The dark art of interpretation in geomorphology

The process of interpretation, and the ways in which knowledge builds upon interpretations, has profound implications scientific managerial terms. Despite significance these issues, geomorphologists typically give scant regard to such deliberations. Geomorphology is not a linear, cause-and-effect science. Inherent complexities uncertainties prompt perceptions interpretation geomorphology as frustrating form witchcraft or wizardry — dark art. Alternatively, acknowledging challenges recognises fun be had puzzle-solving encounters that apply abductive reasoning make sense physical landscapes, seeking generate with reliable evidence base. Carefully crafted approaches relate generalised understandings derived from analysis remotely sensed data field observations/measurements local support appropriately contextualised place-based applications. In this paper we develop cognitive approach (Describe-Explain-Predict) interpret landscapes. Explanation meaningful description, thereby supporting predictions, multiple lines approach. Interpretation transforms into provide supports particular argument. Examples fluvial demonstrate data-interpretation-knowledge sequence used analyse river character, behaviour evolution. Although Big Data machine learning applications present enormous potential transform data-rich, increasingly predictive science, outline inherent dangers allowing prescriptive synthetic tools do thinking, interpreting differences an important element geomorphic enquiry.