IAG Regional Conference on Geomorphology 2025: Thematic Sessions
TS1. ADVANCING COASTAL DYNAMICS: MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES TO RELATIVE SEA-LEVEL CHANGE AND TECTONIC UPLIFT
Chairpersons:
Ciro Cerrone (ciro.cerrone@unive.it), Giuseppe Corrado (giuseppe.corrado@unibas.it),Nelly Valkanou (elnel@otenet.gr), Efthimios Karymbalis (karymba@hua.gr)
Description: coastal areas are among the most dynamic elements of the physical landscape, strongly influenced by both short-term (e.g., catastrophic meteo-marine events, human impacts) and long-term (e.g., tectonics,climate change, volcanic activity) forcing factors. Therefore, the study of sea level change is important because it can provide key evidence of climatic change and offer a benchmark for estimating rates of tectonic uplift. A multi-proxies approach presents a challenge of great scientific interest, aimed at populating specific databases useful for improving sea-level change models and defining future coastal scenarios. We welcome submissions employing methodological and multidisciplinary approaches that address both the past and present evolution of coastal areas. Also studies focused on new data, extreme events, sea-level reconstruction, geochronology methods, and remote sensing techniques for sea-level proxies are encouraged.
TS2. ADVANCING THEORY AND MODELLING OF RIVER SYSTEMS (organized by the IAG WG Advancing theory and modelling of river systems)
Chairpersons:
He-Quing Huang (huanghq@igsnrr.ac.cn), Paul Carling (p.a.carling@soton.ac.uk), Ian Rutherfurd (idruth@unimelb.edu.au), Gabriela Toroimac (gabriela.toroimac@geo.unibuc.ro)
Description: a fundamental contribution of earth scientists is to make convincing predictions about river channel change that are useful to the public and to decision makers. This is particularly important in developing areas of the world, where human impact has not yet radically altered river morphologies, but where development pressures are mounting. It is also critical in the face of climate change, and the probable increase in extreme events. Unnatural channel change contributes to degradation in aquatic habitats, extinction of riverine species, loss of flood-retaining areas etc. The purpose of this session is to communicate recent advances in theory and modelling of how river systems change at all scales and consequently, to identify complex self-organized models of river systems. We welcome studies conducted in a wide range of geographical areas, using a broad range of methodologies.
TS3. BIOGEOMORPHOLOGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: CHALLENGES AND NEW APPROACHES
Chairpersons:
Daniel Germain (germain.daniel@uqam.ca), Ana-Neli Ianăș (ana.ianas@e-uvt.ro), Mircea Voiculescu (mircea.voiculescu@e-uvt.ro)
Description: in a society increasingly connected with the world of animals and plants, the session aims to consolidate and discuss the latest concerns in the broad field of biogeomorphology, a subfield of geomorphology. We are particularly interested in how geomorphology influences the spatial distribution and development of plants and animals on the one hand, and on the other hand, how plants and, more importantly, animals, as geomorphic agents, influence surface processes and the formation and development of landforms. We hope that the concerns in this challenging scientific direction are based on interdisciplinary approaches, where modern investigation methods and systematic field research open new perspectives for understanding the capacity of the biological world to shape the geographic environment through bioerosion, bioprotection, and bioconstruction, while also interacting with humans and their interests
TS4. COASTAL SYSTEMS UNDER PRESSURE – INTEGRATING METHODS TO REVEAL HUMAN IMPACT
Chairpersons:
Florin Zainescu (zainescu@cerege.fr), Niki Evelpidou (evelpidou@geol.uoa.gr), Edward Anthony (anthony@cerege.fr), Florin Tatui (florin.tatui@geo.unibuc.ro)
Description: coastal systems face mounting pressures from human activities and climate change, threatening their protective and ecosystemic functions. This session explores challenges and opportunities in coastal geomorphology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understand and manage these dynamic environments. We welcome studies employing fieldwork, numerical modelling, and remote sensing techniques, particularly those integrating multiple methods. Focus areas include sediment budget assessment, quantification of sediment fluxes, landform evolution modelling, and coastal change monitoring. By fostering discussions on these topics, we aim to enhance understanding of human and climate impacts on coasts, explore sustainable strategies for landforms under pressure, and improve science communication.
