Geomorphology is what is science? Basics and elements of geomorphology

Do you know that he studies geomorphology? From its very name you can guess about it. However, a detailed definition can not be derived from it. Meanwhile, geomorphology is the science of the origin, structure, modern dynamics and history of the development of the surface relief of our planet. Thus, the object of study in it is the relief. That's what geomorphology is. The definition given above will be explained in detail in this article.

What is relief?

Define the key concept. The relief that geomorphology studies is the totality of all the irregularities of the Earth's surface, different in age, origin, size, shape and history of development. It can be said that this is a complex of forms that have a particular geological structure that are affected by the hydrosphere, atmosphere and internal forces of our planet. The study of the relief is therefore impossible if one does not have a clear idea of the properties and composition of the rocks composing it. In addition, you need to know the processes that affect it.

Earth's crust

Knowledge of the features of the earth's crust is important for understanding what geomorphology is studying. We will also talk about it. The Earth's crust (namely, the upper part of it and forms a relief) is constantly changing. It is influenced by forces that are caused by the processes taking place in the hydrosphere and atmosphere. The Earth's crust is a product of endogenous (deep) processes that take place in the bowels of our planet. A variety of changes are experiencing a relief. They occur under the influence of all these processes. What does the earth's crust consist of? It is formed by metamorphic, sedimentary and magmatic rocks. They react differently to the internal and external forces that affect them.

Features of the relief

The dead organic mass and living organisms exert a great influence on the features of the relief, on its formation. This effect can be either direct, when specific biogenic geological bodies or relief forms are created , or indirectly, when the chemical and physical properties of the rocks of the water and air envelopes of the Earth change . Note that the very relief of our planet, which is a set of surfaces that have significant deviations, then almost horizontal, affects geomorphological processes. For example, in the lowland plains and in the mountains they flow in different ways.

Relief hypsometry

Let's introduce one more concept - the hypsometry of the relief. This is the position of a certain portion of the Earth's surface relative to the sea level. It also has an effect on relief formation, often causing processes that can not occur at another hypsometric level. Let us give an example. In today's climate, glaciers can occur in equatorial, tropical and temperate zones only in high mountains. A number of processes are observed only at the bottom of oceanic and deep sea depressions.

The term "relief" can be clarified on the basis of what has been said. Relief is an object of studying geomorphology, it is the totality of all geometric forms of a given surface that are formed as a result of the interaction of the earth's crust with the biological, air and water envelopes of the planet.

Relief forming processes

Since the earth's crust participates in this interaction, and we are talking about the irregularities of its surface, it is difficult to imagine the relief without knowing the internal structure of the forms that form it. Relief-forming processes are diverse and interact with each other. However, in them the force of gravity always participates, as one of the main components. Therefore, the slope of the surface is also one of the most important characteristics of the relief in geomorphology. In addition, the "set" and intensity of manifestation of various external agents, the force of gravity are determined precisely by the hypsometry of the relief.

Relations geomorphology with the sciences that are part of the geographical cycle

So, the relief is a product of geological development, but at the same time a component of the geographical landscape. This position of the object of the science of interest speaks of the need for its close links with such branches of knowledge as physical geography and geology. Geomorphology, however, is not only connected with them. And soon you will find out why.

As we have already said, geomorphology is a science that studies relief. It is worth noting that in the structure of the Earth it occupies a special place. The fact is that the relief is both the interface and the interaction surface of the shells of our planet: the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, the lithosphere and the biosphere. At the same time, it is a component of the geographical environment. Consequently, its study can be most fruitful only if it is considered in interaction with the other constituents of the geographical environment. Therefore, geomorphology is a science that has a particularly close connection with physical geography, as well as with other sciences that are part of the geographic cycle.

Historicity of geomorphology

Another characteristic feature of it is its historicity. Geomorphology is a science that strives to determine the sequence of events that occurred on Earth, which led to the emergence of a modern relief. In his cognition, this science uses the achievements of geology, geography, and many other disciplines related to the natural-historical cycle. In particular, since the Earth is a planet, geomorphology refers to such sciences as cosmogony and astronomy. In matters of the state, composition, structure of matter, which participates in the formation of various forms of relief, it uses the achievements of chemistry and physics.

Types of geomorphology

Geomorphology today is a fairly branched science. It is divided into areas of knowledge, industry, scientific directions, parts. Geomorphology has many methods of investigation. This science solves both applied and fundamental problems.

All the diversity of forms of scientific activity is united by the fact that all parts of geomorphology are engaged in studying the relief, its age, origin, evolution, mutual influence and its relationship with other properties and elements of the endogenous and exogenous nature of the Earth.

