Geomorphological Cycle

a stage in the development of the earth’s relief, including the epochs of differentiation (dissection) and leveling of relief. The “steps” of ancient polygenetic surfaces of leveling, of denuded surfaces, and of river and sea terraces are evidence of the geomorphological cycle. The causes of cyclical development include movements of the earth’s crust (the alternation of periods of uplift and subsidence and of periods of tectonic activity and stability) and changes of climate (the alternation of glacial and interglacial periods). Comparison of geomorphological cycles makes it possible to discover the direction of relief development. Geomorphological cycles may vary according to duration, territorial extent, amplitude of surface dissection, and other factors.