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Essentials of Geomorphology

Essentials of Geomorphology

Essentials of Geomorphology

Randall Schaetzl , Michigan State University
Richard Marston , Kansas State University
October 2025
Paperback
9781108748728
c.
$64.99
USD
Paperback

    Essentials of Geomorphology is an introductory textbook covering the latest research on landforms, both on Earth as well as on planets and moons. This easy-to-read, non-quantitative textbook hones in on the knowledge of leading experts in the field, and presents the practicality, applications, and necessity of geomorphology. Replete with beautiful color figures and photographs, it contains in-depth discussions on fluvial and glacial geomorphology while also covering topics such as planetary geology, biogeomorphology, Earth history and climate change, and periglacial systems. Descriptive, but also process-driven, it is intended for readers interested in physical landscapes, regardless of their previous background or level of training in geography or geology. To this end, it only includes the basic mathematics needed to understand the concepts presented.

    • Covers a wide range of topics, such as Biogeomorphology and Planetary Geology
    • Written in plain, readable language that is easy to absorb, making it suitable for an introductory to intermediate audience. Includes a helpful glossary of key terms and definitions
    • Includes some quantitative material for the more advanced students, providing a balanced approach
    • Written by well-regarded researchers and experts with in-depth knowledge of their disciplines, ensuring high-quality, authoritative content
    • Beautiful figures and images that will entice students, enhancing understanding

    Product details

    October 2025
    Paperback
    9781108748728
    475 pages
    280 × 216 mm
    Not yet published - available from October 2025

    Table of Contents

    • Acknowledgements
    • Preface
    • 1. Introduction to geomorphology Richard Marston and Randall Schaetzl
    • 2. History and foundations of geomorphology Randall Schaetzl and Bruce Rhoads
    • 3. Dating methods in geomorphology Randall Schaetzl
    • 4. Climate change throughout earth history Thomas Stevens
    • 5. Geomorphology's resisting framework: minerals, rocks, and biota Gregory A. Pope
    • 6. Tectonics and mountain building Lewis A. Owen and Warren D. Huff
    • 7. Landforms on volcanic and plutonic rocks Warren D. Huff and Lewis A. Owen
    • 8. Landforms on horizontal and weakly dipping rocks Randall Schaetzl
    • 9. Landforms developed on folded rocks Kevin J. Patrick, J. Steven Kite and Randall Schaetzl
    • 10. Landforms on faulted rocks Ronald I. Dorn, Phillip H. Larson and Ara Jeong
    • 11. Weathering Heather A. Viles and Randall Schaetzl
    • 12. Karst and landforms of dissolution Jo De Waele
    • 13. Soils and paleosols Randall Schaetzl
    • 14. Mass movements and slope processes Markus Stoffel
    • 15. Surface water, drainage basins, and sediment transport D. J. Faulkner and L. Allan James
    • 16. Landforms of fluvial erosion and deposition L. Allan James, D. J. Faulkner and Randall Schaetzl
    • 17. Coastal processes and landforms Ethan Theuerkauf
    • 18. Glacial systems Patrick M. Colgan
    • 19. Glacial sediments and landforms Randall Schaetzl and Patrick M. Colgan
    • 20. Periglacial processes and landforms Stephen A. Wolfe
    • 21. Eolian processes, deposits, landforms, and systems Stephen A. Wolfe and Randall Schaetzl
    • 22. Biogeomorphology David R. Butler
    • 23. Planetary geomorphology Devon M. Burr
    • Glossary
    • References
    • Index.
      Contributors
    • Richard Marston, Randall Schaetzl, Bruce Rhoads, Thomas Stevens, Gregory A. Pope, Lewis A. Owen, Warren D. Huff, Kevin J. Patrick, J. Steven Kite, Ronald I. Dorn, Phillip H. Larson, Ara Jeong, Heather A. Viles, Jo De Waele, Markus Stoffel, D. J. Faulkner, L. Allan James, Ethan Theuerkauf, Patrick M. Colgan, Stephen A. Wolfe, David R. Butler, Devon M. Burr

    • Authors
    • Randall Schaetzl , Michigan State University

      Randall Schaetzl is a soil geomorphologist whose work spans the disciplines of geography, soils, geology, and Earth science. Many know him by virtue of his best-selling textbook Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology (Second Edition, 2015, Cambridge University Press). His work on soils, loess, and glacial geology has earned him the title of University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University. Both the Geological Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America have rewarded him with the distinction of Fellow status. That said, he derives his greatest joy from teaching, and especially, from being in the field with students.

    • Richard Marston , Kansas State University

      Richard Marston is a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences at Kansas State University. He is a geomorphologist specializing in human effects on landform stability, including the effects of mining, wildfires, deforestation and reforestation, grazing, agriculture, river regulations, and military maneuvers. He has been appointed a Fellow in the American Association of Geographers (2017), American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006), Geological Society of America (1997), The Explorers Club (1995), and Royal Geographical Society (1991). He has been awarded Distinguished Career Awards by the Geomorphology and Mountain Geography specialty groups of the American Association of Geographers. Kansas State University has established the Marston Earth Systems Science (MESS) Lab for physical geography research.