The types of geomorphology include the following:

• General geomorphology;
• Historical (paleogeomorphology);
• Dynamic;
• Planetary;
• Regional;
• Field;
• Mathematical;
• Experimental;
• Remote;
• Geomorphological cartography;
• Geomorphology of the bottom of the oceans and seas;
• Land geomorphology.

In this science there is a special section in which relief formation is studied in its interaction with the climate. This section is called climatic geomorphology. Sculptural relief, as scientists have found, has a clear climatic zoning.

The practical side of geomorphology

The purpose of studying this science from a practical point of view is to understand the laws on which the relief develops, and on this basis in the use of the revealed regularities in practical activity.

Geomorphology is needed in the field of hydraulic structures and land improvement. The construction of irrigation canals in arid regions, and in the wetlands - the meliorative network requires careful study of the relief. Its features also need to be known when building hydropower plants in the mountains and on the plains. The creation of communication lines and road construction is also carried out with reliance on this science.

Its achievements are used in the planning of large farms, towns and cities. Let us give an example. The city of Divnogorsk is on a slope, so the rainwater flows down into the Yenisei, and the slope dries quickly. Geomorphological map is used when planning various settlements. It shows the structure of the surface, presents the components of the relief, the spatial location and the nature of its forms. Depending on the characteristics of the relief, the location of residential quarters, economic and industrial enterprises, and the direction of the highways are determined. No less important is its study in the organization of water supply to large industrial enterprises and settlements.

Geological, topographic, botanical, soil surveys also begin with the study of the relief. Hydrogeological and hydrological surveys are also conducted with reliance on it.

Geomorphology plays a very large role in organizing the defense of the state. The commanders of different peoples and times have long reckoned on their campaigns, taking into account the peculiarities of the relief. Modern military science, too, pays them proper attention.

It is necessary not only to know the types and forms of relief existing today, but also to anticipate the likely changes in the surface of our planet in the future under the influence of various processes. This is especially true, for example, when building high-rise buildings on uneven ground or when constructing seaports.

Geomorphology and mineral prospecting

Analysis of the history of development and features of the relief is an effective way of searching for various natural resources. Therefore, the elements of geomorphology in this area are very much in demand. For example, placer deposits of diamonds, gold and other valuable minerals are usually associated with an ancient and modern river network, as river streams blurred the outcrops of gold-bearing rocks for a long time and collected heavy minerals in alluvial terraces. In addition, iron ores and bauxites are often found on ancient alignment surfaces. Deposits of coal, gas and oil are usually confined to certain tectonic structures. These structures in many areas are reflected in the shapes of the surface of our planet, so the deposits of these minerals help to discover the analysis of the relief.

Basic facts from the history of the development of geomorphology

The relief of the Earth's surface is one of the most important conditions for man's economic activity, his very existence. Information about him, of course, accumulated from the early stages of the emergence and development of society. However, the very concept of "geomorphology" did not appear immediately. As a scientific discipline, it began to take shape only in the late 18th - early 19th century. It is closely connected with geology, so it began to develop after it. It was to this time that the first works on the conditions for the development and appearance of the relief of the Earth's surface refer.

In 1763, the work "On the layers of the earth" by MV Lomonosov appeared ( his portrait is presented above). In it he first expressed the idea that the relief develops as a result of the interaction of various exogenous and endogenous forces. It is this idea that lies today in the basis of geomorphological science.

At the end of the 19th century, the works of Pavlov, Penk, and Richthofen appear, in which ideas about the structure of the Earth's surface and the origin of the relief accumulated by predecessors are systematized, and attempts are also being made to classify it. With the names of V. Penk, the German researcher, and V. Davis, the American scientist, the appearance of the first general geomorphological concepts is connected, the separation of this science into an independent branch of knowledge.

Geomorphology today

In recent years, both in our country and in Western Europe, much attention has been paid to the development of geomorphology. On the one hand, researchers pay attention to the relationship between geological structures and the shape of the relief (they are studied by structural geomorphology), and on the other, they are interested in exogenous geomorphological processes (dynamic and climatic geomorphology). Paleogeomorphology, that is, the study of the ancient relief, is also given great attention. This, of course, is only the main directions of its modern development.

Now you know that the science of geomorphology is studying, the basic concepts associated with it, the directions and history of development, we also considered. And also noted that it is very important both from the theoretical and from the practical point of view. The basics of geomorphology presented in this article, we hope you will find it useful.