Biomorphodynamics: physical-biological feedbacks that shape landscapes

摘要: Plants and animals affect morphological evolution in many environments. The term “ecogeomorphology” describes studies that address such effects. In this opinion article we use the “biomorphodynamics” to characterize a subset of ecogeomorphologic studies: those investigate not only effects organisms on physical processes morphology but also how biological depend forcing. two-way coupling precipitates feedbacks, leading interesting modes behavior, much like between flow/sediment transport leads rich morphodynamic behaviors. Select examples illustrate even basic aspects some systems cannot be understood without considering biomorphodynamic coupling. Prominent include dynamic interactions vegetation can determine river channel patterns multifaceted feedbacks shaping tidal marshes networks. These suggest biology tend operate over timescale pattern. Thus, field studies, which represent snapshot pattern evolution, these are often as obvious processes. However, numerical modeling indicates influences from play key role landscapes local temporary disturbances steer large-scale, long-term landscape evolution. prevalence research is burgeoning recent years, driven by societal need confluence complex systems–inspired approaches ecology geomorphology. To make fundamental progress understanding dynamics landscapes, our community needs increasingly learn look for two-way, collect new types data support emergent interactions.