Earth-surface processes shape the landscape, drive sediment flux, and interact with global systems such as climate and even tectonics.  These processes act over geological time scales as well as shorter, human time.  Because earth-surface processes intersect the human realm, research in this area often is relevant to society. For example, when rates of surficial processes such as down-slope movement or coastal erosion are rapid, or act episodically, they can become hazards that threaten human life and property.