The Geographic Basis of Geomorphic Enquiry Nicholas Preston 1 , Gary Brierley 2 and Kirstie Fryirs 3 * 1 School of Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington 2 School of Environment, The University of Auckland 3 Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie University Abstract Geomorphic enquiry ranges from interpretations of landscape evolution framed within geological sciences to contemporary process-form analyses that build upon engineering applications. Geographic discourse blends these perspectives, emphasizing spatio-temporal relationships across a range of scales. Following a brief historical overview, this article highlights how emerging themes in geomorphic enquiry emphasize nonlinear, emergent aspects of geomorphic systems. Such understandings extend beyond traditional conceptualizations of landscapes that were based upon notions of deterministic stability and predictability. The unique configuration and temporal sequence of drivers, disturbances and responses of each landscape, along with the historical imprint, result in system-specific behavioural and evolutionary traits wherein landscape forms and processes are contingent upon a multitude of factors. This place-based perspective of landscapes is an inherently geographical approach to enquiry. Such geomorphic thinking provides a coherent template for a range of environmental management applications, especially in interdisciplinary fields such as landscape ecology and landscape engineering. Introduction … how to reconcile … views of what geomorphology is … is a topic that is perhaps too little pursued.(Michael Church 2010, 282) Geomorphic enquiry entails the description and explanation of landscape forms, processes and genesis. Implicitly, therefore, it requires both a generic understanding of the physics and mechanics of process and an appreciation of the dynamic behaviour of landscapes as they evolve through time (see, for example, Crozier et al. 2010). A large body of theory has been established to analyse patterns of landscape processes and forms across various spatial and temporal scales. In developing this understanding, geomorphic enquiry extends across several disciplines, primarily housed within geography, geology and engineering departments. In recent years various authors have discussed prospective benefits and / or limitations of geomorphic training received within geology and geography programmes, and prospects related to the emergence of earth system sciences (see Church 2005; Dadson 2010; Keylock 2007, 2010; Paola et al. 2006; Parsons 2006; Ritter 1988; Slaymaker 2009; Summer- field 2005). These discussions build upon long-standing debate (see, for example, Brown 1975; Bryan 1950). In many ways, the diversity of approaches to geomorphic enquiry can be viewed as a disciplinary strength, rather than a weakness (Butzer 1973; Jennings 1973; Sherman 1996). Despite the range of perspectives on future geomorphologies, two primary threads of enquiry are emerging: large-scale modelling applications in earth system science, and applied (environmental) geomorphology. Our concern here lies with Geography Compass 5/1 (2011): 21–34, 10.1111/j.1749-8198.2010.00404.x ª 2011 The Authors Geography Compass ª 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd