ENVIRONMENTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY - GEOL 401, Spring 2015
TIME: Lecture: MW 1 -- 2:15 pm; Lab: M 2:30 -- 5:10 pm;
SBDG ROOM 212 (4 credit hours)
INSTRUCTOR: Karin L. Willoughby, Office: 207 SBDG; #3379; karinw@usca.edu
OFFICE HOURS: M 12:15 – 12:45; TR 11 – 12; W 11:45 am – 12:15 pm or by appt.
TEXTS: Fundamentals of Geomorphology by R.J. Huggett; 100 Topographic Maps
The course goal is to provide students with an understanding of the intertwining
geologic processes that build and wear down the earth's surface along with the climatic
processes that sculpt the earth's surface to produce the variety of landforms we see
and practice application of that knowledge. Human caused change will also be studied,
Student objectives are 1) to have a general knowledge of constructive and destructive
forces that form landscapes; 2) to have a specific knowledge of the meaning of
landform terms; 3) to demonstrate understanding of landform terms by being able to
recognize those forms on topographic maps; 4) to apply these basic skills in analyzing
and understanding the geologic past and present as represented on topographic maps;
5) to examine how the shapes of the earth's surface and human behavior have affected
each other and our future environmental options; and 6) to communicate this
knowledge to others, in both oral and written form. The student will demonstrate
competence in the above objectives through discussion, map-reading, problem-solving,
oral presentation and examination. Lecture and lab are interwoven to provide extensive
practice of studied concepts.
Course grades are based on:
4 exams, 10% each (#2-#5)
subtotal:
= 40%
1 final exam
= 12%
2 class presentations, 5% and 10%
= 15%
2 Field Trips/Term Papers
= 10%
1 Lab exam (Exam #1)
= 8%
Lab assignments
= 15%
100%
Letter grades are based on the standard scale: 90% and above = A; 80 - 89.9% =
B; 70 - 79.9% = C; 60 - 69.9% = D and below 60% = F.
Classroom Behavior: It is the instructor’s right to remove from the classroom any
student who disrupts or disturbs the proceeding of the class. Disruption of the class
includes but is not limited to the use of any portable electronic devices, including cell
phones, MP3 players; iPods, etc. unless prior approval has been given to a student
or unless required for the course. In extreme cases the faculty member can request
assistance from University Police. If the student who has been ejected causes similar
disturbances in subsequent meetings of the class, he/she may be denied admittance to
the class for the remainder of the semester and assigned a grade of F.
If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect
your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services B&E
134, (803)643-6816 as soon as possible. The Office of Disability Services will
determine appropriate accommodations based on documentation.
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Tentative Lecture Schedule
DATE
1/12
/14
TOPIC
READINGS
Introduction to course; review of key geologic principles, theories and tools
Sources of Energy affecting Earth’s surface; Orders of analysis and discuss
both student presentations.
Geomorphology (Huggett) p. 1- 107
/19 HOLIDAY
/21 Latitude & Longitude; Intro. to Symbols, Maps,
Contour Lines, overview discussion of p. 1 – 107 (Huggett)
/26 Topographic maps and "Road Rally" assignments
/28 LiDAR webinar (tentative time)
2 / 2 “Road Rally” completion; Aerial Photographs (stereopairs)
/ 4 Constructive Processes
/ 9 Destructive Processes; Contouring; Topographic Profiles
/11 Climatic Patterns and Effects
/16
/18
Geologic maps
Read: Huggett, appropriate chapters on landforms
Individual Landform Features: Valley Features
Topographic Maps
/23
/25
EXAM #2; Valley and Plateau Features; Escarpments "
Mountain Features; solution features
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Alpine Glaciation
Continental Glaciation
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3/2
/4
/ 8 – 15 SPRING BREAK
/16
/18
Plains and Wind Features; Volcanic Features
Coastal Plain Features
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"
/23
/25
Coastal Features/Field trip
Shorelines and REVIEW
"
"
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/30
4/ 1
EXAM #3; Geologic Maps (March 31, last day to drop with a “W”)
Regional Landform Analysis
/6
/8
Landform Analysis Cont’d
EXAM #4 (Take home essays) is due
/13
/15
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/20
/22
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“ EXAM #5
Using geomorphology for understanding environmental issues: discussion
/27
Summary and Review
5/ 4
FINAL EXAM (2 pm – 5 pm)
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Tentative Lab Schedule
1/12 History of Maps and Scale
1/19 HOLIDAY
/26 Road Rally
2/ 2 Road Rally and Stereo Pairs
/ 9 Contouring; Topographic Profiles
/16 (LAB) EXAM #1; Landform Identification
/23
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3/ 2
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/8 --15 SPRING BREAK
/16 Applied Landform Analysis
/23 Field Trip
/30 Landform Analysis
5/ 6 “
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/13 work on student projects
/20 Present Projects
/27 Landform Analysis
The 10 - 12 minute class presentation must be based upon a map of the student's
choice and be accompanied by a 2-page minimum, typed report. Presentations are on
April 20 and will not be accepted after the assigned date without a doctor's excuse or
other University approved reason for absence..
Attendance is most strongly recommended, since this course relies on intensive
use of maps and other visuals in nearly all class meetings. Make-up exams will be
offered at the instructor's discretion and only to those students who provide a university
recognized written excuse as listed in the student handbook. Make-up exams may
differ in design or content from the original exam.
Text readings in addition to the ones given below may be assigned and all
readings should be completed by the assigned class meeting. The student is
responsible for acquiring and completing any materials from any missed class.
The course includes 2 day long field trips: 1) Stone Mountain (a monadnock) and 2) the
South Carolina coast (coastal terraces, saltwater marshes, beach processes). A
student who (for instructor approved reasons) does not attend a field trip, is required to
write a 5 page term paper instead.
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