Geography, urban geomorphology and sustainability

This introduction to the special section of Area Geography, Urban Geomorphology and Sustainability' provides an overview of the key landscapes and common themes in urban geomorphology (centred upon urban rivers, karst landscapes and the weathering of buildings) within the six papers comprising the special section. First, urban geomorphology is defined geographically confined to areas of concentrated urbanisation, where the natural environment is anthropogenically modified and where natural processes modify anthropogenic structures. A novel approach to sustainable urban geomorphology is developed through the case studies comprising the special section. These clearly illustrate key contemporary issues within the field and a long-term perspective, considering future as well as historic human-environment associations and modifications.