Elementary morphological units as an object' of geomorphological analysis

Abstract

The author introduces the notion of «elementary morphological unit» (EMU) which refers to smallest uniform plots of surface which are characterised with-the same slope angle, morphology and exposition and limited with breaks in slope. The EMU is shown to be useful for better understanding not only of morphological and morphometrical pattern of topography, but of the relief genesis, evolution and morphogenetic dynamics in time and space. The problem of dynamical interrelation of watersheds, slopes and valleys is discussed from this point of view.