Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of glacial processes and environments emphasizing landscapes and sediments resulting from the movement of ice, water, and sediment; application of field techniques. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Glacial ice covered most of Canada, and many other areas, during the last glacial period, around 20,000 years ago. This ice left behind a complex record of its extent, movement and decay in a huge variety of sediments and landforms. Using this landscape record, we can piece the glacial history together, and in doing so learn about the processes by which modern glaciers and ice sheets might change in response to changing climate.

This course examines the interactions between climate, glaciers and ice sheets, and the landscapes, landforms and sediments they produce, with particular attention on meltwater processes. We will explore the glacial history of Canada, and BC in particular. The course will also develop and test critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, field research and scientific writing skills.

Course structure

• Weekly 2-hour lecture, with additional 2-hour lectures for first 2 weeks.
• 2 seminars/workshops to develop writing and mapping skills
• Weekend (3-day) overnight field trip

Field trip details:

There is a mandatory 3-day field trip for this course over the weekend of September 23-25. Attendance of this trip is required, and leads to completion of the first written assignment. If you are unable to attend this trip, consider delaying taking this course. Your mandatory supplementary course fee covers part of the transportation costs for this trip. Additionally, students should expect to pay up to $100 to the Geography Department to cover transportation (partial) and accommodation costs; supplementary fee will be confirmed in the first 2 weeks of classes. Students will be responsible for their own food costs throughout the trip. Expectations and considerations regarding safety, student conduct, required equipment, meals and accommodation will be discussed in class prior to trip. Be aware that during the field trip there will be periods of moderately-intense hiking, crossing roads and railroads, and working around sediment exposures; students must follow all instructions from teaching and support staff. Weather conditions will be highly variable; appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn. Students must at all times remain complaint with all student responsibilities, regulations, and policies as outlined in the current Academic Calendar, as well as relevant regulations and policies as outlined in the SFU Policy Gazette. This includes, but is not limited to, expected student conduct and the maintenance of appropriate medical insurance coverage. Students will sign a field activity plan to acknowledge the trip activities and risk, and an Assumption of Risk (waiver) form. Field trip will follow SFU Covid requirements as necessary.

Lectures:

• Some additional/supplementary lecture videos will be posted, requiring an internet-enabled device capable of viewing YouTube videos.

Fieldtrip:

• Warm, windproof, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear
• Waterproof or appropriately protected (e.g. Ziploc) notebook
• Camera or smartphone

             

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials

• Access to CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system) required for access to course material and submission of assignments.
• PDF viewing software.
• Access to Google Earth Pro (Online or via desktop download)

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: