Logo: Land geomorphology

Land geomorphology

Land geomorphology describes the structure of the land, such as mountains and valleys. Land geomorphology supports the provision of regulatory services, like erosion control.

Important for the following ecosystem services:

Flood mitigation services

Coastal protection services are the ecosystem contributions of linear elements in the seascape, for instance coral reefs, sand banks, dunes or mangrove ecosystems along the shore, in protecting the shore and thus mitigating the impacts of tidal surges or storms on local communities. This is a final ecosystem service. River flood mitigation services are the ecosystem contributions of riparian vegetation which provides structure and a physical barrier to high water levels and thus mitigates the impacts of floods on local communities. River flood mitigation services will be supplied together with peak flow mitigation services in providing the benefit of flood protection. This is a final ecosystem service.

Soil quality regulation services

Soil quality regulation services are the ecosystem contributions to the decomposition of organic and inorganic materials and to the fertility and characteristics of soils, e.g., for input to biomass production. This is most commonly recorded as an intermediate service.

Storm mitigation services

Storm mitigation services are the ecosystem contributions of vegetation including linear elements, in mitigating the impacts of wind, sand and other storms (other than water related events) on local communities. This is a final ecosystem service.

Water flow regulation services

Baseline flow maintenance services are the ecosystem contributions to the regulation of river flows and groundwater and lake water tables. They are derived from the ability of ecosystems to absorb and store water, and gradually release water during dry seasons or periods through evapotranspiration and hence secure a regular flow of water. This may be recorded as a final or intermediate ecosystem service. Peak flow mitigation services are the ecosystem contributions to the regulation of river flows and groundwater and lake water tables. They are derived from the ability of ecosystems to absorb and store water, and hence mitigate the effects of flood and other extreme water-related events. Peak flow mitigation services will be supplied together with river flood mitigation services in providing the benefit of flood protection. This is a final ecosystem service.

Education, scientific and research services

Education, scientific and research services are the ecosystem contributions, in particular through the biophysical characteristics and qualities of ecosystems, that enable people to use the environment through intellectual interactions with the environment. This is a final ecosystem service.

Recreation-related services

Recreation-related services are the ecosystem contributions, in particular through the biophysical characteristics and qualities of ecosystems, that enable people to use and enjoy the environment through direct, in-situ, physical and experiential interactions with the environment. This includes services to both locals and non-locals (i.e. visitors, including tourists). Recreation-related services may also be supplied to those undertaking recreational fishing and hunting. This is a final ecosystem service.

Soil and sediment retention services

Soil erosion control services are the ecosystem contributions, particularly the stabilising effects of vegetation, that reduce the loss of soil (and sediment) and support use of the environment (e.g., agricultural activity, water supply). This may be recorded as a final or intermediate service. Landslide mitigation services are the ecosystem contributions, particularly the stabilising effects of vegetation, that mitigates or prevents potential damage to human health and safety and damaging effects to buildings and infrastructure that arise from the mass movement (wasting) of soil, rock and snow. This is a final ecosystem service.

Spiritual, artistic and symbolic services

Spiritual artistic and symbolic services are the ecosystem contributions, in particular through the biophysical characteristics and qualities of ecosystems, that are recognised by people for their cultural, historical, aesthetic, sacred or religious significance. These services may underpin people's cultural identity and may inspire people to express themselves through various artistic media. This is a final ecosystem service.

Visual amenity services

Visual amenity services are the ecosystem contributions to local living conditions, in particular through the biophysical characteristics and qualities of ecosystems that provide sensory benefits, especially visual. This service combines with other ecosystem services, including recreation-related services and noise attenuation services to underpin amenity values. This is a final ecosystem service.

Influenced by the following mechanisms of change in state:

Data needs

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