Session programme

We are at a time in history when scientific paradigms are changing. The objectives of the investigation change, as well as its methods and techniques. An important aspect of the historical geomorphological analysis was always to promote the idea of the importance of times and rhythms affecting the different spaces. It is to say that erosive rhythms change over time: forms are modified differentially based on its structural characteristics and geomorphological dynamics; there are forms that change very quickly in short periods of time; others change over long periods, so the relief is always subject to short and long-term modifications, being visible anywhere in the world. The holistic vision must be associated with the idea of changes, although not all of them are perceptible on a human scale. Another fundamental issue that cannot be overlooked regards the fact that in nature there are differentiated balances: edaphogenesis/morphogenesis; stability/instability; fossilization/exhumation; inherited forms/current forms. On the other hand, based on the “principle of current causes”, geomorphology will quickly diversify and extend from temperate to other climatic zones (glacial, periglacial, desert, tropical, etc.) but also to various lithologies (e.g. karst) or geological influences (neotectonic or volcanism), without forgetting specific geomorphologies (fluvial, coastal, submarine, etc.). In addition, to understand the inherited forms, the studied areas were recontextualized in the ancient climates of the Tertiary and Quaternary. Gradually, the current evolution of the studied forms will move towards applied and dynamic geomorphology (landslides, erosions, etc.) and will become a major component of land use planning. Today, we realize that Human Being is both actor and victim of climate change and geomorphological changes, sometimes profound. In the so-called Anthropocene era, geomorphology must be used to protect natural landscapes, to highlight geomorphosites, but above all to manage the territory. So, the expression of general geomorphology is therefore to analyse the past and the present; the great forms of relief and detail; to know how terrestrial or marine ecosystems work at different time and space scales, always keeping in mind that knowledge of the past allows knowing the present and planning the future in a rational way.

Much of the excitement in being geomorphologists involves developing new methods and pushing forward existing techniques to understand better the dynamics and evolution of the Earth's surface systems that we study. The current thematic session is dedicated to novel and exciting approaches for studying landscapes and landforms. We particularly encourage submissions that (1) propose new or develop existing geomorphologic techniques; (2) examine how a combination of several techniques to target a single problem produces new insights regarding each of the techniques and/or provides a richer understanding of the geomorphic system; (3) explore how methods developed for other (sub)disciplines could be adopted and developed for geomorphologic applications; and (4) consider the gaps between the time and length scales inherent to the applied techniques and those that characterized the natural system.

Geomorphological mapping is an important tool for the detection and characterization of landforms and for understanding process dynamics on Earth and other planetary bodies. It allows representing the genesis of a landscape and their relationships with the structures and processes, being the basis for research in several other themes. Recent advances in technology and data collection, using Geographic Information Systems, spatial analysis models, remote sensing from several platforms (terrestrial, aerial, satellite) using active (LiDAR, radar) and passive (multispectral) sensors, as well as mobile/citizen-based applications have made available vast quantities of data for landscape analysis. These techniques offer unprecedented spatio-temporal density, resolution, sensitivity, and databases to document the processes, but they also created challenges in terms of data processing and analysis. We thus welcome contributions presenting perspectives in quantitative geomorphological and landform mapping with the aim of showcasing both methodological, technical, and applied studies. Contributions that demonstrate multi-method approaches (mature, and in development) are particularly encouraged. We also actively encourage contributors to present tools/methods that are "in development".

The evolution and change of landforms, the mechanisms and quantitative rates of geomorphic processes creating or modifying these landforms, and landscape changes at various temporal and spatial scales are controlled by a range of environmental drivers and anthropogenic activities, exacerbated by the consequences of climate change. This session shall bring together interdisciplinary researchers working across field, experimental, numerical modelling, remote sensing, and dating approaches that are advancing methods and providing new insights into:
i. the analysis of landforms and landform evolution;
ii. geomorphic processes creating or modifying landforms and form-process interactions;
iii. the anthropogenic impacts and societal implications of changing geomorphic processes (including denudational hillslope and fluvial processes) and terrestrial landscape systems, and possible solutions for future sustainable management under ongoing or accelerated global environmental changes.

Climatic geomorphology focuses on the relief evolution as a consequence of atmospheric processes that occur at different spatial and time scales. The climate forcing the modelling processes on the Earth surface as well as the recognition of morphoclimatic zones are the main topics to be developed in this thematic session. We will present, promote, and discuss the current original studies and updated research in climatic geomorphology in different landscapes worldwide involving glacial, periglacial, temperate, tropical, and desert environments. Present and past landscape modelling mechanisms promoted by temperature, precipitation, snow, ice, winds, and waves are welcome. Importance will also be given to studies related to the present climatic change, the extreme events, the impacts on present environments, and their consequences in inhabited landscapes.

