IAG

International Association of Geomorphologists
Newsletter no. 18 (3/2001)

Special Issue on the work of IAG National Adhering Bodies

Australia and New Zealand Geomorphology Group

The ANZGG held its ninth approximately two-yearly conference in New Zealand in December 2000. The pattern is to hold two conferences in Australia for every one in New Zealand. Organisation was provided by Prof. MICHAEL CROZIER and his team at Victoria University, Wellington, with pre- and post-conference field excursions led by JAMIE SCHULMEISTER (Victoria Univ.) and PAUL WILLIAMS (Auckland Univ.). The meeting was attended by about 120 delegates, including several visiting geomorphologists from other countries. As is traditional for the ANZGG, the meeting was held in a small town close to an interesting field area. The conference was located at Wanaka beside a large lake in a glacial trough in the South Island of New Zealand. Papers were presented during the week of 11-15 December with a full day mid-conference field trip. This was led by ROYDEN THOMSON and JANE FORSYTH and focussed on glacial and slope geomorphology and flooding problems arising from sedimentation following dam building in the local region. The paper sessions involved 89 oral presentations and numerous posters. Especially notable was the quality of papers from young geomorphologists with the prize for the best student paper going to MAUREEN MARRA for her presentation on 'Fossil beetles as indicators of palaeoenvironments'.

The pre- and post-conference fieldtrips focussed on tectonic and Quaternary geomorphology, the first traversing the country from Wellington to Wanaka, including a transect of the Southern Alps, and the second going to Fiordland in the far south of the country.

The meeting voted for the next conference to be held in 2002 in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, where the focus will be on arid landscapes, deep regoliths and very long time scales of geomorphic evolution. LISA WORRALL (Lisa.Worrall@agso.gov.au) was elected President of the ANZGG for the next two years and should be contacted for further information about the next meeting.

PAUL WILLIAMS

Brazilian Geomorphological Union (UGB)

In July 1999 the Brazilian Geomorphological Union (UGB) hosted a very successful IAG Regional Conference in Rio de Janeiro (see Newsletter 16 (3/1999)). In May 2001 a new Executive Committee of the UGB was elected. Dr. ARCHIMEDEZ PEREZ (archi@ige.unicamp.br) of Campinas University is the new President and Dr. NELSON FERNANDEZ (nelson@igeo.ufrj.br) who was the main scientific organizer of the IAG Regional Conference is the Vice-President. The following report was received from out-going President, Dr. SELMA SIMOES DE CASTRO (selma@iesa.ufg.br).

Gully Erosion Group (Central West Region): A working group with researchers from the Federal Universities of Goiás and Mato Grosso was created in order to evaluate the gully processes in Central West Brazil. The initial studies have been conducted in the High Araguaia Basin and Pantanal of Mato Grosso with the objective of understanding the dynamics of gully erosion processes. To identify the most critical factors, the study began with the physical characterisation (at regional level) of morphopedological compartments and their dominant pedological systems, as well as their related lithological substratum and gully density.

To build the model of the soil and erosion behaviour the next steps are:

Partial results were presented at a National Symposium on Geomorphology, Erosion Control and Applied Physical Geography. They were also presented at the International Gully Erosion Symposium in Belgium April, 2000.

SELMA SIMOES DE CASTRO

British Geomorphological Research Group

In the academic year 2000-01 the BGRG celebrated 40 years since its founding. It awarded special Founders Medals to twelve surviving members of the original group. The BGRG continues to thrive. It sustains a steady membership of c.800, of which about 250 are postgraduates and 140 are overseas members. It continues a long-established pattern of three main meetings a year: the Annual Meeting in September (which also includes the business AGM of the Group); BGRG Symposia within the "Royal Geographical Society-Institute of British Geographers" (RGS-IBG) Annual Conference in January; and a Spring Field Meeting in April/May. In addition, it sponsors an annual training course for postgraduate students and the postgrads hold their own Symposium in March/April. Occasional one-day meetings are also held with other societies. The BGRG is affiliated to both the RGS-IBG and The Geological Society of London. It is a registered Charity.

