APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY

Applied geomorphology is a field of science where the

research outcomes provide information geomorphic landforms
or processes that may be of concern to society, and where
relevant, provides solution to problems of geomorphic context.
Applied geomorphology examines geomorphic impacts that
affect society, as well as society impact on geomorphic forms
and processes.
The application of geomorphic knowledge to problem solving
spans all of the classic traditions of geomorphology and is use
for human-environmental solutions across a broad range of
geographic, including coastal shoreline erosion control,
landslide risk assessments, and dam related river management
issue.
 Continued
Resources, particularly maps, models, and
prediction tools, provided by applied
geomorphologist are useful to scientists, engineers,
consultants, and decision-makers involved with
hazards, land-use planning, natural resources,
environmental management, and global
environment change.
 Applied geomorphologist working independently
or serving on multidisciplinary advisory panels are
well positioned to influence public policy to the
benefit of society and the earth sciences.
 Continued
• There has been an increasing recognition of the practical
application of geomorphic principles and the findings of
geomorphological research to human beings who are
influenced by and, in turn, influenced the surface features of
the earth.
• Continuous increase in population has led to pressure on land
resources, extension of agriculture to hilly and marginal lands
resulted in man induced catastrophies like soil erosion,
landslides, sedimentation and floods.
• A proper interpretation of landforms throws light upon the
geologic history, structure, and lithology of a region.
• As geology becomes more specialized there is growing
possibility that the application of geomorphology to problems
of applied geology will be overlooked.
 Continued
The role of applied geomorphology relates
mainly to the problems of analyzing and
monitoring landscape forming processes that may
arise from human interference.
Human beings have over time tried to tame and
modify geomorphic/environmental processes to
suit their economic needs.
Geomorphology has diverse application over a
large area of human activity while
geomorphologist may serve more effectively the
need of society.
 Applied geomorphology types
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY
• 1) Hydrology of lime stone
• 2) Glaciated areas and ground water
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND MINERAL EXPLORATION
• 1) Surface expression of ore bodies
• 2) Weathering residues
• 3) Epigenetic minerals and unconformities
• 4) Placer deposits
• 5) Oil exploration
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND ENGINEERING WORKS
• 1) Road construction
• 2) Dam site selection
• 3) Location of sand and gravel pits
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GEOMORPHOLOGY AND MILITARY
GEOLOGY
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND REGIONAL
PLANNING
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND
URBANIZATION
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND COASTAL
ZONE MANAGEMENT
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND HAZARD
MANAGEMENT
 Other application of geomorphology
Some of the applications of geomorphic have
been used in applied geomorphology but there
are other fields where geomorphic knowledge
of terrain is more important.
Soil map
Topographic map
Air photographs and satellite imageries
Remote sensing
GIS