Mountain landscapes are amongst the most dynamic on Earth, where the intersection of tectonics, topography, and climate results in unique geomorphological processes, landforms, biota, and hazards. The high potential energy and the sensitivity to climate change condition mountain landscapes for rapid change, in the form of erosion, sediment remobilisation, or landcover change. This session aims to bring together research that contributes to new understanding of the dynamic processes, landforms, sediment cascades, and hazards of mountains. We particularly welcome contributions that: 1) study relations and interactions between geologic, hydrologic, cryospheric, or biologic processes in shaping mountain environments; 2) present novel data on, or modelling of, the response of mountain environments to past, present, or future climate changes; 3) investigate long-term evolution, supported by geochronology or modelling studies; 4) demonstrate novel and innovative approaches for resolving outstanding questions in mountain geomorphology; or 5) provide lessons on the nature of hazards and their management within mountainous landscapes.

Glacial and periglacial research have a long history and tradition in geomorphology. Research topics range from paleoenvironmental reconstruction to modelling future landscapes and include the complex field of analysis of contemporary geomorphic dynamics. The past, present, and future of Earth’s cold environments are covered within this session, which brings together scientists from the Poles to the high-altitude Tropics, spanning regions where ice plays, has played, or will play a role in geomorphologic and landscape dynamics. The session aims to showcase and discuss new results of glacial and periglacial research and will accept presentations and posters covering a broad range of topics, from theoretical to process studies, including field observations, mapping, sedimentology, geochronology, cryospheric hazards, novel remote sensing applications, modelling and applied topics.

Tectonic geomorphology focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive interactions among Earth internal and surface processes, as well as their mutual feedback relationships. It is an exceptionally integrative field that utilizes techniques and data derived from multi-disciplinary approaches involving geomorphology, seismology, sedimentology, geochronology, structural and engineering geology, climatology, and Quaternary geology. The IAG Tectonic Geomorphology Working Group organizes this session to present and promote multidisciplinary and innovative studies in tectonic geomorphology in various geodynamic contexts, aimed at defining the effects of active tectonics on landscapes. Contributions focusing on distinctive space and time scales are welcome. Regional- to basin-scale studies deciphering the long-term geomorphological evolution related to mantle and deep crustal activity, as well as basin- to slope-scale research decoding short-term to catastrophic morpho-evolutionary contexts are strongly encouraged. Importance will also be given to advanced and original studies focusing on: the mapping and use of geomorphic markers for tracing deformation; chronological techniques used to date geomorphic markers and events; development of geostatistical and geomorphic tools to detect active tectonic structures; calibration and integration of quantitative methods to estimate uplift, erosion and deposition rates; geodetic techniques for defining recent deformation; landscape evolution modeling; analysis of the effects of morpho-evolutionary rates on large slope instabilities; paleo-seismologic approaches to calibrate past deformation.

Fluvial forms and processes are crucial in shaping the landscape, as rivers are widespread on most of the Earth's surface. Fluvial systems bear enormous importance due to their consequences on sediment connectivity from uplands to oceans, on available water resources, on stream ecology, on natural hazards scenarios, and on ecosystem services for humanity. The purpose of this session is to gather contributions that highlight the role of geological and geomorphological aspects in understanding, modelling, and predicting, the past present and future behaviour of rivers. We warmly encourage contributions on the following topics, which are not exclusive:
i. Long to short-term geomorphological evolution of fluvial landforms and hydrographic basins induced by climate change, tectonic activity, and base-level variations;
ii. Channel evolutionary trajectories and influences of natural and anthropic driving factors;
iii. Sediment cascade, in channel-hillslope coupling and effects on channel morphology and dynamic on transitional environments;
iv. Geomorphic processes during floods and related hazards;
v. Basin management and river restoration projects;
vi. Interactions between fluvial morphology and ecology;
vii. Methodological advances in fluvial geomorphology (remote sensing, sediment transport monitoring, numerical modelling…).

Aeolian processes are related to the wind´s ability to shape the surface of the Earth or other planets. The wind erodes (by the means of deflation or abrasion), transports (in the form of suspension, saltation, or creeping) and deposits material in the surface, as well as sculpts rocks and pre-existing deposits. These processes create shapes of different types, which results in a very specific kind of landscape. Aeolian landforms hold clues to past as well as to present climate because they preserve structures resulting from different wind directions with variable wind intensities. The wind is an effective agent in regions with sparse vegetation, a lack of soil moisture and a large supply of unconsolidated sediments. Therefore, Aeolian features are common in deserts, beaches, and fluvial plains of semi-arid areas on Earth, as well as in other appropriate environments of other planets of the Solar system. Aeolian processes and landforms are studied, analyzed, and mapped from the use of many different tools and equipment, and represent one of the most important branches of geomorphology.

