Geomorphic Responses to Climatic Change

Climatic change and tectonics are two of the most current and intensively studied topics in geomorphology (and paleontology) today. In this volume, the first of a two volume set, the response of landscapes to climatic change is discussed in light of the author's research over the past decade. Professor Bull first presents conceptual models for changing landscapes, then tests and develops concepts in a topical approach, using as his base his extensive experience in the Middle East, western North America, and New Zealand. The basic topics of climate and paleoclimatology, vegetation, soils genesis, and geochronology are discussed in each chapter as essential background and to assess the responses of geomorphic processes to climatic change. Descriptions of present climates are compared with paleoclimatic inferences. Geomorphic thresholds, feedback mechanisms, and response times to perturbations are common themes in the book, which is written primarily for graduate students and researchers.