MORPHOTECTONICS AND THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SCIENCES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The apparent decline of Davisian geomorphology is less than might appear from the literature, as genetic geomorphology has found increasing application in photogeology and is widely used in all geological reconnaissance. Structural geomophology has grown slowly but is now an established technique whereby one of the Davisian trilogy—structure—may be inferred from geomorphological observations. Morpho-tectonics involves a study of external form of major topographic units as well as of their internal structure and permits tectonic inferences relative to areas as large as continents. Both structural geomorphology and morphotectonics add considerably to the techniques available for the study of cratons, and in Australia the results indicate long-continued activity along ancient lines of weakness and considerable evidence for greater mobility of the cratonic units than is normally attributed to them. Lineaments and blocks are prominent and many of the geological basins are framed by lineaments. There are similarities with the neotectonic characteristics of the Russian platform, especially in the reflection of ancient structures in younger and the evidence for recent movements which may be of a continuing nature. This is one point in which the Davisian trilogy is deficient; but genetic geomorphology has afforded a sound basis for understanding when its principles have been rigidly applied.