Course Description
Emphasis is placed on field observation of geomorphic systems (tectonic, volcanic, weathering, soils, hillslopes, fluvial, glacial, eolian, coastal, periglacial) on field trips, which may occur locally or abroad. The course involves travel to places with good examples of multiple geomorphic systems, including local examples in the southeastern USA, UGA study abroad campuses, and elsewhere.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to execute their own field
research project and produce a written report documenting their
observations, analyses, and interpretations.
Athena Title
Field Study of Geomorphology
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Geomorphology is inherently a field-based discipline, and this class will provide students a way to observe, analyze, and critically evaluate actual landforms and deposits that are fundamental to geomorphology. In short, the class will provide a learn-by-doing approach, which will involve using many of the standard tools, techniques, and interpretive approaches in geomorphology. Students will be expected to observe, analyze, and discuss field examples of separate geomorphic systems in an outdoor setting. An outcome of the class will be the ability of the student to provide an on-the-spot explanation and interpretation of landforms and deposits. Evaluation of learners will be accomplished by reviewing their field journal (including a photojournal), rating their participation in discussion of field observations, and by written exams concerning each geomorphic system observed.
Topical Outline
Approaches to Geomorphology Global Morphology and Tectonics Tectonic Geomorphology Extrusive Volcanism and Landforms Intrusive Volcanism and Landforms Weathering and Landforms Slope Processes and Landforms Fluvial Processes and Landforms Aeolian Processes and Landforms Glacial Processes and Landforms Periglacial Processes and Landforms Coastal Processes and Landforms Soils and Geomorphology Climate Change and Landforms Sea Level Change and Landforms Long-Term Landscape Development