Download (2-2) F, Sp Desig. No. Title Cr

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
COURSE SYLLABUS
ESC 210
Desig. No.
Landforms
Title
3 (2-2) F, Sp
Credit/Mode
Bulletin Description:
Study of geomorphic processes including mass wastage, streams, and glaciation affecting the
evolution and distribution of landforms in the physical landscape.
Prerequisites:
ESC 105 or GEL 101 or consent of instructor.
Textbooks and other required materials to be furnished by the student:
Easterbrook, D.J. Surface Processes and Landforms, second edition, New York, MacMillian,
1999.
Special requirements of the course:
Field trips in the immediate vicinity. Maximum cost: $10.00.
General methodology used in teaching this course:
Lecture - laboratory - topographic map interpretation -- a few local field trips.
Course Objectives:
1.
To introduce the student to the basic skills of landform analysis, i.e. map and air photo
interpretation, and field observation.
2.
To expose the student to the basic principles and theories which underlie the systematic
study of topographic features.
3.
To expose the student to the scientific method and the methods used by the
geomorphologist: observation, measurement, and classification.
4.
To outline the major constituents of the earth's crust, the basic internal forces and the
structures which are produced by these forces.
5.
To examine the significance of geologic structure to the development of landforms.
6.
To systematically examine the weathering and mass wasting processes and the
manner in which the geomorphic agents shape the earth's surface by erosional,
transportational, and depositional activities.
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Course outline:
PART I
Basic Skills, Principles and Methodology
3 weeks
OBJECTIVES: 1,2,3
Topographic maps and aerial photographs are the basic tools of the geomorphologist. It
is necessary for the student to become familiar with them in order to recognize and interpret
landforms, infer processes and interrelationships, and conduct field work.
The basic principles and methodologies provide the philosophical base for the course.
Classical concepts, fundamental assumptions, contemporary theories, field techniques, and
laboratory experiments are introduced.
1.
Basic Skills
A.
Topographic Maps
1.
Grid systems
2.
Map scale
3.
Map symbols
4.
Contour lines
B.
Aerial photographs
1.
Orientation
2.
Patterns and texture
3.
Stereoscopic vision
C.
Laboratory: Reading Topographic Maps
2.
Basic Principles
A.
Catastrophism
B.
Uniformitarianism, i.e., basic laws of physics and chemistry
C.
Base level
D.
Structure-process-stage
E.
Methods of slope retreat
F.
The concept of grade and equilibrium
3.
Scientific Methodology
A.
Induction and deduction
B.
Field and map observation
C.
Field and map measurements
D.
Formulation and testing of hypothesis
E.
Experimentation
F.
Classification
G.
Development of theory
H.
Laboratory: Obtaining data and interpreting information from
Topographic Maps
PART II
Earth Materials, and Climate Factors
OBJECTIVE: 4
1 week
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This section of the course provides a large scale perspective on the earth's crust, the
internal forces which shape it, the rocks which comprise it and the climate that covers it. Macro
and micro-structural concepts are introduced.
1.
Climatic Factors
2.
Earth Materials
A.
The Crust
1.
Mineral composition
2.
Layers
3.
Plate tectonics
B.
Rock Types
1.
Igneous
a.
Intrusive
b.
Extrusive
2.
Sedimentary
a.
Clastic
b.
Non-clastic
c.
Marine
d.
Terrestrial
3.
Metamorphic
4.
Distribution at the earth's surface
C.
Rock Structure
1.
Macro
2.
Micro
D.
Influence of rocks on landform development
E.
Laboratory: Influence of climate and earth materials on land form development.
PART III
Geomorphic Agents
11 weeks
OBJECTIVES: 5, 6
The systematic examination of the geomorphic agents is the main part of the course.
Treating them separately is a simplification of reality. Virtually every landscape is shaped by
several agents. For example, the topography of Isabella County cannot be explained without
considering the work of running water, continental glaciation, waves and wind.
Weathering and mass wasting are introduced at this point because they facilitate the work
of the agents. They also provide an opportunity to expand on the concepts of a wasting earth
which are introduced in Part I.
The order in which the agents are examined and the amount of time devoted to each topic
is roughly in proportion to the amount of surface area affected. The imprint of running water can
be seen over 90% of the sub aerial surface. Continental glaciers covered large areas of North
America and Europe. Waves are restricted to a narrow coastal zone. Wind cannot shape the
land unless it is bare of vegetative cover and composed of fine particles. Ground water can only
shape the land where it can come into contact with soluble rock.
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Each of the geomorphic agents originates within the earth's atmosphere and possesses
both potential and kinetic energy. The geomorphologist is mostly concerned with kinetic energy
because this allows the agents to move earth material. The forces of gravity and friction also
become important at this point.
1.
Weathering and Mass Wasting (Gravitational Transfer)
1 1/2 weeks
A.
