In recent decades, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, which includes such approaches and techniques as chaos theory and the theory of dissipative structures, has brought revolutionary advancements to physics, physical chemistry and fluid dynamics. The broad applicability of nonlinear dynamical systems theory makes it appropriate for the study of earth surface processes such as turbulent flow. The increasingly complex nature of problems related to, for example, global environmental change and the interconnectedness of geomorphic and related phenomena demand a more systems oriented approach to their study. Two major schools of thought on geomorphic systems are lodged in North America and Europe, respectively. While North Americans emphasize more contemporary processes, Europeans focus on longer term landscape evolution. Debates of this nature usually take place at major international conferences. The annual Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium is the foremost gathering of scholars in Geomorphology, and in 1992 the Symposium will be organized around the theme of geomorphic systems. This project allows five eminent geomorphologists associated with the European perspective on geomorphic systems to participate in the Binghamton Symposium. Their presence and their contributed papers will provide the basis for a coordinated examination of the role of dynamical systems theory in the study of surficial processes with the ultimate objective of achieving a better understanding of physical landscape change on the surface of the earth. The Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium has, for over two decades, led the way in advancing the research frontier of geomorphological studies. The geomorphic systems theme provides an opportunity to explore the utility of nonlinear dynamical systems theory for the study of earth surface processes and landforms. It should also examine the potential of geomorphic systems studies for predicting the response of earth surface systems to large-scale perturbations such as climate and sea- level change. The participation of the five European experts will fertilize research in geomorphic systems by bringing together geomorphologists from different traditions to discuss and inform each other about the dynamic processes which produce the variety of landscapes present on the earth. The symposium will investigate the utility of chaos and bifurcation theory, dissipative structures, and hierarchy theory for research on the behavior and evolution of specific geomorphic systems. It will further explore the roles of spatial and temporal scale and scale-linkage problems in geomorphology. This project provides a unique opportunity to bring together scholars under the auspices of an established, distinguished symposium format to discuss and debate the future direction of an important subdiscipline within geography.
