GES3530

Landscape processes

Dr David Dunkerley

6 points
* 3 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture and 3-hour practical in alternate weeks)
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: 16 points of second-year geography, or permission of the head of department; GES2210 strongly recommended
* Possibly offered as a field-based subject

Objectives After completion of this subject, students should have an understanding of the ways in which water and wind act as agencies of landform sculpture; an understanding of the important aspects of fluid flow and sediment transport in the context of geomorphology and landscape development; an ability to see how a knowledge of the mechanical and other processes associated with wind and flowing water can be linked conceptually to form a basis for considering landform evolution over timescales beyond direct human observation; a sufficient grasp of erosional processes that they can bring an informed understanding to bear on the diverse erosional and land degradation problems arising from human disturbance of landscape processes; the ability to relate the study of landscape processes to the broader goals and methods of the discipline of geomorphology; and the ability to critically appraise literature and existing hypotheses.

Synopsis This subject is concerned with riverine erosion and transportation, and their role in the development of landforms. Processes on hillslopes, intimately related to fluvial processes, are also considered. Broad topics covered include basic fluvial hydraulics; the transport of material in solid form and in solution; the behaviour of alluvial stream channels and floodplains and general controls on the rate of denudation at the earth's surface.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 40%
* Examinations (2 hours): 40%
* Laboratory work: 20%

Recommended texts

Richards K Rivers Methuen, 1982