Integration of Computer Modeling and Field Observations in Geomorphology Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium 2000

About this book

The integration of classic field-gathered data with new computer models has allowed many new advances in geomorphology, which the "31st Binghamton Millennium Symposium 2000" presents in this latest of the well-known "Binghamton" book series, the "Integration of Computer Modeling and Field Observations in Geomorphology". Conceptual models have been most commonly inferred from analyses of topography and investigator perspectives derived from fieldwork. The main stumbling blocks to understanding surface processes, their interactions, temporal changes, and resulting landforms are the difficulty of observation, geological timescales involved, spatial-scale dependencies, and the inability to attribute differences to either process or age.Physically based computer models have thus become essential tools, primarily because of their ability to explore spatial and temporal trends and to determine the sensitivity of physical inputs to change without the difficulties of identification and generalization associated with the complexity of field studies. Thus, the combination of both methods, or the integration of field methods with computer modeling become a very powerful mechanism for robust understanding.This new book presents topics on fluvial processes of overland and channelized flow in arid, humid, and periglacial areas of high and low relief, as well as work on interlinked biogeographic and geomorphic fluctuations in alpine terrain, and ground penetrating radar of coastal geomorphology. Issues of long-term evolution of drainage networks are addressed in natural systems, as well as stream-table environments, and terrain analyses characterize surficial and subsurface geomorphic features by using GIS and remote sensing. Botanical and biogeomorphologic controls of landforms are assessed, along with issues of scientific visualization, cartographic representation, DEMs, spatial analyses, and scale dependencies.

Contents

1. A perspective on computer modeling and fieldwork (J.F. Shroder, Jr., M.P. Bishop). 2. Lateral flow routing into a wetland: field and model perspectives (T.N. Brown, C.A. Johnston, K.R. Cahow). 3. A smoothed-particle hydrodynamic automaton of landform degradation by overland flow (M. Bursik, B. Martinez-Hackert et al.). 4. Modeling runoff and runon in a desert shrubland ecosystem, Jornada Basin, New Mexico (D.A. Howes, A.D. Abrahams). 5. Evaluation of bed load transport formulae using field evidence from the Vedder River, British Columbia (Y. Martin). 6. Channel response to tectonic forcing: field analysis of stream morphology and hydrology in the Mendocino triple junction region, northern California (N.P. Snyder, K.X. Whipple et al.). 7. Mapping, modeling, and visualization of the influences of geomorphic processes on the alpine treeline ecotone, Glacier National Park, MT, USA (S.J. Walsh, D.R. Butler et al.). 8. Modeling large-scale fluvial erosion in geographic information systems (D.P. Finlayson, D.R. Montgomery). 9. Ground penetrating radar: 2-D and 3-D subsurface imaging of a coastal barrier spit, Long Beach, WA, USA (H.M. Jol, D.C. Lawton, D.G. Smith). 10. Drainage basin evolution in the Rainfall Erosion Facility: dependence on initial conditions (J.D. Pelletier). 11. Editorial Board.

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