Geomorphology and the Carbon Cycle

Martin Evans is Professor of Geomorphology at the University of Manchester, UK. He has studied physical geography at Oxford and the University of British Columbia, and worked at the University of Durham before coming to Manchester. His research focusses on the application of geomorphological and hydrological knowledge, to understanding the terrestrial carbon cycle and wider ecosystem services, with a particular interest in peatland systems.

‘An outstanding and timely book, which claims centre stage for geomorphology in an analysis of one of the key themes of Earth System Science - the global carbon cycle. Professor Evans writes persuasively and thoughtfully, weaving together geomorphic theory with a broad-ranging review of empirical evidence to produce a convincing perspective on current trends as well as an agenda for future research.’Heather A. Viles, Professor of Biogeomorphology and Heritage Conservation, University of Oxford and President, British Society for Geomorphology'Carbon is moving all around us. Some of these flows of carbon are linked to physical processes that weather, erode and shape the landscape, requiring us to make the link between geomorphology and biogeochemistry to understand them. This timely book, written by an expert in the role of erosion on peatland soil, details how geomorphic processes impact the carbon cycle. It considers this over millions of year timescale, up to the present day, where humans have modified these carbon transfers. It would make an excellent introduction to the subject for courses in geography and earth sciences, while also providing rich detail and case-studies of erosion and carbon from mountainous uplands to coastal ecosystems for advanced researchers.'Professor Robert Hilton, Department of Geography, Durham University

• Contents  Series Editors’ Preface viii  Acknowledgements ix  Part I The Terrestrial Carbon Cycle and Geomorphological Theory 1  1 Geomorphology and the Terrestrial Carbon Cycle 3  2 Geomorphology and the Fast Carbon Cycle 12  3 Geomorphology and the Geological Carbon Cycle 37  4 Geomorphological Theory and Practice: Material Fluxes in the Terrestrial Carbon Cycle 53  Part II Geomorphology and Carbon Cycling Across the Sediment Cascade 77  5 Carbon Cycling in Headwater Catchments 79  6 Hillslope Soil Erosion and Terrestrial Carbon Cycling 110  7 The Role of Floodplains in Terrestrial Carbon Cycling 136  8 Geomorphology and Carbon Cycling in the Coastal Ecotone 167  Part III A Geomorphological Approach to the Carbon Cycle 191  9 Geomorphology and Carbon Cycling in the Anthropocene 193  10 Towards a Geomorphologically Informed Model of Terrestrial Carbon Cycling 218  References 240  Index 287