery and help train the 'geomorphologist's eye.' These are just a few of Essentials' many outstanding qualities that are sure to make it the 'go to' choice for anyone teaching geomorphology.' Lisa Davis, University of Alabama 'This is the perfect textbook to introduce geomorphology. It clearly, simply, and thoroughly illustrates and explains landform development. There are many photos and diagrams that show the landscapes and landforms being discussed, and the graphics clearly illustrate how those same landforms develop over time. It is accessible and readable, and it provides simple explanations for complex topics. What a great textbook!' Donald A. Friend, Minnesota State University 'Essentials of Geomorphology is an accessible and visually rich volume that offers a comprehensive introduction to Earth surface processes. Authored by 22 leading geomorphologists, it supports diverse pedagogic approaches with clarity and rigor. Schaetzl and Marston have developed a compelling resource for survey- or topically focused courses. Its 800+ color graphics enhance understanding, making it an invaluable resource for educators, students, and general readers alike.' Francis A. Galgano, Villanova University 'Essentials of Geomorphology is accessible, beautifully illustrated, and thorough – a first-choice textbook for geomorphology classes and personal reference. Schaetzl and Marston, both highly respected geomorphologists, and their outstanding, international team of contributing authors are clearly superb teachers, too. I applaud their engaging, direct writing style and the abundance of excellent illustrations.' Carol Harden, University of Tennessee 'The breadth and depth of the book distinguishes it from others… the most comprehensive geomorphology text of the past 25 years. Topics span the discipline, and include chapters on Earth's internal influences on landforms as well as planetary geomorphology. Indeed, in addition to including stand-alone chapters on specific topics within geomorphology (e.g., coastal, fluvial, etc....), the book contains five chapters on structural and lithologic drivers to landscape evolution. This attention to integrating 'core' Earth science concepts within a modern process-driven framework assures that the text is equally useful to geomorphology education in both Geology and Physical Geography programs. The book is ideal for upper-division undergraduate courses in geomorphology, as well as focused graduate-level courses… The assembled collection of expert authors ensures that each chapter represents the state-of-the-science. And the extensive editorial experience of Schaetzl and Marston provides consistency in presentation style…, essential to effective instruction.' Paul Hudson, Leiden University 'This pioneering textbook presents a sophisticated synthesis of traditional and contemporary geomorphological paradigms, emphasizing the dynamic processes that have sculpted our planet and beyond. It offers a thorough analysis of climate variability throughout Earth's geological history, underscores the critical role of biotic agents in shaping the surface, and investigates extraterrestrial landforms, providing profound insights into planetary geomorphology.' Daehyun Kim, Seoul National University '… an outstanding textbook, providing a truly comprehensive overview of the field of geomorphology… the structure and presentation of the chapters make it accessible for students from an introductory level to professionals in the field. What stands out from this textbook compared to others is the inclusion of chapters dedicated to Earth's climatic history, feedbacks between landforms and plants and animals, numerous chapters on landforms in different geologic landscapes, and planetary geomorphology. The detailed figures clearly illustrate complex geomorphic processes… the exhaustive glossary of key concepts and terminology… a one-stop resource for understanding geomorphic processes and how landscapes develop and change through time. The textbook is impressive in that it includes contributions from over 20 world-renowned experts in the field…, yet each chapter is excellently written in the same clear narrative... I am excited to adopt this textbook for my undergraduate and graduate courses on geomorphology.' Kory Konsoer, Louisiana State University 'I didn't think it was possible to write a geomorphology book that is both comprehensive and readable to the non-expert, but Schaetzl and Marston, along with many co-authors, have done just that. I see this as the standard text and reference book for many years.' Jeffrey A. Lee, Texas Tech University 'Kudos to Schaetzl and Marston for providing the geomorphic community with a textbook that is exceptionally comprehensive in scope yet rich in detail. Each chapter has a nicely balanced writing style that makes the book intellectually attractive for a mid-level undergraduate class, yet it can also serve as an important research reference for graduate students.' Frank Magilligan, Dartmouth College 'Authors Schaetzl and Marston, along with a strong cast of contributors, have created a richly illustrated and approachable geomorphology text that is an important contribution to the discipline. This book will find a useful home in introductory courses for both non-science and science majors interested in the Earth's surface and its processes. Intermediate and even advanced students of the discipline will appreciate the complete descriptive coverage provided across 23 chapters. I recommend this as an addition to your shelves.' Doug Miller, Penn State University 'Essentials of Geomorphology is an engaging text inviting professionals, students, and citizen scientists into a critical field with deep relevancy and applications for understanding our surface world. With contributions from leading Earth scientists in the discipline, this textbook is written in an easy style with straightforward illustrations and thoughtful dialogue.' Amalie Jo Orme, California State University, Northridge 'In Essentials of Geomorphology, Schaetzl and Marston bring together experts in geomorphology, including their own expertise, to provide a comprehensive overview of how our planet's landforms have formed and evolved. The book is nicely illustrated, with an approachable writing style for the beginning student and the level of detail required for the advanced student. This book serves as a great resource for students studying our diverse landscapes.' Mark Sweeney, University of South Dakota 'Essentials of Geomorphology by Schaetzl and Marston is a modern and up-to-date introductory textbook with thoughtful organization, including chapters on the history and development of the fields of geomorphology, biogeomorphology, and planetary geomorphology that are seldom included in similar textbooks. The figures and diagrams are clear and add to the understanding of the text, as do the review questions for each chapter. The contributing authors are well respected in the field and provide an extra level of detail to each chapter.' Gregory Vandeberg, University of North Dakota