Developments and Applications of Geomorphology

The last decade has seen a remarkable increase in the application of geomorphology for numerous projects and investigations. Geomor­ phology is now viewed as an indispensable partner of engineering and geology in the world of applied science. For a discipline with few independent theories of its own, geomorphology has become a cosmopolitan science, drawing on many topics from allied sciences. To compile a list of successful and viable applications and contribu­ tions would be an arduous chore, if not an impossible task. Instead we have compiled a set of invited papers that represent some of the practical developments and uses of geomorphology over the past de­ cade. Such a compilation of papers will reflect our own back­ grounds, biases, associations, and personal and professional expe­ riences. We make no apologies for the topics omitted, but recognize that this volume could be prohibitively large if all the subdivisions of geomorphology were equally and fully covered. Our goal in assembling the papers for this volume was to empha­ size the concepts, principles, and applications of geomorphology. While techniques, procedures and practical applications are stressed, the reason for each investigation is as important as the method em­ ployed. This book, therefore, represents the methods used and reasons for applying geomorphology. Where case studies are used, they serve as examples that can be applied in related situations, similar settings and other locations. The authors have successfully addressed this goal in a broad selection of chapter topics.

1 Remote Sensing Techniques for Geomorphologists.- The Nature of Remote Sensing.- Imaging Sensors.- Sensor Operation and Characteristics.- Large-Scale Photographic Techniques.- Thermal Infrared Imagery.- Small Scale Imagery and Regional Geomorphology.- Multi-Spectral Small Scale Imagery.- References.- 2 Computer Applications in Coastal Geomorphology.- Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.- Textural Analysis of Subsurface Coastal Sediments.- Subsurface Contouring.- Trend Surface Analysis.- Point Pattern Analysis.- Coastal Dune Management: A Quantitative Approach.- Conclusions.- References.- 3 Regional Long-Term and Localized Short-Term Coastal Environmental Geomorphology Inventories.- Long-Term Regional Studies.- Map and Aerial Photography.- Shoreline Changes.- Duneline Changes.- Inlet Changes.- Washover Changes.- Short-Term Regional Studies.- Sediment Changes.- Beach Profile Changes.- Short-Term Local Studies.- Shoreline Changes―Photogrammetric Analysis.- Meteorological-Hindcasting Analysis.- Wave Refraction Analysis.- Shorefront Construction―Environmental Impact.- Conclusions.- Summary Short-Term―Local Studies.- Summary Long-Term―Regional Studies.- References.- 4 Geomorphology and Public Policy.- Public Policy and Laws.- The Decision-Making Process.- Constraints That May Limit Action.- Money.- Space.- Conflict of Interest.- Time.- Avenues of Involvement.- Publications.- Government Work.- Industry.- Environmental Consulting Firms.- Special Interest Groups.- Classification of Public Policy.- Land Use Policy.- Natural Resources.- Urban Areas.- Geomorphology Case Histories.- Streamflow of Delaware and Susquehanna Basin Rivers.- Demoski v. State of New York.- Barnes v. State of New York.- South Shore, Long Island, New York.- St. Lawrence Valley, New York.- Jesse F. Howes v. State of New York.- Conclusions.- References.- 5 Geomorphology of Surface-Mined Lands in the Western United States.- General Environmental Setting.- Surface Mining in the West.- Regulation of Surface Mining.- Geomorphology of Surface-Mined Lands.- Geomorphic Processes and Work.- Surface-Mined Lands.- Active-Mining Geomorphology.- Post-Mining Geomorphology.- Surface-Mining of Uranium.- Reclamation of Uranium Tailings Disposal Sites.- Tailings Disposal Sites.- Reclamation of Shallow-Burial and Above-Grade Disposal Sites.- Geomorphological Considerations in Site Selection and Reclamation.- Conclusions.- References.- 6 Maps in Applied Geomorphology.- Commonly Used Maps in Applied Geomorphology.- Map Legend.- Map Units.- Map Symbols.- Map Scale.- Map Objectivity.- Maps for Applied Geomorphology, Engineering Geology, and Land-Use Planning.- Application of Quaternary Maps for Land-Use Decisions.- Sources of Information.- Interpretive Parameters.- Land-Use Limitation Maps.- Summary of Quaternary Map Applications.- References.- 7 Tectonic Geomorphology, Quaternary Chronology, and Paleoseismicity.- Quaternary Chronology.- Dating Techniques.- Carbon-14.- Uranium Series.- Fission Track.- Chemical Methods.- Weathering and Soil Development.- Quaternary Timescales.- Geomorphic Indicators of Tectonic Activity and Paleoseismicity.- Geomorphic Indices.- Process-Response Models in Tectonic Geomorphology.- Faulted Holocene Deposits.- Alluvial Fans.- Fault Scarp Morphology.- Terraces.- Landform Assemblage and Strike-Slip Faulting.- Neotectonics and the Earthquake Hazard.- Historic Geodetic and Seismic Data.- Low-Shake Versus High-Shake Faults and Earthquake Hazard.- References.- 8 Urban Hydrology and Sedimentation in the Humid Tropics.- Principles of Urban Hydrology and Sedimentation..- Hydrological Changes.- Sedimentological Changes.- Morphological Changes.- Some Characteristics of the Humid Tropics.- Urban Hydrology and Sedimentation in the Humid Tropics.- Flooding in the Cities of Humid Tropics.- Sedimentation Problems.- Channel Modification.- Flood and Sedimentation Problems from Urbanization in Singapore.- The Physical Environment.- The Urban Development.- Some Empirical Data on Sediment Production..- Flooding in Singapore.- Channel Modification.- Conclusions.- References.- 9 Physical Geomorphology of Debris Flows.- Origins and Types of Debris Flows.- Failure Mechanisms.- Characteristics of Flowing Debris.- Physics of Debris Flows.- Impact Force.- Shear Strength.- Viscosity.- The Coloumb-Viscous Model.- Dilatant Model.- Boulder Transport and Suspension of Solids.- Deposition of Debris Flows.- Differentiation of Water Floods and Debris Flows.- Field Evidence.- Sedimentological Evidence.- Vegetation Damage.- Gaging-Station Records.- Estimating the Discharge of Sediment-Bearing Flows..- Empirical Formulas.- Bulking Factors.- Superelevation of Flows Around Channel Bends and Runup.- Photographic Techniques.- Mitigation of Debris-Flow Hazards.- Avoidance of Hazardous Areas.- Control of Grading, Clearing, and Drainage.- Protective Structures.- Warning and Evacuation.- Further Research.- References.- 10 Fluvial Responses to Small Scale Climate Changes.- Flood Probabilities and Climate: An Example.- Fluvial Response to Vegetation Change.- Magnitudes of Climate Change.- Response of Sediment Yields to Holocene-Scale Climate Changes.- Response of Flood Magnitudes to Holocene Scale Climate Change.- Discussion.- References.- 11 Paleohydrologic Equations for Rivers.- Paleohydrological Misuses of Empirical Equations.- Procedure.- Equations and Methods.- Discussion.- Concluding Remarks.- References.