Chemical decomposition
1.
Bowen's reaction series
2.
Solution
B.
Mechanical disintegration
1.
Frost action
2.
Unloading
3.
Organic activity
C.
Concepts of relative resistance
1.
Chemical
2.
Mechanical
D.
Causes of Mass wasting
E.
Types of Mass wasting
1.
Soil creep and solifluction
2.
Slumps and landslides
3.
Earthflows and mudflows
F.
Effects of Weathering and Mass wastage on man's use of the land
G.
Laboratory: Recognition of the influences of weathering and mass wastage
2.
Streams
A.
Stream energy
1.
Volume (mass)
2.
Velocity (kinetic energy)
3.
Turbulence
4.
Laminar flow
5.
Wetted perimeter
6.
Hydraulic radius
B.
Stream dynamics
1.
Erosion
2.
Transportation
3.
Deposition
C.
Erosional characteristics
1.
Valley deepening and base level
2.
Valley widening and graded profile
3.
Valley lengthening and drainage basins
D.
Transportational characteristics
1.
Competence
2.
Capacity
3.
Solution
4 1/2 weeks
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E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
4.
Suspension
5.
Saltation
6.
Traction
Depositional characteristics
1.
Decreasing volume
2.
Decreasing velocity
Idealized Fluvial Cycle: Problems and Prospects
1.
Humid area
2.
Arid area
Laboratory: Stream Development and the Fluvial Cycle
Concepts of Rejuvenation
1.
Causes
a.
Dynamic
b.
Eustatic
c.
Static
2.
Effects
a.
Entrenched meanders
b.
Terraces
c.
Stream capture
d.
Regrading
Laboratory: The Stream Table
Fluvial Destruction of Selected Geologic Structures
1.
Horizontal structure
a.
Type and position of bedrock
b.
Concept of relative resistance
c.
Erosional landforms
2.
Coastal Plains
a.
Same as above
b.
Same as above
c.
Same as above
3.
K.
3.
Domes and Basins
a.
Same as above
b.
Same as above
c.
Same as above
4.
Anticlines and Synclines
a.
Same as above
b.
Same as above
c.
Same as above
Laboratory: Rejuvenation and Stream development
Glaciation
A.
Glacial energy and motion
2 1/2 weeks
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B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
1.
Formation of glacial ice
2.
Volume
3.
Velocity
4.
Extrusive flow
5.
Friction
6.
Glacial advance
7.
Glacial equilibrium
8.
Glacial retreat
9.
Glacial stagnation
Types of glaciers and transporting capacity
1.
Alpine
2.
Continental
Glacial history
1.
Wisconsin
2.
Illionian
3.
Kansan
4.
Nebraskan
Laboratory: Glaciation and the distribution of Glacial features
Surfical glacial modification
Continental glaciers
1.
Erosional landforms
2.
Depositional landforms
Laboratory: Recognition of Continental Glacial Features
Alpine glaciation
1.
Erosional landforms
2.
Deposition landforms
Laboratory: Alpine Landforms
4.
Waves
A.
Wave energy and motion
1.
Major wind systems
2.
Wave motion
3.
Wave refraction
B.
Shorelines
1.
Types
2.
Erosional landforms
3.
Depositional landforms
C.
Laboratory: Coastal Landforms
5.
Wind
A.
Wind energy
1.
Velocity
2.
Friction
1/2 week
1 week
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B.
C.
D.
6.
3.
Vegetative cover
Wind erosion and erosional landforms
1.
Abrasion
2.
Deflation
Wind deposition
1.
Dunes
2.
Loss
Laboratory: Eolian Landforms
Ground Water
A.
Distribution of precipitation
1.
Humid areas
2.
Arid areas
3.
Arctic areas
B.
Prerequisites for solutional features
1.
Rock type
2.
Geological structure
a.
Joints
b.
Bedding planes
c.
Inclined strata
3.
Solutional features
4.
Depositional features
5.
Geographic distribution of karst landscapes
C.
Laboratory: Karst Topography
1 week
Laboratory exercises will be completed for the following portions of the course: Basic
Skills, Streams, Glaciation, Waves, Wind, and Ground Water. The laboratory exercises require
the student to identify landforms, recognize areal groupings and geographic patterns, make
measurements, apply the basic principles, and come to a conclusion as to why a particular
landform possesses a particular size and shape.
The students will also be taken into the field to observe first-hand some of the landforms
which are well developed in the local area.
Evaluation:
Four tests equally spaced throughout the semester and a series of laboratory exercises.
Bibliography:
Anthony, D.J., Applying Geomorphology to Environmental Management. Water Resources
2002.
Bradshaw, Michael J., A.J. Abbott, and A.P. Gelsthorpe. The Earth's Changing Surface. New
York, Wiley, 1978.
