William Morris Davis

William Morris Davis was an American geographer and geomorphologist, often referred to as the "father of American geography." Born in 1850, he developed the "geographical cycle" theory, which describes how landscapes evolve over time through processes of erosion and sedimentation. Davis emphasized the importance of studying landforms to understand environmental changes. His work helped establish geography as a scientific discipline in the United States and influenced various fields, including geology and environmental science. His contributions laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of how physical landscapes are shaped by natural forces.