Open AccessThe role of geomorphology in the Quaternary
Author(s) -
David R. Bridgland
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
memoirs of the geological society of london
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.79
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 2041-4722
pISSN - 0435-4052
DOI - 10.1144/m58-2021-14
Subject(s) - quaternary , geology , quaternary science , glacial period , sequence (biology) , sedimentary rock , shore , karst , river terraces , sea level , paleontology , earth science , geomorphology , physical geography , fluvial , oceanography , geography , genetics , structural basin , biology
The advances in understanding of Quaternary geomorphology in the latter half of the twentieth century were closely linked with the improved knowledge of Quaternary climatic fluctuation, principally derived from isotopic evidence from ocean and ice cores. An important goal was finding terrestrial sedimentary records that can be correlated with the globally applicable isotopic sequence. From a geomorphological viewpoint, river terraces are paramount, particularly since they can provide semi-continuous sequences that record palaeoclimate and landscape evolution throughout the Quaternary, as well as the interaction of rivers with glaciation, sea-level change and notable geomorphological events. In coastal areas, shoreline terraces and raised beaches can provide similar sequences. The chapter discusses the progress made in understanding these archives and, in particular, the various mechanisms for dating and correlation, as well as touching upon contributions from other environments, namely slopes and karstic systems, as well as the role of soils in deciphering geomorphological evidence.