A Re-evaluation of the Geomorphic System of W. M. Davis

Abstract

An evaluation of the cycle of erosion theory requires that one distinguishes between the stated intention of William Morris Davis as conveyed by his writings, the implicit and often unstated assumptions underlying his work, the sometimes distorted interpretations of Davis’ work stemming from his students and the effect of his teaching on succeeding generations of geomorphologists. The cycle of erosion is thus being recognized as merely one framework within which geomorphology may be viewed, wherein those aspects of landforms which are susceptible to progressive, sequential and irreversible change through time are especially stressed. The cycle is no more a complete and exclusive definition of geomorphic reality than the pronouncement by the proverbial Indian blind man on feeling an elephant’s leg that the animal is like a tree. Davis knit certain aspects of landforms together into a meaningful association both in space within a given landscape and in time throughout an assumed evolutionary history.

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