The BGRG is financially buoyant and a long-term development programme has recently allowed activities to be extended. The breadth and value of research grants to members have been increased. Grants are now given for small research projects, for long-term monitoring and for coordination of project proposals, as well as funding conferences for postgraduates. The Working Groups initiative has proved a particularly successful way of promoting discussion of key research issues relating to a rapidly developing topic; one new group is created each year and runs for three years. A new Education and Outreach sub-committee has been formed, particularly to encourage geomorphology in schools. An important development is that BGRG now has a permanent address and administrative assistance, located at the RGS-IBG. BGRG continues to be involved with a range of publications, the most notable of which is its international journal, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. The journal is available at a special discount rate to members, as also is the journal Geomorphology. The BGRG's newsletter, Geophemera, goes out three times a year to all members.

Overall, the BGRG is thriving and lively, serving established and new members alike, and furthering the advancement of geomorphology not only at the highest scientific level but at its grassroots too.

Further information can be found on our web site at: boris.qub.ac.uk/BGRG. BGRG can be contacted through: BGRG Administrative Assistant, RGS, I Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR, UK or email: bgrg@rgs.org

JANET HOOKE

China Association of Geomorphologists

In August 2000 the China Association of Geomorphologists hosted a very successful IAG Thematic Conference "Monsoon Climate, Geomorphic Processes and Human Activities" in Nanjing (see Newsletter 17(4/2000)). Prof. YING WANG (Nanjing) was the main scientific organizer and a number of senior Chinese geomorphologists were present including Prof. LI JIJUN (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Dr. CUI XIJUI (Beijing). The following report was received form Prof. WANG.

In China, geomorphological analysis combines dynamic processes and sedimentary facies together; it focuses both on theoretical topics and applied projects. Glacial and tectonic research on Tibetan Plateau is closely related to ocean drilling project in the South China Sea and the evolution of loess plateau. According to LI and AN, March 2001, the significant periodicities in the last 6 Ma are: 0.1 Ma, 44000 a, 41000 a, 35000 a, 27000 a, 22000 a, 19000 a in the loess and red clay strata. Dominant periodicities changed through time and responded in different ways after the onset of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation. Before 3.1 Ma B.P., the dominant periodicity was 41000 a and 21000 a, while the low frequency 0.1 Ma periodicity dominated after 3.1 Ma B.P. Geologic evidence indicates the ages of Tibetan Plateau uplift events coincide with the 0.1 Ma periodicities. Fission track dating for tectonic activities in eastern Himalaya Mountains indicates an accelerated uplift of the Tibetan plateau since 3.1 Ma B.P. The Plateau reaching a height of more than 3600 m around 0.5 Ma B.P. The onset of 0.1 Ma periodicity in 3.1 Ma B.P., 1.2 Ma B.P. and 0.6 Ma B.P. coincides with the accelerated uplift stages of the Tibetan Plateau. (From LI and AN's paper in Quaternary Sciences, 21, (2): 131-146).

Wind blown sand and dust storm is another hot topic in China since 1999, as the frequent dust storm influences from Inner Mongolia deserts blow down to south and eastern China. The study relates air-land interaction, climate changes and human impacts, and even the primary products of adjacent ocean.

WANG YING

Czech Association of Geomorphologists

Within the last few years (1995-2000) the Czech geomorphologists focused their attention on tectonically and climatically sensitive zones, inside the country as well as abroad. The role of anthropological factors in relief development is also emphasised.

Natural hazards do not play a significant role in the landscape evolution in general, if we compare it with more active orogenetic zones. On the other hand some of these hazardous processes can not be excluded from geomorphological research if we are oriented towards landscape evolution in order of 105 - 106 years.

Floods especially due to the event in July 1997 stand in the first order of interest. The last century has been rather quiet from this point of view in central Europe, but historical records show that this has been exceptional. Effects on changes in river channels have been emphasised.

