GEOG 232 Geomorphology. Our planet is undergoing a period of accelerated change. As such, GEOG 232 is a timely lab science course in which students will learn about the dynamic processes that shape the Earth’s surface. We will explore the geomorphic forces that are at play in various environments such as alpine and continental glaciers, permafrost areas, river systems, deserts, and coastal regions, and discover the resultant landforms. We will also examine anthropogenic effects on different landscapes and how climate change is altering the face of the Earth.
Prerequisites: GEOG 130 or GEOL 132 or ENVR 164 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Recognize and describe common igneous and structural landforms
- Describe the three types of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent and transform) and explain the distribution of mountain ranges, igneous and structural landforms in conjunction with these boundaries
- Explain the processes of weathering and erosion and how they give rise to a variety of unconsolidated sediment
- Explain the basic factors that affect slope stability and define a variety of mass wasting processes in terms of movement type, velocity and composition
- Explain the formation of common geomorphic landforms found in fluvial systems, glaciated terrain (alpine and continental), permafrost and periglacial regions, deserts and coastal areas
- Apply scientific methods in capturing interpreting data communicate data and interpretations in written and/or visual presentations
- Recognize anthropogenic effects on geomorphic processes and landforms
Teaching and Learning Approach
The course provides a broad introduction to geomorphology and is applicable to a foundation for future work in
either geography or geology. More generally, it will also lead students towards a deeper understanding and
enjoyment of the wide variety of landscapes we find on Earth. The first part of the course explores the Earth’s
overall structure, plate tectonics, structural and igneous landforms, weathering, erosion, mass wasting and slope
stability. Next, we will use these foundational concepts to study the geomorphic processes and landforms that
occur in a variety of settings (ex/ rivers, coastlines, glaciated terrain, deserts). In lab sessions, students will
practice map interpretation, gathering data and making calculations using topographic maps, airphotos and
google earth.Learning Resources
Recommended:
Robert W. Christopherson and Mary-Louise Byrne, 2009, Canadian Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical
Geography, 2nd Canadian ed. Pearson. Available online only.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Course Introduction Earth System and Plate Tectonics
2. Orders of Relief and Structural Landforms Igneous Landforms
3. Weathering and Erosion Mass Wasting and Slope Stability
4. Fluvial Systems
5. Fluvial Landforms and Processes Glacial Processes
6. Glacial Landforms Permafrost and Periglacial
7. Study Week
8. Permafrost and Periglacial
9. Karst Topography Eolian Systems
10. Eolian Systems Coastal Processes and Landforms
11. Coastal Landforms and Processes Geomorphology and Climate
12. Geomorphology and Climate
13. Various topics in Geomorphology
14. Various topics in Geomorphology
15. Various Topics in GeomorphologyAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Laboratory Work | 1-5 and 7 | 40% |
| Weekly Assignments/Quizzes | 1-5 and 7 | 15% |
| Lecture Tests (3) | 1-5 and 7 | 45% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
|
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
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DNW |
0.00 |
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See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.