About the book
Geomorphology is concerned with the study of landforms and the processes responsible for their evolution. Despite the general interest of geomorphologists in the evolution of landscapes and landforms, past and recent, the development of studies applied to the anthropogenic interference in land surface processes that have occurred in recent centuries has shown a growing interest. The so-called Anthropocene revealed a significant impact of human activities on Earth’s systems, particularly increased with the industrial revolution and the II world war. These impacts were specifically profound on landforms and land-forming processes.
Despite the important contributions that occurred since the end of the 19th century, the post-war economic growth and the recent evolution of sciences and technologies allowed the increment of geomorphological research applied to the analysis of the anthropogenic impact on landforms, revealing an important and increasing community of researchers interested in using geomorphological knowledge and techniques in the resolution of societal problems and challenges.
Therefore, the objective of this book is to provide an outlook of the present research on Applied Geomorphology in different parts of the world, highlighting the main challenges mankind faces on this subject. The debate on future perspectives of anthropogenic impacts on the Earth surface and systems, the evolution of concepts on Applied Geomorphology, processes and landforms evaluation and modeling, recurring to recent technologies and methods, geomorphological hazard analysis, as well as strategies for landform conservation and promotion (for non-extractive and destructive activities, e.g. geotourism), are also objectives to pursuit on this book.
