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In this essay, I attempt to chronicle and assess the position of climatology in American geography during the past one hundred years with emphasis on the role of papers published in the Annals. The approach I take is influenced by my interest in the decline of physical geography, including climatology, beginning in the last half of the 1800s ( ) to its resurgence in the 1950s and 1960s, and reviews of the climatology literature that have appeared recently (e.g., ). I discuss climatology in American geography in three loosely defined periods. The first is the formative era in which physical geography, including climatology, was a dominant part of our discipline, and physical geographical conditions such as climate were considered determinants of human affairs. In the middle (regional) era, the physical geographic environment, including climatology, was largely taken to be a static physical milieu or “stage” on which human activity occurred, simply to be described by geographers as part of regional analyses. The modern era, which begins just after the Second World War, is a period of increasing diversity of subject matter and method in climatology within geography and in American geography generally. Today climatology enjoys a “growth industry” status that hardly could be imagined forty years ago. These changes did not occur in isolation but in the context of the scientific, technological, social, economic, and political conditions, and changes in which they were embedded, and the status of climatology as a field of study was an important part of the context. I also comment on the number of climatology papers published in the Annals, including a curious anomaly in the last decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Woodfordian glaciated regions in Wisconsin were analyzed to determine the impact of variable loess thickness and contrasting till texture on soil pattern and landscape properties. Each region consisted of a ground moraine/end moraine/outwash plain landform sequence. Data were compiled from soil and topographic maps. In addition to using standard methods of soilscape analysis. I used a natural soil drainage index, calculated from taxonomic data, to determine regional variability and pattern of soil wetness. Results indicate that soilscape variation within each region was large. There were no statistically significant differences, therefore, that could be attributed to known soil- forming processes or to parent material variability. Stratifying the data by geomorphic subregion rather than by region reduced the within-unit soil variability and resulted in numerous significant soilscape differences between subregions. The implication is that soilscape variability is large at the regional scale but converges rapidly with decreasing size of study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of discharge, reach morphology, and cross-section morphology in supraglacial streams on the Juneau Icefield reveal controlling variables that have analogous counterparts in alluvial streams. Downward sky radiation imparts a strong diurnal pattern to supraglacial runoff generated by saturated slush flows, precipitation and melting, channel erosion, and spillover from water-filled moulins, crevasses, and supraglacial lakes. Supraglacial streams are generated when runoff is concentrated on glacier slopes and rates of incision exceed rates of glacier surface ablation. Streams leave the surface via moulins and crevasses where the water becomes part of the englacial and subglacial drainage systems. Meander systems develop and migrate downstream, driven by thermal erosion with heat supplied by climatic and hydrologic sources. Sinuosity attains a maximum value, in the absence of other roughness factors, when high stream power is imposed from an adjacent upstream reach. Form-process relationships for supraglacial meanders are similar to those for alluvial streams in spite of the contrast in time and scale of development. At-a-station hydraulic geometry for supraglacial streams serves to identify channel adjustments to changing discharge not unlike those for narrow-deep, straight alluvial streams. Daily formation of longitudinal grooves in channel walls leaves a record of daily flow and yields critical information regarding channel enlargement ratios. Fluvial adjustment toward equilibrium conditions involves all elements of channel roughness and cannot be analyzed using any single indicator such as channel pattern, cross-sectional shape, or materials involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel networks near Inez, Kentucky, were surveyed in the field within 29 small drainage basins that appeared on 1:24,000-scale maps to be unbranched (first order), The basins contained from 0 to 5 channel sources, with an average of 2.15 per basin. Many channel characteristics measured in the field are well correlated with morphometric variables measured from maps, but a substantial proportion of the variance remains unexplained. Although simple correlations are fairly strong for geometric characteristics, they are relatively weak (yet statistically significant) for topological measures. The spatial and temporal persistence of the empirical predictive relations is as yet unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative analyses of slope profiles developed on erosional residuals in the Big Badlands of South Dakota revealed marked differences in slope morphology between north-facing and south-facing slopes. The profiles of south-facing slopes were found to be consistently shorter and steeper and are generally rectilinear in appearance. Profiles of the flatter, north-facing slopes are more complex in composition and exhibit a tread-and-riser appearance in overview. The absence of stream channels paralleling the bases of the pedimented residuals and the nearly flat-lying mudstones on which they are developed preclude an explanation of morphological differences based either on preferential stream corrasion or structural controls. The observed differences in slope form most likely reflect differences in type and rate of weathering and erosion that result from aspect-induced topo-climatic differential. More intense fluvial erosion on north-facing slopes is evidenced by significantly greater rilling densities. Evidence of mass wasting, although present on both north- and south-facing slopes, suggest aspect-related differences in magnitude and frequency of occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of physical geography (and its practitioners) in the affairs of the Association of American Geographers and in the development of American geography has been varied in both substance and influence during the past seventy-five years. Physical geography was at its strongest in the Association's first decade and has recently experienced a resurgence. American physical geographers have tended to be adherents of the so-called ‘man-land’ tradition in geographical teaching and research, which position is supported herein: firstly, by a review and perspective of physical geography during this century; secondly, through an exposition of some geographical opportunities for the future; thirdly, by discussion of the breadth vs. depth question in geographic education; and, fourthly, by concluding comments on this century's closing circle of events past, present, and future in American geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of California experienced the severest dry spell on record in 1976–77; 1978 was one of its wettest rainy seasons. The economic and environmental impacts of the drought were significant. Comparisons of nonoverlapping, twenty-year periods between 1921 and 1977 produced few statistically significant differences in either means or variances. The probability of occurrence of extreme seasonal precipitation increased in the northern two-thirds of the state in the period 1961–77 relative to the period 1921–60, but decreased in the south. The chance of getting a total seasonal precipitation less than forty-three percent of the mean in any one year in the Sacramento Valley and the North and Central Coast regions since 1961 has increased to 1 in 15 from 1 in 20 in the period 1921–40 and 1 in 21 or 25 over the whole period of record. The period 1961–77 is statistically more similar to 1860–80 than to either 1921–40 or 1941–60. No relationships could be established between hemispheric warming and cooling and precipitation variability in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-swing rhythm of urban investment has produced distinctive spaces and forms in the city. The timing and spatial structure of city-building also created a tempo and a spatial matrix for income redistribution, social conflict, and social pathology. Baltimore, Maryland, illustrates the persistence of such patterns for two centuries. The geographical strategies of Baltimore investors, 1865 to 1878, reveal the connections among several types of urban investment and among various parts of the urban landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a first-person narrative of a geographer in the United States regarding the geography program of the Office of Naval Research. First years of the program which was initiated in 1948; Role of the committee headed by Joseph A Russell, in establishing standards and guidelines; Inclusion of cultural geography; Focus on physical geography; Establishment of the Coastal Studies Institute.

