GEOG/GEOL 4241 Principles of Geomorphology
This class studies the surface of the Earth and the processes which shape physical environments. Landscapes reflect the underlying geologic and erosional histories, both of which are affected by climate and the biosphere. At the surface, rock is transformed and sculpted by water, wind, ice, and biota, all fueled by solar and chemical energy and pulled by gravity. Our study will be built around examining these earth-shaping processes, especially those we can understand with simple physics. The course introduces glaciers, crustal-scale geomorphology, dating with cosmogenic isotopes, slope processes, rivers, hill-slope hydrology, and the effects of wind.
Like much of physical geography and the earth sciences, the material is based in physics and chemistry, and therefore you must be prepared to think quantitatively. We will use math in this class; calculus 1 is a prerequisite. Homework sets are built around quantitative problem solving. The goal with these exercises is to predict some aspect of the behavior of the system. Laboratory exercises will provide experience making measurements and simple calculations relevant to surface processes, and will include field projects to introduce real world systems. We will also read a few technical papers from journals to introduce you to the style of communication among scientists. You will write a short paper and give a presentation, which will serve to bring about learning on your own and from your classmates.
