121-018 Geomorphology

All BSc students, except those enrolled in the BA/BSc combined course and the BASc course, can only receive credit at the 200-level for this subject.

Usually completion of 25 points of geography, environmental studies or earth sciences at first year or an equivalent approved by the coordinator.

This subject outlines the development of geomorphology as a discipline, the different approaches used to study landforms and theory of landscape processes and evolution. Topics covered include the denudation system; weathering; hill slopes; fluvial processes and landforms; glacial processes and landforms; karst landscapes and processes; deserts and aeolian processes; the coastal system and processes; and landform change during the Quaternary. Emphasis is placed on understanding the geomorphological processes that shape these landscapes. Through lectures, practicals and field exercises students should develop skills in the use of a range of analytical techniques for investigating landform processes and change. Students should also develop an appreciation of the ways landforms and process can be incorporated into environmental management and land use planning.

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the literature relating to landforms and earth surface processes;

• be able to write succinctly and accurately;

• be able to conduct library based research;

• be able to apply knowledge (about given examples) to new cases.

Weekly practical classes 15%, an individual project of 1500 words 25% (due in the first half of the semester), an individual field report of 1500 words 25% (due in the second half of the semester) and a 2-hour examination 35% (in the examination period). Students must submit both written assignments within deadlines, submit 80% of the laboratory work within deadlines and attend the field trip to be eligible to pass the subject.

• R J Huggett, Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Routledge 2003.
• D S G Thomas & A Goudie, The Dictionary of Physical Geography. (3rd ed) Blackwell 2000.