The Fluvial System

by Stanley A. Schumm

Originally published in 1977, this is a classic of the geomorphology literature. Erosion, transport, and deposition of sediment within river catchments concern a wide range of earth scientists and profoundly affect land management. Upland soil removal engages the attention of soil conservationists, hydraulic engineers deal with fluvial sediment transport and river channel morphology, and patterns of sediment deposition in riverine and coastal lowlands affect navigability, the habitability of valley floors and the distribution of groundwater and minerals. The author argues persuasively that fluvial geomorphology, sedimentology and stratigraphy provide insights into each of these components of the river basin. "This volume, with its generous illustrations will be welcomed by earth scientists generally. It fills an important niche in the fluvial literature and its lucid style and clear exposition place it well within the range of students in any form of higher education." Nature "As a synthesis of the fluvial system and its effects on the landscape, as a primer in fluvial geomorphology and sedimentation for the planner, engineer and economic geologist, and as a stimulator of geomorphic thought, this book is most valuable." American Scientist Dr. Schumm is an internationally recognized geomorphologist who has published 150 papers and authored and edited 11 books. His primary experience has been in the investigation and analysis of fluvial systems. He has applied the concepts of geomorphology, fluvial hydraulics and geology to analyze alluvial river form and shape, sediment transport and effects of man-induced changes on river systems throughout the United States and in numerous foreign countries. He has also been involved in the interpretation of lunar and Martian landforms. Dr. Schumm is a past Chairman of the Geopmorphology Division of the Geological Society of America, has served on technical and committees of the National Research Council, the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, International Geographic Union, the National Science Foundation and NASA. He has performed research, lectured and advised government agencies around the world.

338 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Hayden Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of scientific observations from a geomorphologist and various peers, which together explain the dependance of river morphology on various above and below stream controls. Written at a time when the idea that earth processes operated as open systems, and had quantifiable relationships with one another, was a rather novel concept.

The arguments for this are comprehensive and convincing, and the author was clearly a visionary. Unfortunately, the writing is poorly edited and organized, and feels throughout that the reader has been forced to ingest a large dump of scientific research, a large portion of which is out of date at this time.
Spelling mistakes throughout are distracting, and introductions to new topics are brief and uninformative. Because of these shortcomings, it reads like a rough draft. Or rather something that has been written to be citated rather than enjoyed. No doubt newer books on the subject have improved, and expanded upon, Schumms first attempt.