Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the processes that shape Earth's surface and the landforms that result. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description
Geomorphology is the scientific study of Earth’s surface. As such, it is a crucial component of solutions to a wide range of environmental challenges (e.g., landslide hazards, flooding, coastal erosion, sea level change) and engineering designs (e.g., bridges, buildings, roads, pipelines). It has even become an important tool for understanding how far-off planets like Mars and Venus have evolved to their current state.

This course is about Earth’s landscape, its present form and the processes responsible for its organization.

In this course we will seek answers to the following questions: What are the fundamental concepts of Geomorphology? How are mountains built? What controls topographic relief? Where do landscape materials come from? How do they get from mountain tops down to valley floors? Can we differentiate between landscapes formed by rivers, glaciers and ground ice? Has 570 million years of life on this planet affected the large-scale topographic organization of the Earth’s surface? Have human activities affected the form of the landscape?

This course is recommended to students interested in geography, earth science, archaeology, natural resource management, and anyone who is curious about their natural surroundings. It is a foundational course in most syllabi for Professional Geoscience (P. Geo.) accreditation by the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) and for Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.) accreditation by the BC Institute of Agrologists.

Field trip details
Fire and weather permitting, there will be one weekend field trip in this course (Oct 17-18). This field trip is mandatory and is the basis for your field trip report. Your mandatory supplementary fee ($70.09) partially covers transportation costs. Students should expect to pay up to an additional $50 to the Department to cover remaining transportation costs (payment due by October 5). Be aware that during the field trips there may be periods of strenuous hiking, hiking close to cliffs and crossing roads with busy traffic. On the field trip you will need: field boots, a camera and standard items such as a field notebook, pen and pencils; your clothing should reflect preparation for the range of BC weather conditions. Further details regarding safety, meals, accommodation and field supplies will be discussed prior to the field trip. Students must always remain compliant with the SFU student code of conduct and relevant regulations and policies as outlined in the SFU Policy Gazette. Students are responsible for having appropriate medical insurance coverage.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the conclusion of the course, a successful student should be able to:

• Recognize and describe the characteristics of common landforms
• Understand and explain the physical principles of common geomorphic
• Explain landform development in relation to relevant geomorphic processes
• Anticipate the effects of environmental change on both geomorphic processes and landforms
• Use topographic maps, remotely sensed data and other quantitative techniques to identify, measure, and analyse landforms and geomorphic processes.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: