Module description
This module discusses the basic concepts and principles that underpin geomorphic landforms and processes operating at the Earth's surface in a great variety of landscapes around the globe. It presents the significance of time and space scales for recognizing process-form linkages in different environments and the interactions between fluids and sediment transport that result in the formation and development of a variety of landforms.
Topics covered include:
- Extra-terrestrial geomorphology
- Hydrology & fluvial geomorphology
- Chaos & self-organisation
- Beaches and coastlines
- Desert dunes and dust storms
- Glaciers and ice sheets
- Weathering
- Geochronology
Assessment details
Laboratory practical worksheets (20%), 3,000 word coursework assignment (80%)
Educational aims & objectives
The module provides a deeper understanding of the processes and landforms that shape the Earth’s surface, including beaches, deserts, glaciers, rivers, and hill slopes, but also extra-terrestrial geomorphology, such as on Mars and Pluto. We explore fundamental theories and concepts that unite these dynamics, such as notions of (dis-)equilibrium, magnitude/frequency, chaos theory, and self-organisation. The module also provides hands-on learning via four self-guided lab practical exercises involving a river table, a water flume, sand pile avalanching, and silly-putty glaciers, and a computer practical on river flooding.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the module students should have a thorough understanding of the key geomorphological processes operating at the Earth’s surface, the significance of time and space scales for recognizing process-form linkages in different environments and the interactions between fluids and sediment transport that result in the formation and development of a variety of landforms. The hands-on lab and computer practicals will reinforce key theoretical concepts and allow students to develop a skillset as an applied geomorphologist, a rapidly growing sector of employment.