TY - JOUR
T1 - The natural and human structuring of rivers and other geomorphological systems
T2 - A tribute to William L. Graf
AU - Rhoads, Bruce L.
N1 - Funding Information:
During the middle part of the twentieth century the field of geomorphology underwent a transformation as the tradition of landform studies initiated by William Morris Davis, based on the cycle of erosion, began to wane and the alternative tradition initiated by Grove Karl Gilbert, which focused on process-form relationships, increased in prominence. Out of this transformation emerged seminal studies that examined quantitative aspects of landform development, emphasized process-form interactions, and focused on time and space scales relevant to societal concerns. In the United States, much early work in this emerging approach was pioneered by geomorphologists in geology who held positions either in academic institutions or in federal agencies. Although geographers outside the United States were becoming actively engaged in this transformation of geomorphology, few American geographers interested in geomorphology were championing the new approach to inquiry, especially in relation to the study of rivers. All of that changed in the mid-1970s when William L. Graf developed an interest in the geomorphology of river systems. Over the past 40 years Will has pioneered innovative scientific approaches to the study of these systems, advanced fundamental theoretical understanding of fluvial processes and forms, highlighted the important role of human agency in fluvial dynamics, and integrated science with management concerns to inform public policy. His scholarly contributions in all of these areas have been truly transformative; his influence within geography is enormous, but his work has played a role in shaping the entire domain of contemporary river science. Moreover, Will's influence extends beyond the academy. He has served as a consultant and expert witness in numerous legal cases related to environmental management, has been a policy advisor on 40 committees for federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, and has chaired National Research Council committees focusing on America's watersheds, the Platte River, the Klamath River, the U.S. Geological Survey's research priorities, and the Florida Everglades. In recognition of his contributions, he has received awards from the Association of American Geographers, the Geological Society of America, the British Geomorphological Research Group; a Guggenheim Fellowship; a Fulbright Scholarship; the Founders Medal from the Royal Geographical Society; the John Wesley Powell Award from the U.S. Geological Survey; and the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a National Associate of the National Academy of Sciences.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier B.V.
PY - 2016/1/1
Y1 - 2016/1/1
N2 - This special issue honors the contributions of William L. Graf to geomorphology and river science. A hallmark of Will's work over the course of his career has been a focus on the natural and human structuring of river systems. More broadly, Will has been an innovator and leader who has shaped the way in which geomorphologists conduct research. Through his work, he has made fundamental contributions to basic fluvial theory, to the understanding of human impacts on river systems, and to policy-relevant science. He has demonstrated by example how to pursue policy-relevant science and to participate in science-based policy formulation. His contributions to river science can be classified into several themes: (1) the hydrology and geomorphology of suburban drainage systems, (2) riparian vegetation and river systems, (3) the spatial structure and dynamics of incised channels, (4) the dynamics of dryland river systems, (5) heavy metals in river systems, (6) dams and dam removal, and (7) water and public policy. The papers in this special issue reflect many aspects of these themes and address topics related to (1) the understanding of rivers and other geomorphic systems in the midst of dynamic physical change, (2) human influences on geomorphic processes, (3) the intersection of geomorphology and public policy, and (4) the fusion of geomorphic analysis and GIScience.
AB - This special issue honors the contributions of William L. Graf to geomorphology and river science. A hallmark of Will's work over the course of his career has been a focus on the natural and human structuring of river systems. More broadly, Will has been an innovator and leader who has shaped the way in which geomorphologists conduct research. Through his work, he has made fundamental contributions to basic fluvial theory, to the understanding of human impacts on river systems, and to policy-relevant science. He has demonstrated by example how to pursue policy-relevant science and to participate in science-based policy formulation. His contributions to river science can be classified into several themes: (1) the hydrology and geomorphology of suburban drainage systems, (2) riparian vegetation and river systems, (3) the spatial structure and dynamics of incised channels, (4) the dynamics of dryland river systems, (5) heavy metals in river systems, (6) dams and dam removal, and (7) water and public policy. The papers in this special issue reflect many aspects of these themes and address topics related to (1) the understanding of rivers and other geomorphic systems in the midst of dynamic physical change, (2) human influences on geomorphic processes, (3) the intersection of geomorphology and public policy, and (4) the fusion of geomorphic analysis and GIScience.
KW - Fluvial geomorphology
KW - Human impact
KW - Public policy
KW - Rivers
KW - William L. Graf
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84947035438&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.08.016
DO - 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.08.016
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84947035438
SN - 0169-555X
VL - 252
SP - 1
EP - 4
JO - Geomorphology
JF - Geomorphology
ER -