CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : De Boer, D.H.
Date : 1990
Title : Aspects of spatial scale in process geomorphology.
Publication : Unpublished Ph.D. dissertation. University of Alberta, Edmonton.
Issue :
Page(s) : 339 p
Abstract
Geomorphic systems possess a hierarchical structure. Every geomorphic system consists of smaller, lower-level systems, and is at the same time part of larger, higher-level systems. Insight into the aspects of spatial scale transference aids in focussing on those hierarchical levels dominating behaviour of the geomorphic system of interest. A literature review led to the formulation of a series of propositions concerning spatial scale transference in process gomorphology. Results of a field study of the effect of spatial scale on the rainfall-runoff relationship and sediment and solute dynamics in a series of semi-arid, ephemeral, badland drainage basins were used to test these propositions, and to deduce new ones. For the field study, the timescale of interest was that relevant to basin response to a single rainstorm. Results from the field study indicated that spatial scale transference between geomorphic systems of differing scales is restricted by morphological and functional cnstraints. Morphological constraints are caused by morphological elements existing in large-scale systems, but not at smaller scales. Functional constraints follow from the characteristics of the matter and energy flows in the systems of interest. The boundaries imposed upon spatial scale transference by morphological and functional constaints are fuzzy rather than sharp in character. Thus, the greater the scale difference between two geomorphic systems, the smaller the amount of information that can be extrapolated from the one to the other. From the viewpoint of a geomorphic system, when a system 'looks' at systems of smaller and larger scales, the amount of detail and information the system 'sees' decreases with distance. Nevertheless, certain prominent features may continue to stand out even at a considerable distance. Furthermore, geomorphic systems of differing scales may be similar in some aspects while being dissimilar in others. Certain facets of large-scale geomorphic systems may hence be studied at a smaller scale, but others will have to be investigated at the scale of the geomorphic system of interest.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology