A multiscalar approach is proposed to analyze the geomorphological context of this defensive system. Its construction and modernization testify to an architectural standardization, a remarkable adaptation to the reliefs and the reasoned use of local geomaterials. Its integration into the defense networks of the WW1 induced mutual pedological pedoturbation , morphological bombturbation and spatial disturbances between the forts ramps, tunnels, shelters and the different components of these networks trenches, observatories, artillery positions, etc.
This highlights the impact of these fortifications prior to the WW1, which tended to be obscured by this fundamentally morphogenic conflict. Received on April 10, Revised form received on February 21, Definitively accepted on February 22, Until the eve of the 21 st century, as a subject of study, it was neglected by the field of scientific research.
Their post-conflict future was considered through the lens of the humanities and social sciences. The purpose was then heritage, landscape and urbanistic Amat and Becker, ; Durup de Baleine, , , purely heritage Truttmann, , or historical Diest, In this framework, the fortifications of the late 19 th century have only been approached subsidiarily in relation to WW1, by the geographical notion of polemoform Amat, , ; De Matos Machado, ; Taborelli, ; Devos et al.
Yet, despite the inescapable imprint of the conflict, this defensive system results in a veritable polemotopography Amat, , with its characteristic forms and structures standardized and original on each site and significant topographic changes. The very weak chronological concordance between such social events and the science of reliefs invites to consider the fortifications as objects of geomorphological study. Although they involve extremely short morphogenetic sequences centennial or even decadal order their morphogenic impact remains particularly prominent in the landscape, years after their construction Taborelli et al.
This contribution, which investigates the role of fortifications and warfare in shaping the landscape of the Reims region, is regarded as archaeogeomorphological, as it studies archaeological objects by mobilizing geomorphological and geographical methods spatial analysis, morphometry, morphological classification, GIS, LiDAR and concepts such as polemoforms, polemolandscapes, environments Thornbush, , The geomorphological influence of Man, through his military and warlike activities, is thus considered with a cultural perspective, in parallel to anthropogeomorphology, which considers it solely through the prism of its impact on natural environments Sherman, ; Goudie, Their preponderance, which is expressed at all scales, can be seen first at the regional scale, by the fortified structures that were implanted on the main reliefs mountain massifs, cuestas in order to protect the French capital fig.
