geomorphologist
Studies terrain formation
A geomorphologist is a scientist who studies landforms and the processes that shape the Earth's surface—erosion, weathering, tectonic activity, and the effects of water, wind, and ice on terrain.
The field sits at the intersection of geology and geography: The geomorphologist traced the valley's formation to glacial retreat.
Gradual wearing away
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
landslide · rockfall · deflation · denudation · scour · uplift · subsidence · tectonic
Physical feature mapping
- valleyLow ground between heights
- plateauFlat highland area
- canyonDeep river-cut gorge
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
basin · fjord · dune · escarpment · butte · mesa · drumlin · moraine
Research conducted on location
- mappingDiagram of correspondences
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
- remote sensingGathering data without contact
- GISSpatial data framework
LiDAR · photogrammetry · dating · stratigraphy · core sampling · radiocarbon
Study of natural landforms
- hydrologyScience of water distribution
- glaciologyStudy of ice masses
- sedimentologyStudy of geological deposits
- pedologyStudy of soils
tectonics · climatology · geoscience · earth science · environmental science
Particles settling in liquid
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- alluviumWater-deposited loose sediment
- regolithFragmented covering over bedrock
- loessWind-deposited silt layer
till · clay · silt · sand · gravel · boulder · granite · outcrop
Water systems researcher
- glaciologistOne who studies glaciers
- volcanologistScientist studying erupting mountains
- seismologistEarth tremor scientist
- speleologistCave system researcher
erosion
Gradual wearing away
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
sedimentation · landslide · rockfall · deflation · denudation · scour · uplift · subsidence · tectonic · fluvial
topography
Physical feature mapping
delta · basin · fjord · dune · escarpment · butte · mesa · drumlin · moraine · cirque
fieldwork
Research conducted on location
- mappingDiagram of correspondences
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
- remote sensingGathering data without contact
GIS · LiDAR · photogrammetry · dating · stratigraphy · core sampling · radiocarbon
physical geography
Study of natural landforms
- hydrologyScience of water distribution
- glaciologyStudy of ice masses
- sedimentologyStudy of geological deposits
pedology · tectonics · climatology · geoscience · earth science · environmental science
sediment
Particles settling in liquid
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- alluviumWater-deposited loose sediment
- regolithFragmented covering over bedrock
loess · till · clay · silt · sand · gravel · boulder · granite · outcrop · strata
hydrologist
Water systems researcher
- glaciologistOne who studies glaciers
- volcanologistScientist studying erupting mountains
- seismologistEarth tremor scientist