TS5. CONNECTIVITY IN GEOMORPHOLOGY (organized by the IAG WG Connectivity in Geomorphology)
Chairpersons:
Ronald Pöppl (ronald.poeppl@univie.ac.at), Laura Turnbull (laura.turnbull@durham.ac.uk), Anthony Parsons (a.j.parsons@sheffield.ac.uk)
Description: in the past two decades, connectivity has emerged as a relevant conceptual framework for understanding material fluxes through landscapes. The concept has had particular success in geomorphology to better explain rates and patterns of geomorphic change. This session is organized by the IAG Working Group on “Connectivity in Geomorphology”. The specific objectives of this WG are to foster international scientific exchange related to the advancement of the theory of connectivity in geomorphology, method development, and concept implementation (incl. sustainable land and water management applications). We invite a broad range of contributions to the session that will aim to showcase the role of (dis-)connectivity in geomorphology.
TS6. EXTREME EVENTS, HUMAN IMPACT AND DENUDATION: SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS (organized by the IAG WG DENUCHANGE)
Chairpersons:
Eliza Placzkowska (eliza.placzkowska@zg.pan.krakow.pl), Ionela Rachita (ionela.rachita@ubbcluj.ro), Zbigniew Zwolinski (zbigniew.zwolinski@amu.edu.pl)
Description: the rising frequency and intensity of extreme phenomena reshape Earth’s surface due to climate change and human activities. Geomorphological research is crucial to understanding these processes. Various key questions remained, including how do human actions influence these extremes? How do landscape changes accelerate them? How do both natural and human-induced phenomena affect denudation? Research explores the potential for human impact, sudden geomorphological changes, and monitoring methods. We invite contributions on observed synergies, long-term consequences, and adaptation/mitigation strategies. Additionally, we aim to explore implementing SDGs in resource management and spatial planning to reduce the negative impact of extreme phenomena on landforms/environment.
TS7. FROM LAND TO BADLAND – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (organized by the IAG WG Badlands)
Chairpersons:
Milica Kašanin-Grubin (milica.kasanin@ihtm.bg.ac.rs), Nevena Antić (nevena.antic@ihtm.bg.ac.rs), Manel Llena (manel.llena@udl.cat), Francesca Vergari (francesca.vergari@uniroma1.it), Estela Nadal Romero (estelanr@ipe.csic.es), Aydogan Avcioglu (aydogann22@gmail.com)
Description: terrains of accentuated roughness, varied topographical features and diverse lithology, known as badlands, attract great attention from both scientist and people. Badlands are recognized for their easily erodible terrains, fast weathering, distinctive soil formations and surface hydrology. The development of badlands is influenced by the combination of terrain robustness, presence of soft sedimentary material, intensive climate events and external impacts on vegetation cover. Due to such diversity and the wide range of techniques and experimental procedures used in different kind of badland investigation, we invite badland enthusiasts to present their latest theoretical, modelling or empirical studies.
TS8. GEODIVERSITY AND GEOHERITAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (organized by the IAG WG on Geomorphosites and WG on Dynamic geodiversity of critical zones in mountain areas and polar regions DYNAgeoZONES)
Chairpersons:
Lucie Kubalíková (Lucie.Kubalikova@ugn.cas.cz), Paola Coratza (paola.coratza@unimore.it), Fabien Hobléa (Fabien.Hoblea@univ-smb.fr), Zbigniew Zwolinski (zbigniew.zwolinski@amu.edu.pl), Alicja Najwer (alicja.jaskulska@amu.edu.pl), Marco Giardino (marco.giardino@unito.it)
Description: geodiversity and geoheritage are increasingly recognised concepts by the scientific community, however, they remain underestimated by policymakers and relatively unknown to the general public. Moreover, they are exposed to various risks and threats, e.g. urbanisation or environmental changes. The recognition of geodiversity and geoheritage’s importance is therefore one of the main pillars of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in accordance with IUCN resolution WCC-2020-074 on Geoheritage and Protected Areas. The session is open to the contributions related (but not strictly limited) to the following topics: (1) dynamics of geomorphosites, (2) degradation risk assessment, (3) social and cultural aspects of geodiversity and geoheritage research.
TS9. GEOMORPHOLOGICAL HAZARDS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (co-organized, IAG IAGGeomHaz WG – International Geographical Union, Commission on Hazard and Risk)
Chairpersons:
Susana da Silva Pereira (spereirageo@gmail.com), Maria Carolina Villaça Gomes (mcarolvg@gmail.com), Takashi Oguchi (oguchi@csis.u-tokyo.ac.jp)
Description: geomorphological hazards are increasing in many regions, causing human and economic losses, and considerable changes in landscape forms and dynamics. These processes occur in complex environments at different scales. This session invites submissions focusing on research, empirical studies, data collection methods, methodological novelties or observations that present innovative research and case studies based on complex morphological processes (pluvial, fluvial, gravitational, hydrogeomorphological, pedological, earthquakes and volcanic processes). We expect to discuss how these studies can contribute to adequately estimating susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk to forward natural hazard research and reduce adverse effects on society.
