Landscape connectivity: the geographic basis of geomorphic applications

TLDR

Geomorphic applications in environmental management hinge on geographic spatial relationships, as landscape compartment connectivity governs biophysical fluxes and mediates disturbance responses. The study proposes a nested hierarchical framework that emphasizes differing forms of (dis)connectivity in catchments. The authors present a field‑based geomorphic tool that grounds modelling techniques in catchment‑scale biophysical flux analysis. The tool facilitates modelling of catchment‑scale biophysical fluxes.

Abstract

Geographic concerns for spatial relationships lie at the heart of geomorphic applications in environmental management. The way in which landscape compartments fit together in a catchment influences the operation of biophysical fluxes, and hence the ways in which disturbance responses are mediated over time. These relationships reflect the connectivity of the landscape. A nested hierarchical framework that emphasizes differing forms of (dis)connectivity in catchments is proposed. This field‐based geomorphic tool can be used to ground the application of modelling techniques in analysis of catchment‐scale biophysical fluxes.