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Fifth Problem Area: Complexity and Non-Linearity

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System Theory in Geomorphology

Part of the book series: Springer Theses ((Springer Theses))

Abstract

In the preceding chapter we discussed that those systems which we generally observe in geomorphology cannot be regarded as systems in equilibrium. This is the case, because geomorphic systems are centres of flow, growth, and change—they are neither static, nor still, nor ‘dead’ (cf. [1, p. xii]). Thus, they are not in equilibrium. Non-linear systems are the norm, not the exception. With increasing results, which contradicted the equilibrium concept, this insight lead to an approach oriented towards non-linearity in the 1990s. When a non-linear approach is applied, every cause can become an effect and every effect can become a cause [2, p. 113], and a system’s equilibrium cannot be established. This insight thus was already communicated 40 years ago, but has, however, not been successfully distributed within the prevalent paradigm.

The biggest finder still is a blind man in all the richness of the world

Christian Morgenstern

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Notes

  1. 1.

    It is not clear, however, whether these equilibria are geomorphic or thermodynamic, with the latter being a reception of Ilya Prigogine’s approach to dissipative structures. To my knowledge, these differences—between geomorphic and thermodynamic equilibria—have never been assessed.

  2. 2.

    In contrast to self-organisation, self-regulation always stays within the stable band of a system (cf. [18, p. 72]).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Geographie und Regionalforschung, Fakultät für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Universitätsstrasse 65-67, Klagenfurt, 9020, Austria

    Kirsten von Elverfeldt

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von Elverfeldt, K. (2012). Fifth Problem Area: Complexity and Non-Linearity. In: System Theory in Geomorphology. Springer Theses. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2822-6_7

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