Many "geological" processes take place on a million year plus timescale (e.g. sedimentation and lithification, isostatic change, volcanic intrusion), although the concept of „geohazards? involves recognition of geological processes that can occur on much shorter timescale (e.g. fault movement, extrusive volcanic activity, landslide, earthquake, ground subsidence).

However, within the history of the development of the contemporary landscape such short term or immediate changes resulting from geohazards need to be seen within the framework of the overall evolution of landscapes. In this broader context it is recognised that geological processes are not the only ones involved in the creation and evolution of landforms, there are also climatic, hydrological, and biological processes to be taken into account. The long term interaction of all these processes created the contemporary landscape, and the investigation of the way this has evolved is part of the discipline of geomorphology.

Sorbas, South-east Spain; village located on the edge of a relict river cliff.

At present civil engineering projects predominantly lie within 100 metres of the ground surface (the main exceptions are deep tunnels, deep sea drilling and production rigs, and cross-ocean cables). Thus the overwhelming majority of construction works will interact with the landforms that make up terrestrial and nearshore landscapes. Recognition of this close link between the features of the landscape and civil engineering has led to the development of engineering geomorphology, a subject where practitioners are able to provide practical support for engineering decision-making with respect to project planning, design and construction (Fookes et al., 2007).

A core component of that support comes from the recognition that the earth surface is not a static environment and landscapes change over time through weathering and surface processes such as erosion, sediment transport and deposition. Despite this, there are many examples of civil engineering projects where the extant conditions are regarded as being static within the design life of a project.
For more information on the topic see the ppt presentation by J.Griffiths: “January 2010 Scott Simpson Lecture” elsewhere on these C22 webpages.The Commission C22 was founded in 2006 to provide a practical evaluation of the way landscape evolution can be included in project studies and investigations undertaken by engineering geologists supported by the still relatively few engineering geomorphologists.

The work of Commission C22 will result in the production of a report of which the content outlines are described in the document “Scope of C22” elsewhere on these C22 webpages. The report will also provide a basis for CPD training plus guidance for University programmes that include or specialise in teaching engineering geo(morpho)logy. Chapter 5 of the report will include a number of Case Studies. Apart from this report the C22 will also produce and publish on the IAEG website regularly updated lists of highly recommended textbooks and References from Journals, Congress Proceedings, etc. (with short abstracts and links) as well as a glossary on the topic of Engineering Geomorphology to assist the IAEG membership in keeping up to date with the newest developments in education and research for engineering geomorphology.
 
The Commission has all the sub-section authors lined up with the aim of some draft chapters being ready early in 2010. The overall deadline is to have a draft commission report in place for the New Zealand conference in September 2010. 

IAEG members are invited to cooperate to the work of C22 by providing well illustrated case studies and other material to the chairman J. Griffiths. 

Prof. James S. GRIFFITHS
Commission 22 Chair
Engineering Geologist / Geomorphologist Head of the School of Earth,
Ocean & Environmental Sciences University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA
UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: + 44 1752 23 31 01  begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              + 44 1752 23 31 01      end_of_the_skype_highlighting / 23 24 07
Email: jim.griffiths@plymouth.ac.uk