The shape of coasts and the seafloor provides a wealth of geomorphological information that reflects the time-integrated effects of tectonic, sedimentary, oceanographic, and volcanic processes. Many such processes are hazards to coastal populations and offshore infrastructure, and their study constitutes key objectives of national and international research programs. This session aims to examine the causes and consequences of geomorphic processes shaping coastal and underwater landscapes, including erosional and depositional processes, sediment transport, coastal and submarine landslides, volcanic activity, faulting and folding. The general goal of the session is to bring together researchers who characterize the shape and evolution of past and present coastal and seafloor landforms, seek to understand the surface and sub-surface processes at work and their impacts, and use topographic, geophysical, and sedimentary data for modeling coastal and marine change. Research of any scale, exploring datasets that range from satellite imagery to ultra-high-resolution bathymetry, as well as field-based research and modeling, is welcome.

Volcanism generates diverse geoforms that link endogenous and exogenous processes in an obvious scene. Volcano geology experiences new renaissance within geological and geomorphological research. Geomorphology in general experienced an unprecedent advances due to the explosion of accessibility and usage of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, shallow geophysics techniques, photogrammetry, drone technologies, dating techniques, novel experimental approaches, and sedimentology tools. The spatial modeling of variables associated with volcanoes including geochemical tracers, pyroclast types and deposits became a fundamental way of research in both active and old volcanic terrains experienced advanced landscape modification. Volcanic geomorphology is also a key science to understand the interaction between human society and volcanic eruptions to better determine the role of volcanism in the global and planetary changes on Earth impacting humanity. In this session we invite submissions showing the complexity of volcanic geomorphology and its useful aspects to understand the evolution of volcanism in various geotectonic settings and their influence on society.

Karst areas around the world are forming spectacular landscapes which attract researchers across various scientific disciplines along with tourists and other visitors. Surface and subsurface karst features are the result of specific lithological, hydrological, and climatic factors. It is crucial to understand that the karst landscape continues underground; in the short term, surface actions are transferred underground, and in the long term the underground conditions affect the surface. Researchers studying the origin and development of karst features and the dynamics of key processes in karst, driven by global environmental changes, are welcome to contribute with their knowledge to the discussions in the Karst Geomorphology Session. Furthermore, this session will address also the need for interdisciplinary approaches to study the interrelationship between surface and underground karst landforms, deposits, and processes, as well as the questions of karst conservation and preservation, and sustainable management of karst resources (e.g. water, minerals, tourism…).

Weathering and soil formation are decisive factors to understand and interpretate the actual landscape physiognomy, constitution, and its evolution. The aim of this thematic section is to contribute to go deeper into the questions that still deserve investigation, as well as to consolidate the relationships between time and space related to weathering, soils, and landforms. These relationships are the main research objective in several disciplines where the geoforms and related regoliths/soils are studied in different temporal and spatial scales. The submitted works can present different focus seeking to illustrate the characteristics of the different approaches, as well as to identify their strengths and limitations, or can be related to the understanding of the indicators of the process concerned, such as: conceptual, methodological, or operational, being to confirm or to create new paradigms and theories in this theme.

The emergence of life has strongly influenced Earth surface processes and left distinctive markers in the geological record. Vegetation and animals affect many aspects of the Earth’s ‘critical zone’ from the plot to the landscape scale, including weathering, hillslope, fluvial and aeolian dynamics, while geomorphological processes have profound impacts on ecological dynamics. This knowledge is increasingly used in environmental management projects (e.g. wetland restoration) but many gaps remain in understanding and the ability to quantify timescales and rates of change. This session welcomes contributions from researchers using experimental, field, and/or modelling approaches. Topics may include, inter alia:
i. vegetation and animal influences on geomorphic processes;
ii. chronologies of biogeomorphological change;
iii. trajectories of future landscape change in biodiversity ‘hotspots’ (e.g. Ramsar wetlands, tropical rainforests).

Although there is naturally an overlap between Applied Geomorphology and many of the more specific thematic sessions of the Conference, in this one we intend to discuss general aspects of Applied Geomorphology with particular emphasis on the application of geomorphological techniques and analyses to the solution of planning, territorial and environmental management or engineering problems, what involves tasks of cartography, terrain analysis and monitoring of geomorphological dynamics relevant to decision-making processes. Thus, the presentation and discussion of works on the following topics, among others, is encouraged:
i. Cartography for geomorphological application;
ii. Ecosystem based disaster risk reduction;
iii. River and floodplain restoration;
iv. Seismic geomorphology for hydrocarbon exploration;
v. Morphostructures and environmental sensitivity;
vi. Building mining river diversions;
vii. Flood management and planning.

