Cycle of erosion
Encyclopedia
The cycle of erosion was a model for stream erosion and landscape development proposed by William Morris Davis
in the late 19th century. Davis' Stages in the fluvial cycle of erosion published in 1909 defined a young, mature, and old sequence in the development of river valleys and the landscape the rivers were eroding. His basic concept includes a rapid tectonic uplift, followed by cessation of the land, which allows the rivers and streams to reduce the surface to a level close to sea-level. The concept of peneplanation
was a part of his model. In his model Davies picked up ideas of John Wesley Powell
about limitation of erosion on land and concluded that sea level is the ultimate base level for sub-aerial erosion. Further he suggested that streams always have at least some gradient and temporary base levels, such as inland-lakes, are controlling points upstream of them.
The model developed by Davis, though important in historical context, is currently considered only a first approximation. Developments in the sciences of geology
and geomorphology
, especially the plate tectonics
revolution of the 1960s and 70s, have confirmed the preliminary nature of the model.
William Morris Davis
William Morris Davis was an American geographer, geologist, geomorphologist, and meteorologist, often called the "father of American geography"....
in the late 19th century. Davis' Stages in the fluvial cycle of erosion published in 1909 defined a young, mature, and old sequence in the development of river valleys and the landscape the rivers were eroding. His basic concept includes a rapid tectonic uplift, followed by cessation of the land, which allows the rivers and streams to reduce the surface to a level close to sea-level. The concept of peneplanation
Peneplain
A peneplain is a low-relief plain representing the final stage of fluvial erosion during times of extended tectonic stability. The existence of peneplains, and peneplanation as a geomorphological process, is not without controversy, due to a lack of contemporary examples and uncertainty in...
was a part of his model. In his model Davies picked up ideas of John Wesley Powell
John Wesley Powell
John Wesley Powell was a U.S. soldier, geologist, explorer of the American West, and director of major scientific and cultural institutions...
about limitation of erosion on land and concluded that sea level is the ultimate base level for sub-aerial erosion. Further he suggested that streams always have at least some gradient and temporary base levels, such as inland-lakes, are controlling points upstream of them.
The model developed by Davis, though important in historical context, is currently considered only a first approximation. Developments in the sciences of geology
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
and geomorphology
Geomorphology
Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them...
, especially the plate tectonics
Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the large scale motions of Earth's lithosphere...
revolution of the 1960s and 70s, have confirmed the preliminary nature of the model.