Earth surface systems are complex; their form, pattern and structure are a result of complex systems behaviour. Complex systems research is a combination of related perspectives and techniques originating from research on nonlinear dynamics. Complex system research provides new insights into how geomorphic systems and Earth surface systems evolve and change. This entails in consequence an enhanced understanding that can be used in our interpretation of the geomorphological records and for developing better forecasts of non-linear responses to future system changes.

This session should be a platform to critically discuss different concepts related with complex systems research in Earth surface processes, methods and models that can be used to understand and identify complex geomorphologic systems.

Over the past few decades, a variety of computational models have been developed which try to elucidate the complexity of these systems. Recently, reduced complexity models (cellular automata and agent-based models) have gained popularity in this context. Further topics are two-way coupling between different systems and their influence on landscape evolution models, nonlinear thresholds, emergence, self-organisation, phase transition and forecasting of complex systems.

Contributions adding applied studies in this context showing advantages and constraints of this perspective in geomorphology are highly welcome. As complexity arises from local interactions between components of integrated systems, we also highly welcome contributions that integrate geomorphology with ecology, soil science, or hydrology.