Tectonic Geomorphology

Tectonic geomorphology is the study of the interplay between tectonic and surface processes that shape the landscape in regions of active deformation and at time scales ranging from days to millions of years. Tectonics is the branch of geology relating to the structure of the Earths crust and the large-scale processes which take place within it. The field of tectonic geomorphology is in a state of tension. The widespread availability of high-quality, high-resolution digital topographic data encourages the development of simple morphological `tools which can be used to comprehend recent tectonic evolution. Meanwhile, process geomorphologists recognize that current models have a noteworthy empirical basis, and lack insight into the underlying physics of erosion processes. Most tectonic geomorphology research is concerned with rivers, but glaciers, debris flows and hill slope processes also play a key role in hypotheses linking climate to tectonics, through surface processes, while submarine geomorphology has hardly been investigated in a tectonic context. Over the past decade, recent advances in the quantification of both rates and the physical basis of tectonic and surface processes have underpinned an explosion of new research in the field of tectonic geomorphology. Modern tectonic geomorphology is an exceptionally integrative field that utilizes techniques and data derived from studies of geomorphology, seismology, geochronology, structure, geodesy, stratigraphy, meteorology and Quaternary science. This book entitled Tectonic Geomorphology focuses on the current understanding of the dynamic interplay between surface processes and active tectonics. As it ranges from the timescales of individual earthquakes to the growth and decay of mountain belts. Syntheses of recent and earlier works, combined with new results and interpretations, are illustrated for varied tectonic settings. Most of chapters contain up-to-date materials of comprehensive geological-geophysical investigations, which can help more clearly understand the essence of mechanisms of different tectonic processes. General problems of tectonics are discussed and the approaches required for further progress have been outlined. Over the past several decades, significant advancements in digital tools and dating techniques including increased quality and accessibility of high-resolution digital topographic data, and innovation and refinement of geochronology, low-temperature thermochronolgy, and surface dating, has led to an explosion of high quality tectonic geomorphology research. Moreover, field and GIS-based studies are increasingly paired with sophisticated numerical models to explore landscape evolution, geodynamics, structural, and time-temperature histories from the scale of individual faults and folds, to mountain ranges, or entire orogens. In this book we solicit contributions that address this subject, particularly those integrating multiple methods and applying innovative approaches. Tectonic Geomorphology will be of valuable for upper-level undergraduate and graduate earth science students and for practicing geologists and engineers because it applies concepts taught in geochemistry, sedimentology, seismology, soils genesis, stratigraphy, structural geology, and tectonics courses in an interdisciplinary manner that has obvious environmental applications.