TS10. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES: A GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL APPROACH (organized by the IAG WG Coastal Geoarchaeology)
Chairpersons:
Pietro Aucelli (pietro.aucelli@uniparthenope.it), Teresa Bardaji (teresa.bardaji@uah.es), Hayley Cawthra (cawthra.h@gmail.com), Gaia Mattei (gaia.mattei@uniparthenope.it)
Description: the challenge of coastal geoarchaeological research is to study past anthropized coastal landscapes and their dynamics over time to shed new light on the impacts of climate changes and surface processes on coastal communities. The Coastal Geoarchaeology IAG-WG session welcomes contributions on: geoarchaeological studies of coastal areas: from field data to modelling approaches; new technologies for paleo-landscape analysis in anthropized coastal areas; coastal paleo-landscape reconstruction from the onshore to the offshore; human adaptations to past and recent climate and sea-level changes; response and resilience of ancient coastal societies to extreme events; management and valorisation of the coastal geoarchaeological heritage.
TS11. GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOCIETY (co-organized by the IAG-International Geographical Union, Geomorphology and Society WG/Commission)
Chairpersons:
Jiun-Chuan Lin (jclin@ntu.edu.tw), Yasuhiro Suzuki (y-sz@biglobe.jp), Anita Bernatek-Jakiel (anita.bernatek@uj.edu.pl)
Description: during the Anthropocene, the human society has to deal with climate and environmental change, natural hazards and adapted land use planning, etc. The limitations of natural environment and its specific processes are restraining the development of human society, challenging its sustainable development and leading to the question: how geomorphology can contribute to the societal development? In line with the UN SDGs, this session would like to invite those who are interested in sustainable development issues focused on natural processes and hazards, adaptation capability and resilience, thus contributing to the clarification of the role of geomorphology for the society.
TS12. GLACIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY AND CHRONOLOGY
Chairpersons:
Zsófia Ruszkiczay-Rüdiger (rrzsofi@geochem.hu), Marc Oliva (oliva_marc@yahoo.com), Cristina Balaban (cristina-ioana.balaban@durham.ac.uk), Marcel Mîndrescu (mindrescu@atlas.usv.ro), Emil Gachev (egachev@cawri.bas.bg), Răzvan Popescu (razvan.popescu@geo.unibuc.ro)
Description: glacial landforms are invaluable features for reconstructing the extent and fluctuations of past ice sheets and mountain glaciers. Their mapping and age determination are crucial for a better understanding of glacier growth and retreat in the light of past climate oscillations. That, in turn, can enhance recognition of possible future impacts of climate warming on ice bodies across the globe. This session focuses past and present glacial processes and aims to discuss new research results on a broad range of topics, from field observations and mapping to morphometry and modelling approaches, together with geochronology and geoecological implications.
TS13. KARST GEOMORPHOLOGY: A MODERN PERSPECTIVE
Chairpersons:
Laura Tîrlă (tirla@geo.unibuc.ro), Nenad Buzjak (nbuzjak@gmail.com), Francisco Gutiérrez (fgutier@unizar.es), Christos Pennos (cpennos@auth.gr), Rannveig Skoglund (Rannveig.Skoglund@uib.no)
Description: this session will cover contributions that explore the latest advancements in karst geomorphology research. We seek integrated analyses of karst landforms, aquifers, and cave deposits addressing topics such as Quaternary paleoenvironments, neotectonics, modern investigation techniques, and geomorphological issues in karst management and karst-related hazards. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and showcasing innovative approaches, this session aims to expand our understanding of karst systems and their significance in contemporary scientific and societal contexts.
