Geography 413
Simon Fraser University
Department of Geography
Spring Semester 2008
Jeremy G. Venditti
Office: RCB 6139
Phone: 604.291.3488 jeremy_venditti@sfu.ca
This is an advanced course in geomorphology focusing on the processes that give rise to the wide variety of river channel morphologies observed across Earth’s surface. The morphology of rivers is determined by the erosion and deposition of sediment. These processes are ultimately controlled by the interaction between fluid and sediment. The first part of this course will focus on fluid dynamics and the equations we use to represent fluid flow in rivers. The second part of this course will focus on sediment transport physics in river channels and the equations the we use to predict sediment flux and morphologic changes in river channels.
The course is recommended to students interested in physical geography, earth science, ecology, environmental science, and anyone who is curious about how rivers work.
This is an elective course in the Environmental Geoscience and Geology syllabi for Professional
Geoscience (P. Geo.) accreditation by the Association of Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC); it is considered an ‘Advanced Course in
Geoscience’ on the Geochemistry and Geophysics syllabi.
Prerequisites
Geog 313. The course content also requires some understanding of math and physics. Students should be familiar with the concepts of calculus (derivatives, integrals). Students should also be aware that some degree of computer literacy (spreadsheets mainly) is required to complete the assignments.
Required Text: None. Readings will be assigned to supplement lecture materials.
Course Format
This course will consist of a weekly two-hour lecture and a two-hour laboratory where you will work on various assignments and problems sets. There will be a laboratory session in the first week of classes. Students will undertake a research project that will involve some basic modeling and/or measurement of fluid and sediment dynamics.
Mark Distribution
Homework assignments 50%
Reading seminar 10%
Final examination 40%