The Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium (BGS): 50 years of Enhancing Geomorphology

Abstract The Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium (BGS) celebrated its golden anniversary in 2019. Fifty years have passed since Donald R. Coates and Marie E. Morisawa organized a symposium to bring geomorphologists together in a single venue. As faculty members at The State University of New York, they foresaw that such an event was needed to enhance the science. From this small university and city in central New York (NY), a geomorphology event blossomed into an international event that influences geomorphic thought, theory, and has shaped the direction of the discipline. This introductory paper sets the stage for the volume from the 50th Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium by providing an historical perspective of the beginning, growth, and impact that this symposium has had and continues to have on the science of geomorphology. Given that a variety of topics have been covered over the years, the organizers of the 50th BGS elected to have presenters address the status of the profession and to provide their perspectives on future advancements. This introduction provides a brief synopsis of the presentations delivered at the 50th BGS symposium and concludes with a tribute to the two founders of the BGS: Donald R. Coates and Marie E. Morisawa.