About the IAG Working Group

A Working Group of the International Association for Geomorphology

Unprecedented high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution data from planet, moon, asteroid and comet surfaces in our solar system are being collected by satellites, landers and rovers. These data allow the identification of a range of active and relict geomorphic processes that include impact cratering, volcanism, aeolian, fluvial, lacustrine, deltaic, mass wasting, rock breakdown, glacial, periglacial, coastal and meteoritic gardening. While the landforms appear similar to those on Earth, there are issues of equifinality in addition to important differences in denudation rates, landform scale and indeed geomorphic processes. In addition to experimental and modeling studies, Earth field analogs are often used to better understand geomorphic processes on other planets and stronger collaboration between the two communities is needed.

Our National members organize special sessions at national meetings to stimulate discussion of ideas and theories that will improve our understanding of geomorphic processes and the links between process and form on planetary surfaces.