The emergence of life has had a tremendous effect on earth surface processes, and has left a distinct footprint in the geological record. Biota affect water and sediment transport over variable temporal and spatial scales, and thereby influences weathering, hillslope, fluvial, coastal, and aeolian dynamics.
Animals and micro-organisms change geomorphological processes from the plot to the landscape scale. In turn, geomorphological processes have large impacts on vegetation and animal activity, and this knowledge increasingly finds its way into restoration projects. Despite these advances, our conceptualisation and quantification of the processes, rates and feedbacks between geomorphology and ecology are still limited, particularly in systems that are sensitive to environmental and climate change (e.g. high-mountain environments, deserts, wetlands and deltas).
This session seeks speakers that are investigating biogeomorphology on all spatial and temporal scales, including experimental, field and computational/numerical modelling studies. We especially encourage studies of wetland and delta biogeomorphology, animal influences on geomorphic processes, and chronologies of biogeomorphological change. Emphasis will be given to novel research of biogeomorphological feedbacks on a decadal scale, and the investigation of the resilience of coupled ecological-geomorphic systems to climate change. A special issue on Biogeomorphology in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms might be possible.