Scale as a relational network in weathering studies

Absolute views of space and time tend to involve entities and processes as being mapped onto a fixed framework. In contrast, in relational views of space and time, processes fundamentally define the framework and hence define scale. A simple indicator or representation of erosion, point height changes, provides an example of how relational views of space and time could be used to analyse geomorphological questions. Defining the behaviour of points in terms of their relation to other points on the surface moves study away from the dichotomy of “inherent” versus “external” explanations of change and instead focuses on the development of patterns of response of the erosional surface. Even this simple weathering data set of changes in point heights reveals common modes of behaviour between points and also allows the emergence of appropriate scales of analysis and explanation.

Research Highlights
► Absolute, relative and relational views of scale are compared.
► Scale is the outcome of changing relations between transient entities.
► Relational space is illustrated using an experimental produce erosional surface.