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Bridge, J.S., Rivers and Floodplains: Forms, Processes and Sedimentary Record. Malden Ma.,
Blackwell 2002.
Brookfield, M.E., S. Sadura, I.P. Martini, M.E. Brookfield, Glacial Geomorphology and
Geology.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, 2001.
Carroll, D. Rock Weathering. New York, Plenum, 1970.
Carson, M.A., and M.J. Kirkby. Hillslope Form and Process. London and New York,
Cambridge University Press, 1972.
Chorley, Richard J., S.A. Schumm, and D.E. Sugden. Geomorphology. New York, Metuen,
1985.
Clowes Alan, and P. Comfort. Process and Landforms: An Outlining of Contemporary
Geomorphology. Edinburg, Oliver and Boyd, 1982.
Cooke, R.U., and A. Warren. Geomorphology in Deserts. Los Angeles, University of California
Press, and London, Batsford, 1973.
Dackombe, R. and V. Gardiner. Geomorphological Field Manual. London, Allen and Unwin,
1983.
Davis, W.M. Geographical Essays. New York, Dover, 1954.
Drewry, David. Glacial Geological Processes. London, Arnold, 1986.
Dury, G.H. Perspectives on Geomorphic Processes. Association of American Geographers,
Commission on College Geography, Resource Paper, No. 9, 1969.
Embleton, Clofford, and C.A.M. King. Glacial Geomorphology. New York, St. Martin and
London, Deward Arnold, 1975.
Ernst, W.G. Earth Materials. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Printice-Hall, 1969.
Fookes, P.G., and P.R. Vaughn (edts.) A Handbook of Engineering Geomorphology. New
York, Chapman and Hall, 1986.
Garner, H.F. The Origin of Landscapes. New York, Oxford University Press, 1974.
Goudie, Andrew. The Changing Earth: Rates of Geomorphical Processes. Cambridge Mass.,
Blackwell, 1995.
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Gregory, K.J., and D.E. Walling. Drainage Basin Form and Process: A Geomorphological
Approach. London, Edward Arnold, and New York, Wiley, 1973.
Hart, M.B. Geomorphology, Pure and Applied. Boston, Allen and Unwin, 1986.
Hobbs, W.H. The Cycle of Glaciation. (The Edward Derbyshire, ed.) Climatic
Geomorphology. New York, Barnes and Noble, and London Macmillan, 1973.
Horton, R.E. Erosional development of streams and their drainage basins: Hydrophysical
approach to quantitative morphology. Bulletin, Geological Society of America. Vol. 56,
1945.
King, C.A.M. Beaches and Coasts, (2nd ed.). London, Edward Arnold, and New York, St.
Martin, 1972.
Kondolf, M., H. Pigay, and H Pegay, Methods in Fluvial Geomorphology. New York, Wiley
2002.
Leapold, L.B., G.B. Wolman and J.P. Miller. Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology. San
Francisco, Freeman, 1964.
Marchetti, M., and V. Rivas, Editors, Geomorphology and Environmental Impact Assessment.
Rotterdam, Balkmea, 2001.
Miller, V.C., and M.E. Westerback, Interpretation of Topographic Maps, Columbus, Merrill,
1989.
Penck, Walther. Morphological Analysis of Landforms. London, Macmillan, 1953.
Price, R.J. Glacial and Fluvioglacial Landforms. Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd, 1972.
Reicne, Parry. A Survey of Weathering Processes and Products. University of New Mexico,
Publications in Geology, No. 1, 1962.
Ritter, D.F. Process Geomorphology. Dubuque Iowa, W.C. Brown, 1985.
Slaymaker, O., Editor, Geomorphology, Human Activity and Global Environmental Change.
New York, Wiley, 2000.
Sparks, B.W. Geomorphology. Somerset N.J., Wiley, 1986.
Strahler, A.N. Dynamic basis of geomorphology. Bulletin, Geological Society of America.
Vol. 56, 1945.
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Sugden, David E., and B.S. John. Glaciers and Landscape. London, Arnold, 1977.
Sweeting, M.N. Karst Landforms. New York, Columbia University Press, 1972.
Thornbury, William D. Regional Geomorphology of the United States. New York, Wiley, 1965.
Toy, T.J., and R.F. Hadley. Geomorphology and Reclamation of Disturbed Lands. Orlando,
Academic Press, 1987.
Viles, H.A., Coastal Problems: Geomorphology, Ecology, and Society at the Coast. London,
Arnold, 1995
Wigmosta, M.S., and S. J. Burges, Land Use and Watersheds; Human Influence on Hydrology
and Geomorphology in Urban and Forest Areas. American Geophysical Union, 2001.
Wright, H.E. and G. Frey, (eds.) The Quaternary of the United States. Princeton, N.J., Princeton
University Press, 1965.
Syllabus prepared by:
Bruce M.C. Pape
Name
Signature
April 3, 2003
Date
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