Earth Science — Discipline Focused on Landforms Which discipline specifically studies the characteristics, origin, and development (evolution) of landforms?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding which scientific fields study which aspects of Earth helps in choosing appropriate methods and literature. Landforms—mountains, valleys, dunes, river terraces—are the core focus of one particular sub-discipline that bridges geology and geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the discipline devoted to landform analysis.
• Options include broader or different-focus fields.
• We must select the most precise term.

Concept / Approach:

Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms, their processes, forms, and sediments at the surface, and the history of landscape evolution. It investigates endogenic (tectonic, volcanic) and exogenic (fluvial, glacial, aeolian, coastal, weathering) processes shaping the terrain. Geology is broader, encompassing Earth materials, internal processes, and geologic time. Geography covers spatial relationships of physical and human phenomena. Ecology focuses on organisms and their interactions, not primarily landform genesis.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Match the definition: origin and development of landforms → geomorphology.Eliminate broader disciplines that do not exclusively center on landforms.Choose the most specific and accurate term.

Verification / Alternative check:

University course catalogs and textbooks define geomorphology exactly as the study of landforms and surface processes, confirming the selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Ecology: Biotic interactions rather than landform creation.Geography/Geology: Related but broader; geomorphology is the precise subfield.

Common Pitfalls:

Choosing geology due to association with rocks; geomorphology is the correct, more focused term for landform evolution.

Final Answer:

Geomorphology