Introduction to Special Section on Tectonics and Topography

This special section on tectonics and topography developed from an American Geophysical Union Chapman Conference convened in the late summer of 1992 in Snowbird, Utah. The intent of the gathering was to assemble a diverse group of Earth scientists working on ultimately the same problem: the interaction between crustal and surficial processes or, euphemistically, tectonics and topography. Through numerous and enthusiastic conversations, it became clear to us prior to the Chapman Conference that many people were working on the interaction between tectonics and topography but about half of these were either unaware of the others or were aghast at the way in which the others simplified their subject (and vice versa for the other half!). To our delight, the conference brought forth a wonderful array of scientists from virtually all subdisciplines of geology, and the desire for mutual help and a sympathetic ear was palpable.