Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces to the foundations of geopedology. Geopedology, as it is considered in this book, refers to the relations between geomorphology and pedology, with emphasis on the contribution of the former to the latter. More specifically, geopedology is in the first instance a methodological approach to soil inventory, while providing at the same time a framework for geographic analysis of soil distribution patterns. The prefix geo in geopedology refers to the earth surface - The geoderma - and as such covers, in addition to geomorphology, concepts of geology and geography.