River valleys figure prominently in the evolutionary sequence of landscape development conceived by W.M. Davis (see continental landform: Davis’ erosion cycle theory and related concepts). Unfortunately Davis’ marvelous deductive scheme of progressive landscape change with time was somewhat abused by those who employed it merely for description and classification. By the mid-20th century, the focus of geomorphological research shifted from evolutionary sequences to studies of processes. Today, new procedures for radiometric dating have rekindled interest in long-term landscape evolution. Valley development with time can be conceived of as a functional relationship, as follows:where v is the valley morphology, c is ...(100 of 5708 words)
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