TS14. LANDSLIDES IN CLIMATE CHANGE CIRCUMSTANCES (co-organized IAG-International Consortium on Landslides- International Geographical Union, Commission on Hazard and Risk)
Chairpersons:
Zeljko Arbanas (zeljko.arbanas@gradri.uniri.hr), Veronica Tofani (veronica.tofani@unifi.it), Alessandro Mondini (alessandro.mondini@ge.imati.cnr.it), Mihai Micu (mikkutu@yahoo.com)
Description: landslides, one of the World’s major hazards, are among the geomorphological process with great impact on landforms changes. Their main triggering factors are rainfall and earthquakes. In global climate change circumstances, rainfall induced landslides behave differently from the usual patterns and numerous landslides mechanisms and types changes are expected. There are evident changes in the duration of rainfall events, intensities and durations; number of annual rainy days; snow height and melting periods, yearly temperature distribution and consequent evaporation. This session will highlight these impacts on the landslide science and research, from landslide initiation to landslide susceptibility, hazard and risk assessment.
TS15. METHODS AND TOOLS FOR MONITORING AND MODELLING SEDIMENT FLUXES IN MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTS
Chairpersons:
Olimpiu Pop (olimpiu.pop@ubbcluj.ro), Armelle Decaulne (armelle.decaulne@cnrs.fr), Katja Laute (katja.laute@geofieldlab.com), Achim Beylich (achim.beylich@geofieldlab.com)
Description: mountains are critical environments in which operate some of the most active geomorphic processes. An array of geomorphic processes of weathering, erosion, transport and deposition of sediments occur across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, causing morphological changes on slopes and riverbeds. Understanding and quantifying rates of sediment transport within mountain environments is a crucial research topic in process geomorphology. In this session we welcome contributions aiming at (i) monitoring, reconstructing and quantifying rates of geomorphic processes; (ii) using models in the analysis of geomorphic processes; (iii) assessing, quantifying and predicting geomorphic hazards in mountain areas worldwide.
TS16. NEW APPROACHES IN VIRTUAL FIELDTRIPS IN GEOMORPHOLOGY (organized by the IAG WG Virtual trips in Geomorphology)
Chairpersons:
Anna Karkani (ekarkani@geol.uoa.gr), Mihaela Verga (mihaela.verga@geo.unibuc.ro), Arjen Stroeven (arjen.stroeven@natgeo.su.se), Derek McDougall (d.mcdougall@worc.ac.uk)
Description: this session welcomes contributions on the development of virtual fieldtrips in geomorphology. We particularly welcome new approaches, methods, and techniques, such as 3D animations and VR videos. We invite researchers working on different geomorphic environments. Topics include, but are not limited to, geomorphological landscapes and phenomena, environmental issues and geomorphological hazards, promotion of sites of geomorphological interest, promotion and preservation of landscape heritage, and virtual fieldtrips in higher education.
TS17. PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES IN CLIMATE CHANGES CONTEXT (co-organized IAG-International Permafrost Association)
Chairpersons:
Gonçalo Vieira (vieira@campus.ul.pt), Isabelle Gärtner-Roer (isabelle.roer@geo.uzh.ch), Petru Urdea (petru.urdea@e-uvt.ro), Alexandru Onaca (alexandru.onaca@e-uvt.ro)
Description: defined as rock or soil that remains at or below the freezing point for two or more years, permafrost is it is the creation of harsh climatic conditions, specific to circumpolar areas and high mountains. Associated with the periglacial environment characterized by the existence of some periglacial processes, of which freeze-thaw processes are the main “engine”, permafrost areas are sensitive to climate change. Monitoring the temperatures, the thickness of the active layer, the change in the regime of the type of permafrost, as well as, the rate of specific periglacial processes are ways of finding out the relationships between permafrost, periglacial morphogenetic processes and climate changes. Moreover, the current state of the circumpolar and mountain permafrost, its evolution, is an indicator of contemporary climate changes, indicating warming trends. We invite researchers studying this issue from the geomorphologic, environmental, social and cultural effects perspectives.
TS18. PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY (organized by the IAG WG Planetary Geomorpohology)
Chairpersons:
Lonneke Roelofs (l.roelofs@uu.nl), Susan Conway (susan.conway@univ-nantes.fr)
Description: the Planetary Geomorphology session aims to bring together geomorphologists who study the Earth with those who work on other rocky bodies in our solar system, such as Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Moon, icy satellites, comets, and asteroids. Considered processes could include aeolian, volcanic, tectonic, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, or “undetermined” ones. Studies applicable to landscapes on any scale are welcome, from grains to mountain belts. We particularly encourage those who use Earth analogues, laboratory/numerical simulation, or big satellite datasets to submit their work. Furthermore, we especially welcome contributions from early-career scientists and geomorphologists who are new to planetary science.
