Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 7.3
Simplifi ed Model of Landform
Development
GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
NATURAL FORCES
LANDFORMS
MAGMA
STRUCTURAL
LANDFORMS
Landforms are infl uenced by geology
(such as rock type), and natural forces
(such as tectonic processes, weather-
ing, erosion, and sedimentation).
Source:
Pidwirny 2006
e.g. Mountains,
Fault Scarps,
Rift Valleys.
Folding, Faulting,
Tectonic Uplift
and Land Subsidence
Tectonic
Processes
Solidification
ROCKS
WEATHERING
LANDFORMS
Decomposition and
Disintegration of
Rocks and Minerals
by Physical and
Chemical Processes
e.g. Soils,
Karst Caves.
Weathering
DEBRIS
EROSIONAL
LANDFORMS
Detachment and
Transport by Wind,
Water and Ice
e.g. River and
Glacial Valleys,
Gullies.
Sediment/Erosion
LOAD
DEPOSITIONAL
LANDFORMS
Deposition by Wind,
Water and Ice
e.g. Sand Bars,
Alluvial Fans, Deltas
Floodplains,
Glacial Till.
Sediment/Deposition
Many landforms show the influence of several of the above processes (termed polygenetic
landforms). Processes acting on landforms can also change over time, and a single land-
scape can undergo several cycles of development (also termed polycyclic development).
Landscape is how people perceive landforms and land cover. Landform and landscapes
should be treated the same as any other resource subject to the effects of mining. While a
study of landform is based on geology, and geological processes, a study of landscapes has
to be based on more subjective criteria:
Landform and landscapes should
be treated the same as any other
resource subject to the effects
of mining.
Landscape values are the sum of the values of individual components, predominantly
water, rocks, soil, and vegetation, and their spatial relationships.
Landscape encompasses the aesthetic and emotional values of the natural environment,
underlining the importance of visual qualities and values such as visibility, colour, con-
trast, and fragility.
Visibility involves elements of scale and distance as well as possible observation points.
Fragility in this context refers to those landscape characteristics relating to the capac-
ity to withstand or respond to changes in the landscape. It is used as a guide for
locating the possible facilities or their elements in such a way as to minimize visual
impact. Biophysical, perceptive, and historical-cultural factors usually affect fragility.
Proximity and visual exposure can also be considered.
 
 
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