Geomorphology on the eve of the new century: fulfilled stages and contemporary tendencies

Abstract

In the development of geomorphology four main stages may be distinguished: the initial one (up to the 90^th of the XIX century), the classical one (from the 90^th to the 40^th of the XX century), the stage of theoretical differentiation (the 40^th - the 80^th) and current one. Classical period relates to works of W. Davis and W. Penk and their followers. Theoretical differentiation appeared due to detailed and fundamental investigations in the different fields of classical theories. The main tendencies of current development of geomorphology in the growing interest in dynamic and ecological aspects.