Let's now turn our attention beyond Hong Kong and look at some 'big picture' principles of geomorphology. Our next reading is a simple, broad introduction to the science of geomorphology. It is short and is not specifically about Hong Kong, it helps you to connect your growing ideas to other places. This is most important in earth science, which is, after all, about planet earth.
Reading
http://www.answers.com/topic/geomorphology?cat=technology
There are several short introductions to geomorphology collected at this URL, but I want you to read the first one, from The Science of Everyday Things.
Geomorphology is about the shape of the earth's surface. Interactions between global systems of atmosphere and the earth's surface (lithosphere) are what make the shape of our planet.
I hope you noticed the following points in particular:
- How the science of geomorphology is defined and explained. Note the emphasis on a study of the earth's surface features.
- How the geomorphology has developed as a science over the years.
- How geomorphology is related to many other branches of science such as oceanography, geophysics and volcanology.
- In the section titled 'Shaping the Earth', the article identifies some key process that shape landforms. Four of these feature strongly in Hong Kong:
- weathering
- slopes
- water flows
- coasts.
- The article also notes that humans can be big factors in the earth's geomorphological system. This is strongly evident in Hong Kong. But humans must (and do) try to work within the geomorphological system.
- 1731 reads
