Global Geomorphology

By Michael A. Summerfield

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0582301564
• ISBN13: 9780582301566
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 3.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.5" x 10.6"

Customer Reviews

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!

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.