Process Geomorphology will provide an investigation of the processes that determine the form and evolution of landscapes, starting with tectonic geomorphology and then focusing on hillslopes, rivers, and glaciers and eolians. The course will combine lectures, discussions, field data collection, and other activities. This is not a straight lecture class. Active learning and student participation will be an essential component.
Course Objectives
To provide students with:
a) a strong understanding of the linkages between landscape form and process
b) familiarity and experience applying fundamental concepts in physical systems
c) experience collecting and analyzing field data
d)experience in interpreting and analyzing literature
Outline of Contents
1. Process Geomorphology: An introduction (the base of Process Geomorphology;Force Process, and Resistance; Thresholds and Complex response; The Principle of Process Linkage; The Time Frame work)
2. Internal Forces and Climate (The Endogenic Effect; Climatic Geomorphology)
3. Chemical Weathering and Soils (Process of Decomposition; Soil Properties; Geomorphic significance of Soils)
4. Physical Weathering, Mass Movement, and Slopes (Factors of Weathering and Process; Mass Movements and slope profiles)
5. The Drainage Basin (Development, Morphometry, and Hydrology)
6. Fluvial Process and Landforms (Erosion, Transport, and Deposition; Channel Morphology; Channel Patterns; Rivers, Equilibrium, and Time)
7. Wind Processes and Landforms (The resisting Environment; The Driving Force; Entrainment, Transportation, and Deposition)
8. Glacial Processes and Landforms (Glacial Orgins and Types; The Mass Balance; The Movement of Glaciers; Features of Erosion and Deposition)
9. Discussion and Presentation by Students
Possible Field trips
Floodplain and terrace of Yangtz River; Aeolian sediments near Nanjing Area
Readings
We will use the following textbook:
Dale F. Ritter, R. Craig Kochel, and Jerry R. Miller, 2011. Process Geomorphology (fifth edition). Waveland Press, Inc.
And some other international Journal papers, which will be Provided before leactures.
