The geomorphic landscape: Criteria for classifying geoforms

Abstract

Combining the basic criteria to build a taxonomic system with the hierarchic arrangement of the geomorphic environment determines a structure of nested categorial levels. Five of these levels are essentially deduced from the epigeal physiographic expression of the geoforms. To substantiate the relationship between geoform and soil, it is necessary to introduce in the system information on the internal hypogeal component of the geoforms, namely the constituent material, which is in turn the parent material of the soils. As a result of the foregoing, an additional level is needed to document the lithology in the case of bedrock substratum or the facies in the case of unconsolidated cover materials. This leads finally to a system with six categorial levels, identified by their respective generic concepts, including from upper to lower level: geostructure, morphogenic environment, geomorphic landscape, relief/molding, lithology/facies, and the basic landform or terrain form. Such a system with six categories complies with Miller’s Law, which postulates that the capacity of the human mind to process information covers a range of seven plus or minus two elements.