Relationships between geomorphology and pedology: Brief review

Abstract

The relationships between geomorphology and pedology, including the conceptual aspects that underlie these relationships and their practical implementation in studies and research, have been referred to under different names, the most common expression being soil geomorphology. Definitions and approaches are reviewed distinguishing between academic stream and applied stream. There is consensus on the basic relationships between geomorphology and pedology: geomorphic processes and resulting landforms contribute to soil formation and distribution while, in return, soil development has an influence on the evolution of the geomorphic landscape. However, a unified body of doctrine is yet to be developed, in spite of a clear trend toward greater integration between the two disciplines.