GEOL 334
Geomorphology and Soils
Great Basin College
Spring 2015
Professor: Carrie Bruno
Office Hours: M-Th 2:00-3:15
Office: Lundberg 109D
Phone: 753-2204
email: WebCampus
Lecture: T, Th 11:00-12:15 in GTA 123
Lab: embedded/internet and Field Trip 4/11/2015
TEXTBOOKS:
Global Geomorphology, M.A. Summerfield, 1991. Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-582-30156-4
Soils and Geomorphology, P. Birkeland, 3rd Ed., 1999. Oxford University Press,
ISBN: 978-0-19-507886-2
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: GEOL 334 Geomorphology and Soils (4 credits)
An introduction to the processes and development of landforms and soils as the result of
surficial processes operating within the framework of global tectonics. Laboratory work
includes methods of analysis of land forms from surface imaging and the study of soils.
Includes field trips. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or instructor’s approval.
COURSE GOALS
Students completing this course will be able to discuss and analyze exogenic and endogenic
geological processes that contributing to the development of landforms, including plate
tectonics, weathering, slope and fluvial processes/landforms, aeolian, glacial, and coastal
processes and landforms, effects of climate and climate change, rates of uplift and denudation,
sea-level change. Soil genesis from parent material, weathering; soil profiles, horizons, soil
classifications; interpretation of soil maps; time, slope and climate as factors in soil formation.
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EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students should meet the following specific outcomes, to be
measure by tests, lab exercises and reports, field data and the Final Exam.
Outcomes
Measurements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Describe exogenic and endogenic geologic processes.
T1, Final Exam
Describe plate tectonics, plate boundary interactions.
A2, T1, FE
Identify landforms at plate margins, interiors.
T2, FE
Identify landforms associated with igneous activities (volcanoes, etc.),
including mineral composition.
T3, FE, L2, L3
Recognize major minerals and rocks
L2, L3
Analyze mechanical and chemical weathering and
products.
L6, T4, Fe
Interpret topographical maps.
L1, L4, L8
Recognize and interpret slope processes
(mass movement, water erosion, solute transport).
A4, T5, FE
Quantitatively analyze fluvial processes and landforms.
A5, L5, L9, L10, T6, FE
Recognize and interpret aeolian, glacial, and periglacial
processes and landforms.
A6, T7, FE
Recognize and interpret coastal processes and landforms
(constructional and destructional).
A7, T8, L7, FE
Discuss rates of uplift and denudation.
T9, FE
Describe soil profiles, horizons and characteristics.
L12, T10, FE
Classify soils.
A8, T10, L11, FE
Discuss the major processes in development of soil profiles
and soil formation.
A9, T11, FE
Recognize and interpret the influence of parent material
on soil formation.
L13, FE
Recognize Time as a factor of soil development in various climates and
in different settings.
FE
Describe topography-soil relations with time.
FE
Discuss the applications of soils to geomorphologic,
sedimentologic and environmental studies.
FE
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
This course is offered Face to Face and through Interactive Video on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 11:00-12:15. Each lecture will be recorded and linked to WebCampus for Online Students.
All students will complete the same assignments, labs and exams. Labs will be offered online
and a required field trip will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, LABS, TERM PAPER/PRESENTATION
Assignments: These will be short research topics from current, original publications or
other type of project relating to geomorphology.
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Labs: Lab work will cover topographic maps, interpretation of satellite images, drainage
basins, stream profiles and sedimentation, soil map studies, soil analysis. The field trip
will include fluvial analysis, soil profiles, glacial landforms, and Basin and Range
topography.
Tests: Three tests will be given throughout the semester on WebCampus. Tests will be
proctored on a GBC campus. Tests often include short answer essays and questions
relating to figures.
Final Exam: Last chapters covered and cumulative. The format of the Final Exam consists
of short answer essays and questions relating to figures.
Term Paper/Presentation: A 4-page term paper on any relevant topic will be assigned
and the student will present the findings to the class, during the last week of classes.
Details in the instructions accompanying the assignment.
GRADING SYSTEM
Assignments
Labs
Tests
Final Exam
Term Paper/Presentation
15%
25%
30%
15%
15%
Letter grades are assigned according to the following percentages:
95-100
A
90-94
A86-89
B+
83-85
B
80-82
B76-79
C+
73-75
C
70-72
C60-69
D
<59
F
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Missed work and test policy
Assignments MUST be turned in via WebCampus. Do not wait until the last moment as
computer problems can – and will- arise.
If you contact me before a test or lab – even 5 minutes before class – to say that you cannot
make it to class ONLY UNDER EXTENUATINGCIRCUMSTANCES, I will work with you to
reschedule. The Field Trip is required. No exceptions. Missed assignments, tests, labs will
count as a 0 and be included in your average.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Academic dishonesty in any form (such as cheating and plagiarism) will not be tolerated by the
instructor AND Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in a failing grade (F),
academic suspension, or expulsion from the class and/or the college.
Not a Contract Disclaimer: This document does not in any way represent a contract. It may be
altered at any time at the discretion of the instructor.
The Course Schedule can be found on WebCampus.
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GEOL 334 Schedule
Spring 2015
Assignments and Due Dates are posted in WebCampus
Week
Topic
January 19
Key Concepts in Geomorphology and Tectonics
January 26
Landforms and tectonics of plate margins
February 2
Tectonics of interiors, igneous landforms
February 9
Weathering
February 16
Slope Processes
February 23
Fluvial Processes and Landforms
March 2
Aeolian, Glacial Processes and Landforms
March 9
Coastal Processes and Landforms
March 16
Soil Profiles
March 23
Spring Break
March 30
Soil Classification and Weathering
April 6
Weathering products and Processes Responsible for the Development
of Soil Profiles
April 13
Factors of Soil Formation and the Influence of PM on Weathering and
Soil Formation
April 20
Weathering and Soil Development with time
April 27
Application of Soils to Geomorphological and Sedimentological
Studies
May 4
Student Presentations
May 11
Final Exam
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