TS19. REMOTE SENSING AND MODELLING OF PERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL LANDFORMS
Chairpersons:
Flavius Sîrbu (flavius.sirbu@e-uvt.ro), Tazio Strozzi (strozzi@gamma-rs.ch), Oana Berzescu (oana.berzescu@e-uvt.ro)
Description: as permafrost is not directly observable from space, remote sensing of permafrost is focused on surface features, typical periglacial landforms, and ground surface properties (e.g. ground surface temperature, surface moisture). Using this data, computer models are employed to produce finite products such as maps of: permafrost extent, active layer depth and others. Contributions to this session may include, but are not limited to: remote sensing of permafrost and periglacial features, modelling of permafrost active layer depth and temperature, rock glacier kinematics and rock glacier inventories.
TS20. SOIL EROSION PROCESSES IN A CHANGING CLIMATE: THEORETICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND PRACTICAL PROGRESS
Chairpersons:
Anita Bernatek-Jakiel (anita.bernatek@uj.edu.pl), Matthias Vanmaercke (matthias.vanmaercke@kuleuven.be), Lilian Niacșu (lilian.niacsu@uaic.ro), Mihai Niculiță (mihai.niculita@uaic.ro)
Description: soil erosion causes a wide range of on and off-site impacts across various land-use types. If left unmanaged, it can lead to severe land degradation. Effective land management strategies and interventions require a thorough understanding of the magnitude, dynamics, controlling factors, and interactions of the different soil erosion processes at play (sheet and rill erosion, gully erosion, piping, tillage erosion, wind erosion, soil loss due to crop harvesting). We therefore invite scientific contributions that employ monitoring, experimental, or modeling strategies to enhance the understanding of one or more of these processes, with a focus on advancing global sustainable development goals in the context of global change.
TS21. TECTONIC GEOMORPHOLOGY (organized by the IAG WG Tectonic Geomorphology)
Chairpersons:
Giandomenico Fubelli (giandomenico.fubelli@unito.it), Konstantinos Tsanakas (ktsanakas@hua.gr), Esra Tuncel (esratuncel5290@gmail.com), Andrew Howell (a.howell@gns.cri.nz, andrew.howell@canterbury.ac.nz)
Description: tectonic geomorphology studies how Earth’s dynamic interactions between internal processes and surface features, influence landscape development over time. This interdisciplinary field integrates techniques from geomorphology, tectonics, seismology, sedimentology, geochronology, and more. The IAG Tectonic Geomorphology Working Group is organizing a session to promote innovative research on active tectonics and landscape evolution. Contributions are sought on various spatial and temporal scales, including long-term changes from deep crustal activity and rapid morphological shifts. Key topics include mapping tectonic deformation, dating geomorphic features, detecting active structures, modelling landscape evolution, and assessing slope stability in response to landscape changes.
TS22. GEOETHICS IN GEOMORPHOLOGY (co-organized IAG – International Association for promoting Geoethics)
Chairpersons:
Elizabeth Rovere (DraElizabethRovere@gmail.com), Andrea Coronato (andrea.coronato@gmail.com)
Description: geomorphology, as a discipline focused on the study of landscape processes and formation, has a direct impact on both the environment and human societies, and this was not always addressed from an ethical perspective, leading to sustainability and social justice challenges. This session aims to bring together all those interested in exploring the intersection of geomorphology and geoethics, discussing how scientific and technical decisions in the study of geographic landscapes should be informed by ethical principles that consider both environmental and social impacts. Furthermore, the session seeks to raise awareness about the ethical responsibility in geomorphological research and its application in decision-making that affects ecosystems and communities.
TS23. LANDFORMS, GEOHERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DIPLOMACY
Chairpersons:
Marcel Mindrescu (mindrescu@atlas.usv.ro), Joanna Zawiejska (joanna.zawiejska@uken.krakow.pl), Dariia Kholiavchuk (d.kholyavchuk@chnu.edu.ua), Diana Istrate (rotidia@yahoo.com), Mehmet Altingoz (altingoz@udel.edu)
Description: not only are landforms intrinsically relevant for scientific research, but terrain morphology also constitutes the physical support for other environmental elements (climate features, water bodies, biota, human settlements and activities etc.). Consequently, the characteristics of relief may condition or determine to a significant extent the variability of hydroclimatic conditions, resources and ecosystem diversity, thus shaping natural and anthropogenic landscapes. As geomorphology can separate or connect adjacent spaces and generate geoheritage value, in this section we will attempt to assess its role in establishing environmental protection and conservation, as well as in supporting peacebuilding and environmental diplomacy between nations.