Landform - Structure, Evolution, Process Control

The landform is the boundary surface between atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, pedosphere and lithosphere, where life on earth is located. Processes in this surface system depend to a large extent on thespatial characteristics and the configurational status of the system components. Empirical field studies show that most landform components at all spatial scales are associated and form structures. This means that processes of landform evolution and landform change are more likely to generate structured associations than randomly shaped surfaces. Landform structure is a crucial parameter for processes acting on this boundary surface and hence for the spatial differentiation of all geofactors. For the first time landform research is highlighted from various different disciplines in one book including Physical Geography (incl. Geomorphology, Ecology, Remote Sensing, Hydrology, Climatology), Meteorology, Geoinformatics, Cartography, and Computer Science. The book combines introductory/overview papers and case studies. The case studies present various new approaches towards a better understanding of the role of landform as a boundary surface. Additionally, new methods of handling, modelling and visualisation of landform data (incl. digital elevation models, weather forecasting models, hydrological models, and ecological models) are presented.