ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how, directly and indirectly, all life helps shape landscapes, the processes involved being studied by biogeomorphologists of various types and anthropogeomorphologists. It points out that a considerable amount of research in biogeomorphology focuses upon ecosystem engineer species – bioconstructors, bioeroders, and bioprotectors. It discusses the work of anthropogeomorphologists, who consider the role of human agency in landscape forms and processes, especially within the Anthropocene, with much research centring around the human-induced change to sediment flow caused by mining and construction, soil erosion, and the building of dams. The chapter also explains the nature of artificial (human-made) ground, and the notion of cities as landforms. It then explores how applied geomorphologists apply geomorphological knowledge and techniques to problems facing society, including such issues as resource evaluation, the impact of development projects, and the prediction of natural hazards. It finishes by discussing geodiversity and its allied concepts – geoheritage, geosites, geoconservation, geomorphosites, and geoethics.