Geomorphological research in slope movements have been carried out. Czech geomorphological and engineering-geological research continues and in this field we have strong co-operation with other earth sciences.

The seismic danger is a good example of a natural hazard which has to be studied. The fault zones in this area represent only a moderate hazard but due to the large engineering works (atom power plants and their waste deposits) research in this field must be included. This is the inspiration for international research in orogenetically active zones (Central Asia, Peruvian Andes and Crimean peninsula).

VÍT VILÍMEK

Deutscher Arbeitskreis für Geomorphologie (AK Geomophologie)

The Working Group of German Geomorphologists (Deutscher Arbeitskreis für Geomorphologie) was founded in Würzburg in 1974 on the initiative of JULIUS BÜDEL. The first meeting was held in Würzburg in the same year. Meetings of the group are intended to provide a forum for geomorphologists, especially for young scientists to present final and also preliminary results of research projects and qualification theses. At present the AK Geomorphologie has about 220 members including university scientists, teachers, students and other people interested in geomorphology. Since its foundation the AK Geomorphologie has organized 26 annual meetings; the Department of Geography at the university of Trier was the host of the last assembly in 2000, which had the main theme "Geomorphology and Environmental History". The 27th annual meeting will take place in Berlin in September 2001 with the main theme "Quaternary Relief Formation in Different Climates" (more information on the home page of the AK: www.geographie.uni-halle.de/phys/AKG/AKG-HOME.HTM). Selected oral and poster presentations of the annual meetings are published in Supplements of the Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie. Until now more than 20 special issues have been published by the AK Geomorphologie. It also participated in the publication of special volumes edited in connectiom with the 2nd meeting of the IAG in Frankfurt in 1989. The AK Geomophologie supports the application for Priority Programs of the National Science Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemenischaft). Additional activities of the AK Geomorphologie include giving grants to young geomorphologists for attending international meetings in Europe and rewarding excellent posters at the annual meetings. A newsletter is sent to the members once or twice a year.

The president of the "Deutscher Arbeitskreis für Geomorphologie", Prof. KARL-HEINZ SCHMIDT, can be contacted at schmidt@geographie.uni-halle.de for further information.

KARL-HEINZ SCHMIDT

Estonian National Committee of Geomorphologists

First papers related to geomorphology were published in Estonia already in 17th century. Estonia was one of the first regions where the theory of continental glaciation was applied. Research on the sediments and topography of the Baltic Sea floor began as early as the middle of the 19th century. Among the first postwar achievements in the field of geomorphology were a set of medium-scale maps of Quaternary deposits, geomorphology and bedrock topography. In recent decades, a major research effort has been devoted to the genesis and structure of Estonian glacial relief forms, as well as dating of ice-marginal formations and their correlation with corresponding formations in North Europe, the history of the Baltic Sea, evolution of river systems on a chronological basis, studies of present day coasts and the human impact on landscapes.

National Committee was established in 1990. Board consists of seven leading scientists from Tartu University, Tallinn Technical University, Tallinn Pedagogical University and Estonian Geological Survey. Members of the Committee are actively participating in the Environmental State Monitoring programme, large-scale geomorphological mapping and in the projects of the Estonian Environmental Strategy and Sustainable Development. Committee holds annual meetings and participates in organising workshops. In 2000 in Rongu was organised International Conference "Earth`s Fields and their Influence on Organisms". In August 23-24, 2002 in Tartu Conference "From Native and Landscape research to Urban and Regional Studies" will be held. Contact for queries: garri@ut.ee, www.geo.ut.ee

ANTO RAUKAS

Japanese Geomorphological Union

The Japanese Geomorphological Union (JGU) holds its academic meeting twice a year. In March 2000, the spring meeting was held at University of Tsukuba. The meeting organized by Dr. YUKINORI MATSUKURA had the general assembly, paper presentations, and a symposium organized by Dr. YUICHI ONDA. The theme of the symposium was: "Applications of environmental isotope technique to geomorphology". A collection of papers presented at the symposium is being prepared for publication in a special issue of Transactions, Japanese Geomorphological Union (TJGU). A half-day field trip to the Lake Kasumi-ga-ura area was conducted after the meeting focusing on historical geomorphology of the area and its recent environmental change. The leaders were Drs. HIROSHI IKEDA, TAKA' AKI UDA, and YOSHIKI SAITO.

The 2000 fall meeting, organized by Dr. TAKASUKE SUZUKI, was held in September at Chuo University, the venue for the 5th International Conference on Geomorphology (ICG) in Tokyo. The meeting consisted of paper presentations and two symposiums with titles of (1) "Interrelationships between water cycle and landform change" (organized by Drs. YUKIYA TANAKA, YUICHI ONDA, and KAZUO OKUNISHI) and (2) "Pipe flows, landslides, and slope development in mountainous regions" (by Dr. TAKAHISA MIZUYAMA). Papers presented at the symposium (2) are supposed to be published in TJGU. Prior to the meeting a one-day field trip was made to Akiruno Upland. The field trip, led by Dr. TAKEI KOIZUMI, was to look at the interrelationship among landforms, groundwater, and land-use.

Dr. TAKASHI OKIMURA organized a one-day lecture course on DEM (Digital Elevation Model) in Osaka in December 2000, mainly for geologists working as engineering consultants. Using a textbook and CD-ROM data, the course was taught by Drs. MICHIO NOGAMI, DAICHI NAKAYAMA, and YASUSHI TANAKA.

JGU held its 2001 spring meeting at Kyoto University in March, which was organized by Dr. KAZUO OKUNISHI. The meeting had the general assembly and paper sessions.

Progress reports on the preparation for the 5th ICG in Tokyo, organized by JGU, have been made by Dr. TAKASUKE SUZUKI, the chair of the Organizing Committee, at the time of JGU academic meetings and also through TJGU.

TSUGUO SUNAMURA

Lithuanian National Group of Geomorphologists

The Lithuanian National Group of Geomorphologists was established in 1998. It informally unites geographers and geologists studying the Lithuanian surface, its forming and transforming processes and human impacts on geomorphologic processes. Researchers from the Vilnius University, Institute of Geography, Lithuanian Geological Survey, Vilnius Pedagogical University and Institute of Geology are engaged in these studies. In 1998-2000 the Lithuanian Geomorphologists accomplished a research on morphographic-morphometric, geodynamic process intensity and geomorphologic maps of Lithuania (1:200,000); assessment of geodynamic processes in valleys of Lithuanian rivers, deflation processes in Lithuanian territory and littoral processes in the Baltic sea nearshore and inland basins.

The Lithuanian Geomorphologists are employed in implementation of the state research program "Evolution of Earth and forecast of its resource changes in Lithuania (Lithosphere). In 1998-2000 they participated in the project supported by Lithuanian Foundation of Science Studies - "The Stone Age in Southern Lithuania". In 2001 they are participating in the project supported by same foundation (LFSS) - "Quality and transformations of urbanized environment". Individual researchers have taken part in the project of geological-geomorphological mapping "Jotvingiai Belt".

At present the Lithuanian National Group of Geomorphologists works in the following fields:

  1. Geomorphologic mapping of the territory (Master R. GUOBYTE, Prof. A.CESNULEVICIUS).
  2. Investigations of fluvial processes (Prof. V.DVARECKAS, Masters A.BAUBINIENE, I.VEKERIOTIENE, R.SKORUPSKAS, J.VOLUNGEVICIUS, Dr. S.PASKAUSKAS).
  3. Geodynamic processes in agrarian and urbanized territories (Prof. A.RACINSKAS, Prof. A.CESNULEVICIUS, Dr. J.VALIUNAS, Dr. R.MORKUNAITE).
  4. Investigations of eolian processes (Dr. R.MORKUNAITE, Dr. S.PASKAUSKAS, Dr. V.MINKEVICIUS).
  5. Studies of littoral processes (Prof. V.GUDELIS, Prof. R.ZAROMSKIS, Dr. G.ZILINSKAS, Dr. Z.JANUKONIS, Dr. D.JARMALAVICIUS).
  6. Periglacial relief transformation (Doc. K.SVEDAS, Dr. D.BAUZA).

