GEOL 3191: Geomorphology
This course examines geomorphic processes and the interrelationship of processes, landforms, materials and time. Practical problems in science and applied science that relate to geomorphic processes are discussed, and methods of investigation and analysis are introduced in laboratory sessions.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should have an understanding of the mechanisms of geomorphic change. This is a process-based course which will concentrate on the mechanisms of weathering, erosion and deposition in many geomorphic environments. Students should also develop a working knowledge of taxonomic features of landforms.
- Develop an understanding of the important processes that control landscapes and landscape change
- Describe the geology of Canada in general terms and be able to predict geomorphological characteristics based on bedrock type and tectonic history
- Describe the geology of British Columbia and its evolution by terrane accretion over the past 200 ma.
- Relate bedrock type, tectonic history and geomorphology
- Apply simple techniques for evaluating and classifying unconsolidated materials
- Describe the characteristics of representative sediment samples
- Explain the origins of the main types of mass wasting, focusing on those that are common in western Canada
- Analyze the geomorphology of mass-wasting on maps, satellite imagery and air-photos
- Identify the processes that influence the development of drainage basins.
- Describe fluvial patterns and the evolution of stream system
- Analyze the differences between alluvial fans and deltas
- Explain the process that take place within glaciers and factors that lead to the development of glaciers
- Describe the originals of both erosional landforms and glacial deposits in continental well as alpine glacial settings and periglacial environments
- Describe wave and wave erosion and the implications for coastal topography
- Describe the differences between erosional and depositional coasts and the importance of tectonic settings to these differences
- Discover the conditions necessary for Aeolian environments and describe the types of erosional and depositional features found in these environments
- Identify the factors that control groundwater flow.
- Associate the surface and groundwater
- Explain the controls over calcite solubility and the processes of karst and epikarst erosion
Course topics
- Unit 1 Geological Framework
- Unit 2 Weathering, Soils, and Mass Wasting
- Unit 3 Fluvial Processes, Fluvial Sediments, and Fluvial Landforms
- Unit 4 Glaciation, Glacial Sediments, Glacial Landforms, and Periglacial Processes
- Unit 5 Coastal, Aeolian, and Karst Landforms
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Trenhaile, Alan S. Geomorphology: A Canadian Perspective. (2016). 6th edition. Oxford
University Press.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780199019809 - GEOL 3191 Sediment Samples (GM-01 to GM-05)
- GEOL 3191 Keremeos Map #082E04
- GEOL 3191 Stereoscope Pocket Type 2X
- TRU-OL GEOL 3191 Air Photo Album
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
Note: The final exam for this course is only available as a paper exam and must be taken in person at an approved Testing Centre. Please email exams@tru.ca with any questions.
| Assignment 1 (including Unit 1 Lab) | 12% |
| Assignment 2 (including Unit 2 Lab) | 12% |
| Assignment 3 (including Unit 3 Lab) | 12% |
| Assignment 4 (including Unit 4 Lab) | 12% |
| Assignment 5 (including Unit 5 Lab) | 12% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
