The emergence of life has had a tremendous effect on earth surface processes and has left a distinct footprint in the geological record. Biota affects water and sediment transport over variable temporal and spatial scales and thereby influences weathering, hillslope, fluvial, coastal, and aeolian dynamics.
Animals, vegetation 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 and polar environments, deserts, hillslopes, rivers, wetlands and coastal environments; including salt marshes and deltas). As our understanding of these factors deepens so too does our appreciation of their beneficial ecosystem service delivery, encouraging a holistic perspective of these dynamic systems.
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 hillslope, wetland and delta biogeomorphology, animal and vegetation 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 human impact (including hydropower) and climate change.

We are also very happy to announce this year’s keynote by Dr. Thorsten Balke (Glasgow) about critical transitions and the effects of timing in biogeomorphic ecosystems.