Integrated modelling of geomorphological and ecological landscape evolution

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Landscapes are complex dynamic systems, both geomorphologically and ecologically. Moreover, geomorphological processes are influenced by the landscape's vegetation cover and vice versa. Given these mutual relations it can be expected, and indeed it has been shown, that geomorphological and ecological processes interact and co-determine the evolution of the landscape. However, these interactions are frequently neglected in current landscape simulation studies. Geomorphological landscape evolution models commonly regard vegetation as a secondary factor and either treat it as static or ignore it altogether. Conversely, ecological landscape evolution models usually regard the landscape's morphology as a static stage for vegetation competition and succession.This research aims to improve understanding of interactions and feedbacks between ecological and geomorphological processes in landscape evolution, using an integrated landscape evolution modelling approach. Two new computational models will be developed to systematically investigate: 1) the internal dynamics of geomorphological and ecological process interactions on both reach and catchment scales; 2) the importance of these interactions on landscape evolution; 3) the impact of vegetation dynamics on rates of geomorphological processes and sediment yield; and 4) the landscape's response to external conditions, such as climate change or anthropogenic forcing.Field studies are envisaged to complement the numerical simulations. Field data are used to apply the models in natural systems, rather than idealized or hypothetical environments only, and thereby offer the potential for verification or confirmation of the models.