Hillslopes are the most common landforms on the surface of the Earth, and therefore are of great interest for geomorphology. Dominant types of hillslope processes and landforms are associated with gravity, flowing water, ice, wind, and temperature changes, and hence are reflected in weathering, erosion, slope instability and sediment deposition. Owing to climate, topography, lithology, geological structure, and vegetation, hillslope dynamics involve complex and variable processes and process combinations. Furthermore, under the current context of global change, human influence has played a significant role in slope dynamics in urban and rural areas; this is strongly related to the history of human occupation. Therefore, hillslope processes are closely linked to natural and social dynamics as the slopes can be covered by natural materials (regolith or soil, or exposed rock outcrops), by a modified surface or more often, the combination of both. When hillslopes are occupied by communities in a non-sustainable manner, a large disequilibrium is produced and environmental problems arise, such as those expressed through the occurrence of geomorphological hazards. This session will address both natural and human-induced hillslope processes. Special attention will be given to understanding and addressing the linkages between hillslopes and anthropogenic systems. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to the following: weathering, erosion, mass movement processes, denudation rates, sediment transport and deposition, hillslope–channel coupling, runoff and sediment connectivity, evolution of landforms, strength and behavior of rocks and soils, vegetation (both surface and subsurface biomass), water on hillslopes, land use changes and climatic controls on hillslope dynamics.

Geomorphic hazards are increasing in many regions, causing economic loss, damage, loss of human life and big changes in the landscape forms and in its dynamics. These processes occur in complex environments at global, regional, and local scales and, because of this, it is important to find and apply innovative scientific approaches and new types of data collection to improve our knowledge on triggering factors and process mechanisms of natural hazards. This session invites submissions focusing on research, empirical studies, and observations which present innovative research and case studies based on the interaction between the complex morphological processes (pluvial, fluvial, gravitational, hydrogeomorphological, pedological, including earthquakes and volcanic processes). We expect to discuss how these studies can be a contribution to properly estimate susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk to forward natural hazard research and the reduction of negative effects on the society. This session aims to gather contributions from the following research fields:
i. The latest scientific advancements in Geomorphology, including new techniques and methods: numerical, statistical and machine learning models, geochronological methods, UAV survey, digital elevation models, GIS resources and geomorphic mapping;
ii. Improvement of approaches, at different scales, for natural hazards inventory, geomorphic hazard and risk analysis;
iii. The importance of geomorphic hazards studies for risk mitigation and reduction of societal effects and increase of human communities’ resilience.

Fire is a (semi) natural part of the disturbance regime that has shaped the earth's surface for millennia. Once established, fires shaped the landscape of most terrestrial ecosystems via vegetation structure and soil-forming processes. In recent years, however, frequent wildfires have erupted globally, scorching places that rarely burned before. Fires intensify runoff and erosion by removing vegetation, changing soil properties, and providing erodible sediment and easily-transported ash. Accelerated rates of fire-induced erosion might trigger a rapid redistribution of sediment and pyrogenic debris, affect landscape evolution, nutrient cycling and ecologic dynamics, and pose many environmental, social and economic implications. Given the complexity of the interacting (natural and anthropogenically-driven) forces, fire-induced erosion varies markedly across spatio-temporal scales. A broad array of fire-induced hydrologic and sedimentologic responses ranging from no effect to deadly floods has been documented in various places worldwide. Furthermore, the progression of ecosystem recovery may last decades, during which the soil remains exposed to elevated erosion, considerably higher than the natural soil formation rates. Despite numerous studies across all spatial scales, our understanding of the processes and mechanisms contributing to post-fire runoff and erosion is limited. This focus is essential given the rapid changes in fire regimes due to multiple interacting global change drivers such as climate change, land use, and direct human impacts via ignition and suppression. A better understanding of these processes might lead to improved predictive capabilities of post-wildfire erosion and facilitate mitigation and management strategies. Therefore, this session highlights research focused on the response of earth surface systems to wildfire, including, but not limited to, the alteration of soils and sediments across large ranges of spatial and temporal scales. We welcome studies that provide insight into the causes, impacts, and/or management of post-wildfire soil erosion; we encourage contributions that creatively highlight field or laboratory experiments using novel techniques and methodologies.