The works of geomorphologists are published in Lithuanian geographical and geological periodicals: "The Geographical Yearbook" (www.geo.lt./metrastis/), "Geography", "Geology", "Baltica" (www.geoloin.lt/baltica/), "Geological Horizons" . In recent years a few monographs and textbook have been published: "The Lithuanian offshore and coast of the Baltic Sea" (author Prof. V.GUDELIS), "The Lithuanian relief: morphographic and morphometric aspects", "Geomorphology" (author A.CESNULEVICIUS).

The contact person of the Lithuanian National Group of Geomorphologists and address: Prof. Habil. Dr. Algimantas Cesnulevicius, Department of General Geography, Vilnius University, Ciurlionio 21/27, 2030 Vilnius, Lithuania, e-mail: algimantas.cesnulevicius@gf.vu.lt

ALGIMANTAS CESNULEVICIOS

Mexican Society of Geomorphology

The Mexican Society of Geomorphology (MSG) founded in May, 1994 consists of a hundred and fifty members. Last December, the Executive Committee of the Society was renewed. Dr. José LUGO-HUBP, the founder, and first President concluded his duties. The new Committee was designated as follows:

On May 7-8th the VI National Geomorphology Meeting was held in Mexico City simultaneously with the International Symposium on Land Degradation and Desertification of the I.G.U. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. ANNE BUTTIMER and Dr. JOSÉ LUIS PALACIO, President and Vice-President of the International Geographical Union respectively, as well as by Dr. MOSHE INBAR, Chairman, and Dr. ARTHUR CONACHER, Secretary of the Commission on Land Degradation and Desertification (COMLAND). Among the participants were internationally well recognised geomorphologists, such as Prof. HERMAN TH. VERSTAPPEN from ITC and Prof. MARÍA SALA, from the University of Barcelona.

During the International Symposium on Land Degradation and Desertification, a book of Selected Topics in Geomorphology was presented in honour of Prof. MOSHE INBAR. The book was dedicated to MOSHE for his invaluable academic contribution in many countries around the world and for his personal qualities.

The MSG continues the publication of the bulletin Xalli and is considering the organisation of the VII National Meeting at the end of 2002.

The President of the Mexican Society of Geomorphology can be reached at irasema@igiris.igeograf.unam.mx or (+52) 56 22 43 99 ext. 45 466, for further information regarding the MSG activities.

IRASEMA ALCÁNTARA-AYALA

Pacific Islands Geomorphology Group

The Pacific Islands Geomorphology Group is based at the Department of Geography of the University of the South Pacific (USP), in Suva, Fiji. Although there are only 2 academic geomorphologists at this institution (Professor PATRICK NUNN and Dr JAMES TERRY), we serve the entire area of the 12 Pacific Island nations that make up the USP, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Samoa. Within the vast region of Oceania that these countries occupy are hundreds of islands with an extraordinary physical diversity. There are low sandy cays sitting atop atoll reefs, high volcanoes (both active and extinct), emerged coral limestone islands, and many islands that are a combination of these types. Despite the rare and wonderful attraction of such exotic sounding places, the extreme remoteness of the outer islands of the South Pacific means that geomorphological research in this region has historically been limited. However, a current enthusiastic group of geomorphology postgraduates at USP, the busy research life of the 2 staff, and strong collaboration with geomorphologists in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, mean that a variety of exciting projects are continuing. These include:

For further information please contact: Dr JAMES P. TERRY, Pacific Islands Geomorphology Group - IAG, Geography Department, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji, e-mail: james.terry@usp.ac.fj

