Code of Conduct

Geomorphica is a diamond open-access journal, which is volunteer-led and community-supported. It publishes peer-reviewed studies in the fields of geomorphology and studies in closely related disciplines with a focus on physical geography and geomorphology.

We pledge to foster an open, cooperative, and mindful sharing of scientific knowledge by offering a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community. We recognize the significance of all contributors to our network, striving to make certain that everyone is able to benefit from their involvement in a satisfying way, both professionally and personally. All individuals engaging with Geomorphica are expected to act respectfully and professionally in order to maintain a constructive, stimulating, and inclusive atmosphere in activities associated with the journal as well as in the wider Geomorphica community.

Geomorphica authors, reviewers, editors, and other volunteers are asked to be courteous and cooperative. All individuals must exchange with respect. Critiques should be made on scientific concepts rather than individuals or specific groups. We value the participation of each member of our international community and wish for all participants to be valued and supported. Behavior that one person might view as acceptable may not be tolerable to another person and professional behavior includes effort to overcome ignorance. We stress that participation in this initiative is a service to the community and expect collaborators to engage in it without seeking to profit personally from their activities.

 

Unacceptable behavior

Harassment and/or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are inappropriate and will not be tolerated. We particularly emphasize that offensive comments against and by authors, reviewers, editors or board members will not be accepted.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism of any form, including self-plagiarism.
• Data manipulation or modification, data robbery.
• Using a privileged position as an Editor or Reviewer to advance your own career or standing.
• Violation of confidentiality as reviewers or editors.
• Physical or verbal abuse of any kind.
• Threatening or stalking any participant.
• Inappropriate personal comments, whether verbal or digital, related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), national origin, English language fluency or other legally protected group status or characteristics.
• Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images or language in public spaces or in presentations (harassment intended in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior).
• Retaliation for reporting harassment, as well as reporting an incident in bad faith.
• Failure to declare a conflict of interest, at any stage of the revision process.

 

 Report unacceptable behavior

Unacceptable behavior may be reported to the Geomorphica's Team (admin@geomorphica.org) or directly to the Editor-in-Chief (alefebvre@marum.de). We are currently working with our sister Earth Science journals (‘Guild of Diamonds’) to create a common procedure to handle appeals.

 

Consequences

Editors can refuse reviews or ask for revisions if the reviews do not adhere to the Code of Conduct, particularly those with unacceptable behavior as described previously. Recurring or outrageous violations of the Code of Conduct are particularly serious and will be addressed on an individual basis. Consequences include issuing a warning, excluding someone from a Geomorphica activity, or banning them from future involvement in the Geomorphica journal and community, including submitting manuscripts or acting as reviewer.