Laws, place, history and the interpretation of landforms

Abstract

The state of an Earth surface system (ESS) is determined by three sets of factors: laws, place, and history. Laws (L = L1, L2, . . . , Ln) are the n general principles applicable to any such system at any time. Place factors (P = P1, P2, . . . , Pm) are the m relevant characteristics of the local or regional environment. History factors (H = H1 , H2, . . . , Hq) include the previous evolutionary pathway of the ESS, its stage of development, past disturbance, and initial conditions. Geoscience investigation may focus on laws, place, or history, but ultimately all three are necessary to understand and explain ESS. The LPH triad is useful as a pedagogical device, illustrated here via application to explaining the world's longest cave (Mammoth Cave, KY). Beyond providing a useful checklist, the LPH framework provides analytical traction to some difficult research problems. For example, studies of the avulsions of three southeast Texas rivers showed substantial differences in avulsion regimes and resulting alluvial morphology, despite the proximity and superficial similarity of the systems. Avulsions are governed by the same laws in all cases [L(A) = L(B) = L(C)], and the three rivers have undergone the same sea‐level, climate, and tectonic histories, as well as the same general anthropic impacts [H(A) ≈ H(B) ≈ H(C)]. Though regional environmental controls are similar, local details such as the location of the modern main channel relative to Pleistocene meander channels differ, and thus these place factors explain the differences between the rivers. The LPH framework, or similar types of reasoning, is implicit in many types of geoscience analysis. Explicit attention to the triad can help solve or address many specific problems and remind us of the importance of all three sets of factors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A century of channel change caused by flow augmentation on Sixth Water Creek and Diamond Fork River, Utah, USA

“…Deposition at the margin of these surfaces occurred during recent floods, causing local channel shifting and promoting the growth of new vegetation (Figure 11). The post‐2004 lower Diamond Fork illustrates the importance of place‐specific history and on fluvial function (Fryirs & Brierley, 2016; Masteller et al, 2019; Phillips, 2017; Phillips et al, 2022).…”

“…Partially confined sections of lower Diamond Fork share some similarities with Sixth Water, but there are several key differences as well: the magnitude of augmentation flows relative to natural floods was smaller, the valley slope is substantially lower, and there was ini- (Fryirs & Brierley, 2016;Masteller et al, 2019;Phillips, 2017;Phillips et al, 2022).…”

Place formation and axioms for reading the natural landscape

“…History refers to time-contingent variables and influences such as age or stage of development, inherited characteristics and legacy effects, disturbances, and land and resource-use history. The law–place–history framework is described in more detail, with brief examples, in Phillips (2017a). A more detailed application is Phillips (2017b).…”

Breaking rocks made easy. Blending stress control concepts to advance geomorphology

“…Imaginaries can facilitate scientific developments, an apparent sense of objectivity and certitude in our research and teaching. A simple and widely used framework to explain landscapes, landforms and changes thereof, from short‐term to long‐term evolution, has been employing the triangle relationship of material, form, and processes (MFP triangle) (Church, ; Phillips, ). Materials generally constitute resisting forces while processes drive the change in form.…”