By 2050 is expected that more than two-thirds of the world population will move in urban areas. The urban sustainability is the great challenge, but no action can be effectively undertaken in this sense without a deep and rigorous knowledge of the geological constraints and the impact of cities growth on geomorphological processes and landforms. With this premise as a goal, the Urban Geomorphology is the “picture”, and the Anthropocene is the “frame” for better understanding the mutual relationship between the pre-urbanization environment and current and future scenarios to support properly the planning and management of cities. Topics:
i. Anthropocene and the urban environment: peculiarities in methods, techniques and interpretations;
ii. Urban Geomorphology Survey and Mapping: methods, landforms and symbology in geomorphological cartography;
iii. Evaluation of natural and man-induced hazard and risk in urban areas;
iv. The geoheritage in urban areas for the enhancement of geodiversity, geosites, geotourism and landscape promotion.

The study of human interactions with the environment guided through a geo-archaeological approach is nowadays the backbone of archaeological research, for instance, by studying human adaptations to the surrounding environment and landscape changes throughout the Quaternary. The multidisciplinary dimensions of geoarchaeology have encouraged continuous development of new methods and approaches, progressively extending the possibilities for explorations in geomorphological/geographical sectors even when previously inaccessible (aerial, submarine, and underground), the development of largescale data acquisitions and treatment (through the use of GIS and spatial analysis), and also the development of microscopic analysis (micro fauna or vegetal remains, micromorphology), particularly as it relates to different aspects of geomorphology and global environmental change. This session aims to bring together several branches relating to geomorphology and generally to abiotic aspects of geoarchaeology, such as sedimentological analyses, micromorphology, stratigraphy, spatial analyses, geochronology, etc. The IAG International conference is a great opportunity for presenting and promoting on-going and new research just as much as the state-of-the-art methodologies in geoarchaeology to an international audience. All proposals concerning the geoarchaeological approach will be welcome, without limiting themselves to a specific cultural phase.

In the past two decades, connectivity has emerged as a relevant conceptual framework for understanding the transfer of water and sediment through landscapes. The concept has had particular success in the fields of fluvial and hillslope geomorphology to better explain rates and patterns of geomorphic change. This session is organized by the IAG Working Group on “Connectivity in Geomorphology”. The specific objectives of this WG are to foster international scientific exchange related to the advancement of the theory of connectivity in geomorphology, method development, and concept implementation (incl. sustainable land and water management applications). We invite a broad range of contributions to the session that will aim to showcase the role of (dis-)connectivity in geomorphology.

Since the mid-2000s, the interest for the heritage value of geology and geomorphology has dramatically accelerated in several parts of the world, in relation to geoconservation, geotourism and geopark issues. In this context, the IAG Working Groups on Geomorphosites and on Landform Assessment for Geodiversity have acted as the main arena for the development of a specific field of research on geomorphosites and geodiversity. We invite authors to submit oral and posters presentations on any aspects relevant to geoheritage, geodiversity, geotourism, geoparks, world heritage, and protected areas, including current methods of research used by the international and national scientific communities, from the global to the local scales. Contributions are welcome on theoretical views and classifications, geomorphosites and geodiversity assessment approaches also in the context of climate change, studies linking geoheritage, human history and cultural heritage, geoparks and geoheritage conservation, management, and promotion, geotourism practice and potential, educational aspects of geoheritage and geodiversity, and other relevant topics within these themes.

The Planetary Geomorphology session showcases landscapes and surface processes on solid bodies across the Solar System, including on planets, dwarf planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. The session aims to highlight the diversity of geomorphic processes that have operated on different Solar System bodies through time. This includes fluvial, glacial, periglacial, volcanic, tectonic, aeolian, and impact processes, and their interactions. We encourage submissions on studies that use Earth analogues, laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, remote sensing and/or new techniques to investigate planetary surfaces. We welcome submissions from early career scientists and those who are new to the discipline.

The Assembly is open to all the Conference participants and devoted to a comprehensive review of activities performed during 2017-2022 period by the IAG and its Executive Committee, in agreement with its goals and priorities illustrated during the 2017 New Delhi International Conference on Geomorphology: National Scientific Members, communication, co-operation and outreach, Working Groups, Training Programme and the reappraisal of IAG roots and history. A festive moment will be devoted to the award to world-leading geomorphologists of the prestigious IAG Honorary Fellow distinction, Brunsden Medal, Early Career Medal and Tricart Award.
The Young Geomorphologists awarded with an IAG grant to attend the Conference will also be introduced to the audience.

Public business meeting of the IAG Working Group on Denudation and Environmental Changes in Different Morphoclimatic Zones (DENUCHANGE).
All DENUCHANGE members and all colleagues being interested in DENUCHANGE activities are kindly invited to participate in this business meeting.