Geomorphology Lab
Explore the Geomorphology Lab at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
What is geomorphology?
Geomorphology is the study of landforms and the processes that shape Earth’s surface.
At the Geomorphology Lab at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, we use the shape of the Earth to understand the geological processes that shape our planet. Water, sediment movement, weathering, and tectonic activity all contribute to the landscapes we see today.
In our lab, we combine field observations, measurements, and digital representations of the Earth's surface to investigate how these processes interact and shape landscapes over time. We are particularly interested in understanding how climate, rock properties, and geological processes influence erosion and landscape evolution.
Focusing on Volcanic Ocean Islands, we aim to better understand how landscapes respond to environmental changes and how these processes influence natural hazards, including landslides and flooding.
Main research areas:
Natural Hazards
We live on a dynamic planet, where natural processes can pose significant hazards to people and communities. Landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions are just a few examples. In our lab, we combine field observations and climate data to understand the geological processes that drive these hazards and help explain where and why they occur.
Fluvial geomorphology
Rivers are major agents of erosion on our planet. Over time, they carve into the landscape, leaving signals that can help us understand past tectonic and climate conditions. Studying rivers can also help us mitigate flood hazards and understand bedload and pollutant transport. In our lab, we combine digital elevation models, fieldwork, and imagery to monitor and examine fluvial landscapes and better understand the processes that shape them.
What s the impact of climate on landscape evolution?
The spatial distribution of rainfall can have a profound impact on landscape evolution. In our lab, we bring together climate data, field data, and topographic datasets to understand the influence of climate on landscape evolution. The image below shows the dramatic climate contrasts across the Kohala region in northwestern Hawaiʻi. While the wet side receives over 4 m of rainfall per year, the south side receives as little as 20 cm. This sharp contrast in rainfall is clearly reflected in vegetation and erosion patterns.
Rock mechanics
Rocks can have distinct mechanical properties that make them more or less susceptible to erosion, landslides, and other geomorphic processes. In our lab, we combine field data with measurements of rock strength to investigate how variations in rock type and mechanical resistance influence landscape evolution.
Research in the lab
Specific lab projects, methods and publications will be added as research details become available. The overview above describes the field of geomorphology, rather than a list of confirmed lab activities.
To ask about current research or potential collaboration, contact the lab.
Start a conversation
Have a question about the lab, its people or its research? We welcome your inquiry.