Geomorphology is the study of Earth’s landforms created by mostly physical processes, including physical or chemical changes and those changes influenced by biological processes, including land use.

Geomorphology, the discipline which analyzes the history and nature of the earth’s surface, deals with the landforms produced by erosion, weathering, deposition, transport and tectonic processes. In recent decades there have been major developments in the discipline and these are reflected in this major encyclopedia.

Weathering, mass wasting, erosion and deposition are exogenic geomorphic processes. These exogenic processes are dealt with in detail in this chapter. Any exogenic element of nature (like water, ice, wind, etc.,) capable of acquiring and transporting earth materials can be called a geomorphic agent.

Having its derivation from Greek words, γεω (Earth), μορφη (morph/form), and λογοϛ (discuss), geomorphology literally means “a discussion on Earth’s form.” Hence, it is the study of various features that are found on the Earth, such as mountains, hills, plains, rivers, moraines, cirques, sand dunes, beaches, spits, etc …

Geomorphologists can find career opportunities within engineering consulting firms, federal and state government agencies, environmental consulting firms and oil and gas companies.

Fluvial geomorphology is the study of the interactions between the physical shapes of rivers, their water and sediment transport processes, and the landforms they create. Rivers include sediment and debris as well as water; and as they flow, they apply force on, and release material to, the landscapes around them.

To become a fluvial geomorphologist who works in research and university teaching positions a PhD in Geology or Environmental Science is needed. Fluvial geomorphologists must also complete continuing education throughout their careers in order to keep their skills current stay up to date with advancements in the field.

Fluvial processes overview Primarily vertical erosion, through attrition, abrasion and hydraulic action.

Introduction. Fluvial systems are dominated by rivers and streams. Stream erosion may be the most important geomporphic agent. Fluvial processes sculpt the landscape, eroding landforms, transporting sediment, and depositing it to create new landforms.

The four main types of river erosion are abrasion, attrition, hydraulic action and solution. Abrasion is the process of sediments wearing down the bedrock and the banks.

1 : of, relating to, or living in a stream or river. 2 : produced by the action of a stream a fluvial plain.

Fluvial, or riverine flooding, occurs when excessive rainfall over an extended period of time causes a river to exceed its capacity. It can also be caused by heavy snow melt and ice jams. Overbank flooding occurs when water rises overflows over the edges of a river or stream.

: of, relating to, formed in, living in, or growing in lakes lacustrine deposits lacustrine faunas.

1a : dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments … forced to earn a precarious living as a door-to-door salesman.— Peter Ackroyd Their wealth was precarious, liable to be seized by the sultan if they fell from favour …—

Some common synonyms of precarious are dangerous, hazardous, perilous, and risky.

adjective. If your situation is precarious, you are not in complete control of events and might fail in what you are doing at any moment.