Empirical research needs a profound theory to be successful. This is the simple but in its
consequences radical approach for this study in geomorphology. It critically analyses the
current system understanding and offers a new view for a geomorphology that understands systems
as being open but at the same time operationally closed as self-organized structure-building
and potentially self-referential. Kirsten von Elverfeldt succeeds in designing a theoretical
framework that sets new standards within Physical Geography. By using state-of-the-art concepts
in system theory it offers also new bridges to Human Geography as well as to other
neighbouring disciplines. This book was awarded the Dissertation prize 2010 of the German
Working Group in Geomorphology of the DGfG and the Hans Bobek-prize of the ÖGG (Austrian
Geographical Society).
