geomorfolológia

Geomorfológia is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them. It is a subdiscipline of geography and geology that examines the origins, evolution, and characteristics of the Earth's surface features, both terrestrial and submarine. Geomorphologists investigate a wide range of landforms, including mountains, valleys, plains, coastlines, deserts, and glaciers, as well as the underlying geological structures and materials.

The processes studied in geomorphology are diverse and can be broadly categorized into endogenic (internal) and exogenic (external) forces. Endogenic forces, driven by processes within the Earth, such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity, create large-scale features like mountain ranges and rift valleys. Exogenic forces, originating on the Earth's surface, include weathering, erosion by water, wind, and ice, and mass wasting. These processes work to modify and degrade existing landforms over time.

Geomorphological research often involves fieldwork, remote sensing techniques like satellite imagery and aerial photography, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These tools help in mapping landforms, analyzing spatial patterns, and understanding the rates and impacts of geomorphological processes. The knowledge gained from geomorphology is crucial for various applications, including natural hazard assessment (e.g., landslides, floods), resource management, urban planning, and understanding past and future environmental changes.