Open-range ranching persisted in peninsular Florida from the 1830s until after World War II because of a separate cattle market in Cuba, the virtual absence of competition from other forms of land use, and forces intrinsic within the industry, including a distinctive type of cow, endemic cattle tick fever, and a fire-conditioned range. The decline of the Cuban market in the 1920s forced the ranchers to seek a place in the domestic market, but the “Florida cow” did not produce acceptable beef. Introduction of modern beef breeds required antecedent eradication of cattle tick fever, parcelling of the range and acquisition of land titles, fencing, and replacement of parts of the native range with improved forages. Florida's open range officially ended in 1949, and the introduction of modem beef breeds has been rapid; since 1950 growing numbers of Florida cattle of progressively better quality have moved into the national market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Louisiana's marsh-swamp complex is criss-crossed by artificial waterways. The earliest type of canal excavated in the region was the traînasse, a trapping ditch hacked out by trapper-fisher folk to provide marsh access. Only wide enough to accommodate a pirogue, these passageways were used to explore the environment and represent the first large scale canalization of the marsh. New channels are added daily, but old ones are rarely filled. Once a traînasse is cut, it remains for years, often enlarging into a bayou. Many channels that began as pirogue trails evolved through repeated use, storms, and current flow into permanent features. The watercourses have affected drainage patterns, influenced salinities, and contributed to marsh deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The form and character of solifluction lobes in the Ruby Range, Yukon Territory suggest the outlines of a developmental cycle. Small lobes have relatively steep narrow fronts, and late snow melt areas that are completely vegetated, with few rocks. Large lobes have gentler wider fronts, and late snow melt areas that are bare and rocky with poorly developed vegetation. The difference between lobes results from increased snow accumulation in the lee as the lobe becomes larger. Increased snow melts later in the summer, plants have less time to mature, and erosion becomes more important than growth. The eventual product is a subdued system of fairly stable treads and risers. The most recent phase of development appears to have begun with the advent of neoglaciation (2800–2600 years, B.P.) at the close of the hypsithermal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrates the use of stratified random sampling and statistical analysis applied to a land-use problem in Wisconsin. Objectives of the inquiry; Samples used in land use study; Implication of the results of the study to geographic research.

Focuses on the impact of the distribution of generic terms in the place-names of the Northeastern U.S. on the significant aspects of American cultural history and geography. Limitations of the study in terms of area, topic and source materials; Origin and morphological connotations of the terms; Categories for sorting out the majority of the research terms.

Focuses on the implications of the decline of the interest in physical geography for the progress in geography in the U.S. Expansion of the field of geography; Development of geomorphology; Plan of the Geological Society of America to establish a Division of Geomorphology.

Examines laterite in relation to soils of the tropics by researchers from the U.S. Variance of soils in perennially hot and warm regions of low altitudes; Geographic line of division between soils of tropical regions and those of temperate climates; Control of precipitation effectiveness on the general type of vegetation.

Focuses on the quantitative and qualitative consideration of the cultural forms, identity and distribution of house types in Louisiana. Detailed analysis of several houses for classification; Assessment on the constituent elements of the individual house; General classes of the house structure.

Explores the physiographic divisions of the U.S. Explanations concerning the need of natural divisions; Details of the work of the Association of American Geographers; Account of the designation by professor W. M. Davis of dominant factors in topography.

Explores the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Determination of the altitude of the loftiest ranges; Repeated application of the results announced for the Boulder district by the studies; Contrasts between the visits of 1869 and 1910.

The article focuses on The Conference on the Delineation of Physiographic Provinces in the United States, held by the Association of American Geographers. The purpose of this round table conference was to afford opportunity for a free discussion of the problems involved in the division of the area of the United States into physiographic provinces, with a special view to ascertaining whether collaboration in that work by a number of geographers under the leadership of a committee of the association might prove advisable and practicable.

Focuses on training in the field of geomorphology. Graduate work in geography; Physiography of the U.S.