The Geoecosystem and its Application in Research on the Present-Day Morphogenetic System in the Temperate Climate Zone
The Geoecosystem and its Application in Research on the Present-Day Morphogenetic System in the Temperate Climate Zone

Summary/Abstract: The organisation and performance of research on geomorphological processes should be based on the methodological and methodical grounds of the empirical sciences. A well-organised observation in the form of geomorphological monitoring forms the grounds for the collection of observational data. Actually, it is not an option to consider the geoecological approach in the study of present-day geomorphological processes. This is a methodological must. Adopting a certain concept of the geoecosystem seems to be a good option in research on present-day geomorphological processes (Kostrzewski 1993). A geoecosystem is a unit of geographic space with varying size and structure. This geomorphological monitoring stands for the organisation and conduct of research on geomorphological processes (considered to be dominant) and relevant conditions (weather-related, hydrological) based on a standardised measurement system in order to obtain reliable data aimed to assess current research studies and plan future studies. Currently in Poland, geomorphological monitoring is conducted at scientific research sites; for example, at selected high schools and as part of the Integrated Environmental Monitoring Network in Poland, which is a subsystem of Poland’s National Environmental Monitoring Network. The data obtained from geomorphological monitoring sites, verified on the grounds of accepted statistical tests, forms the basis for the analysis and assessment of a given geoecosystem and its operation, taking into account observed climate changes and increasing human impact.

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