Geography 342 Fall 2012
Dr. Paul Zenope Melcon
Office: Butte 525
Office hours: TuTh 10:00-11:00, TuTh 1:20-2:00,
W 4:00-5:00
GEOG 342 Geomorphology
Geo—earth
Geo—earth
Geomorphology
graphy—writing/description
morph—shape or form
the study of earth landforms
philo—love of
ology—study of
sophy—wisdom
Every landscape has a story. This story can often be deciphered by the careful observation of field forms and relationships in the context of the processes
that induce change in the Earth’s surface. Traditional geomorphology has emphasized descriptive characterization of landscapes and the historical chronology of
their development. Contemporary geomorphology has added an emphasis on the role of processes that create the features seen at the surface. The goal of
geomorphologic investigation is to provide useful information about the landforms of the Earth’s surface and an appreciation of the complexity of landscapes
around us.
CSUC CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:
GEOG 342 Geomorphology 3.0 Fall
Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOS 102 or equivalents, or faculty permission.
Systematic analysis of the origin and development of landforms. Emphasis is on the study of geomorphic processes using maps, air photos, and field data. Special fee
required; see the Class Schedule.
Text Materials:
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
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Lord, M.L., Germanoski, D., and Allmendinger, N.E., 2009, Fluvial geomorphology: Monitoring stream systems in response to a changing environment, in Young, R., and Norby, L.,
Geological Monitoring: Boulder, Colorado, Geological Society of America, p. 69–103, doi: 10.1130/2009
Robin G. Pike, Todd E. Redding, R.D. (Dan) Moore, Rita D. Winkler, and Kevin D. Bladon (editors), 2010, Compendium of Forest Hydrology and Geomorphology in British Columbia,,
Province of British Columbia Government Publications Services
Research articles and other readings will be posted on Professor Melcon’s website. (http://wizard.csuchico.edu:8092).
Exams: There will be two midterm examinations and one final examination. The exams are a combination of true/false, multiple choice, short answer, matching, and essay questions. The final exam
is comprehensive.
Mansion Tour: Students will visit the Bidwell Mansion Visitor Center and tour the mansion. A one-page review describing how geomorphology was important to the Bidwells will be submitted.
Classroom Assignments: Five assignments will be complete. Each will be concerned with a quantitative aspect of geomorphology.
Web Project: Each student will be responsible for a component of the class web project. The web project will present aspect of the geomorphology of Chico, emphasizing water topics and sites that
might be seen on either a “walking tour”, “driving tour” or “virtual tour” of the fluvial landscapes of the city.
Other: Attendance points At the instructor’s discretion, points will be given out to those present in class. These points will be added to the student’s total.
Geography 342 course outline page 1 of 2 pages
Course Grading:
Assignments
Bidwell mansion
Class assignments
Web contribution
Midterm exam
Final exam
Total
Value
1@10 points
5@10 points
1@20 points
2@20 points
1@40 points
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percentage
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
<60%
Points
10
50
20
40
40
160 points
Schedule:
Week of
August
September
October
November
December
Assignments
28
Chico physical geography
4
Stream hydrographs
11
Dissolved load and water quality
18
Particle entrainment and settling
25
Stream cross section
2
Stream plan view
9
Web project
16
Web project
23
Web project
30
Web project
6
Chemical weathering
13
Soils
Holidays
September 5—Labor Day
Exam
Exam and Bidwell Paper
November 11—Veterans Day
Exam
21
Thanksgiving Break
27
Glacial landscapes
4
Glacial landscapes
11
Literature examples
20
Final Exam
Thursday, December 20, 2:00-3:50
Geography 342 course outline page 2 of 2 pages
Final Paper due Friday December 21 at 5 o’clock