JAMES P. TERRY

Association of Slovak Geomorphologists

The 1st conference of the Association of Slovak Geomorphologists (ASG) and its General Assembly were held in October 21-23, 2000 in Liptovsky Jan at the foot of the Low Tatras. The ASG was established in 1996 and its members have decided to meet every four years. The aim of the conference was to present and discuss the results of geomorphic research in Slovakia during the period 1996-2000. The goal of the General Assembly was to evaluate the activity of the ASG from its beginnings and to approve the working plan for the next period. The conference consisted of the paper sessions and excursions, dedicated especially to the karst regions of the Central Slovakia. The participants received the Book of Abstracts and the Excursion Guide-Book. The previous president of the ASG Dr. MILOS STANKOVIANSKY was replaced by Dr. JAN URBANEK. The secretary is Dr. JAN LACIKA.

MILOS STANKOVIANSKY

Geomorphology groups in the USA

Geomorphologists in the USA are primarily served by two national organizations: the Geomorphology Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) and the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division of the Geological Society of America (GSA). The two organizations share a membership in IAG, and alternate sending a delegate.

Each group of geomorphologists meets annually at a larger national meeting of its parent organization: GSA will meet in Boston, Massachusetts, November 5-8, 2001 (http://www.geosociety.org) and AAG will meet in Los Angeles, California, March 19-23, 2002 (www.aag.org/AnnualMeetings/intro.html). Independent of these large organizations is an annual theme-based geomorphology symposium. These are the "Binghamton" Geomorphology Symposia, begun by MARIE MORISAWA and DON COATES in 1969 in Binghamton, New York. The 2001 Binghamton Symposium will be October 19-21 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Its theme, "Mountain Geomorphology - Integrating Earth Systems," celebrates the UN declaration of the year 2002 as the "International Year of the Mountain." This symposium's organizers, DAVID BUTLER, GEORGE MALANSON, and STEPHEN WALSH, have posted the program and information about the meeting at www.unc.edu/depts/geog/binghamton2001, and they will edit a volume of the papers presented.

The Geomorphology Specialty Group of the AAG is chaired by BERNARD BAUER, University of Southern California at Los Angeles. Information about the group, including the most recent newsletter ("Geomorphorum") is at www.cla.sc.edu/geog/gsgdocs/index.html. R. CRAIG KOCHEL currently chairs the GSA's Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division (see Divisions page of www.geosociety.org).

CAROL P. HARDEN

News from other IAG National Adhering Bodies, published in the Newsletter during the last four years

Editor’s Note

An up-to-date report from the Association of Polish Geomorphologists has been received from Dr. RACHLEWICZ and a report (in French) on the Groupe Francais de Geomorphologie has been received from Prof. MARRE. These reports with be included in forthcoming Newsletters.

Any errors of omission or of commission in this Newsletter are the responsibility of Guest Editor, OLAV SLAYMAKER.

The success of the IAG-Newsletter depends upon the contributions that we receive. Please assist by sending commentaries, reviews of regional or national meetings and field trips, summaries of issues pertinent to geomorphology, and announcements of future meetings and workshops. Your contributions should be forwarded to

C. Embleton-Hamann,
Institut für Geographie der Universität Wien,
Universitätsstraße 7,
A - 1010 Wien,
Austria.
Fax: (+431) 42779486;
E-mail: christine.embleton-hamann@univie.ac.at

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOMORPHOLOGISTS

PRESIDENT: Prof. Olav Slaymaker
Department of Geography
University of British Columbia
1984 West Mall
Vancouver, V6T 1Z2, CANADA
Fax: +1-604-8226150
E-mail: olav@geog.ubc.ca 		VICE PRESIDENT: Prof. Mario Panizza
Dip. di Scienze della Terra
Universitá degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Largo S. Eufemia, 19
41 100 Modena, ITALY
Fax: +39-059-2055887
E-mail: pit@unimo.it 		SECRETARY GENERAL: Dr. Piotr Migon
Geographical Institute
University of Wroclaw
Pl. Uniwersytecki 1
50-137 Wroclaw, POLAND
Fax: +48-71-3435184
E-mail: migon@geogr.uni.wroc.pl
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