|
The rapid development of applied geomorphology is rooted in the improved scientific concepts and research methodologies. Three main fields of application can be distinguished: a) environmental studies, either related to a specific aspect (e.g. soils) or to the environment as a whole. b) Studies on Human Impact on Environment, either diffuse and possibly mild or concentrated and usually violent. C) Studies on Environmental Hazards for society, either of dogenous or exogenous origin but often related to human action. The time scale of of the studies decreases in this order. Emphasis is in varying degree on all major aspects of geomorphology such as relief forms, active, and dormant processes, materials, morphogenesis, and on interdisciplinary relations. In all cases the actuo context, the human context have to be considered in one way or another. The survey methodology and the use of (satellite) remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) varies with the subject. The examples given relate to an escarpment in Thailand, the lowlands along the north coast of Java (Indonesia) and the mountainous areas of the Colombian Andes respectively |
