A content analysis of biogeomorphology within geomorphology textbooks

Abstract: Biogeomorphology, defined as the two-way interaction between geomorphology and ecology, is a relatively recent subfield in disciplines such as geography, hydrology, and geomorphology, among others. However, the ecologic processes that influence geomorphic processes and vice versa have been addressed to varying extents for decades in geomorphology textbooks. This paper aims to analyze the presence and role of biogeomorphology in geomorphology textbooks from 1939 to 2007. The history of ecologic–geomorphic interactions is important for the understanding of how biogeomorphology has developed and its current position within geography. Geomorphology textbooks were assessed for material on ecologic components. A temporal analysis was completed by reviewing textbooks that span 68years. International textbooks were included in the research in order to assess how they may compare to American textbooks. Results indicated that geomorphology textbooks have addressed biogeomorphology over time, but the amount varied and was minimal overall. Some of the most common topics included coral reefs and the role of vegetation and burrowing animals in erosion processes. The amount of material devoted to ecologic components in geomorphology ranged from brief mention of organisms to an entire chapter covering the various ecologic actions and their influences on geomorphology. The findings of this assessment will provide a contextualized view of the role of biogeomorphology within geomorphology and lend a better understanding to the history and current position of biogeomorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]