Fall 2009--CRN 40329/40330

last updated 8/19/09

Geomorphic Systems is the study of landforms and landscapes in the context of interpreting both deep and near-surface earth processes. This view of the Monterey Submarine Canyon exemplifies the rish materials we will work with in the classroom and field

Instructor: Douglas_Smith@CSUMB.edu,
Office Hours: By appointment
Office: Rm. E213, Science Center (Bldg. 53)
Ph: (831) 582-4696

 Lecture: Friday 9:00-11:50
Room E223, Science Center             

Lab: Friday 12:00-2:50
Room E223, Science Center

Fieldtrips
Parking lot of Bldg. 13

Text:
1) Process Geomorphology, 4th ed. Ritter, Kochel and Miller, & readings as assigned
2) Stream Channel Reference Sites (Harrrelson et al., 1994)   5 megabyte pdf

Other Course Materials: Sturdy shoes/boots, 3H pencil (mechanical or wood), 3-4 colored pencils eraser, "Rite-in-the-rain" field notebook, calculator, clipboard, small daypack, water bottle, warm clothes, light rain gear (poncho or jacket).

Introduction

"Geomorphic Systems" is the study of deep and shallow Earth processes that integrate through time to shape the landforms and landscapes that compose our physical environment. Once the link between process and landscape is understood, then we can read the landscape to interpret the present and past Earth processes active in a region. The societal applications for that knowledge include land-use planning, geologic hazard mapping, ecosystem restoration and predicting the effects of global climate change. Ecosystem restoration includes either reconstructing an equilibrium landscape in a disturbed site, or encouraging the surface processes that will form the equilibrium landscape over time. Therefore, the practice of ecosystem restoration requires a fundamental understanding of the intimate links between earth processes and the landforms they construct. Global change affects rates and styles of geomorphic change, therefore, we can read paleoclimate from the soils and landforms we study. This course forms an essential bridge between ESSP 260 and the ESSP 460 series as a student grows toward a working knowledge of ecosystem policy and management. We will study together through individual and group fieldwork, readings, discussion and lecture. The assessment of the course will include a combination of practical exercises, examinations, field notes, miscellaneous assignments, and a written/oral report recording a cleary defined independent project accomplished during the semester.

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Course Learning Outcomes

Geomorphic Systems satisfies the requirements for the Applied Science Competency major learning outcome (MLO) within the Watershed Concentration …

ESSP MLO #3: Applied Science Competency: Solve complex problems in an integrative life and/or physical science framework---requires that students be able to apply advanced science concepts and methods to solve complex problems in an integrative life and/or physical science framework. The geomorphology of Earth is the net result of the complex interactions of rock, water, soil, climate, gravity, tectonics, ecosystems, human culture, and time. We reduce this complexity by constructing the conceptual framework of landscape equilibrium, breaking the system apart into components that force or control landscape change and components that retard change. It is hoped that a student will be able to master and apply those equilibrium concepts to the complex problems that we identify during our lecture- and field-based learning experiences.

The first class is a fieldtrip to rebuild the tenets of basic geology. The second class is a field trip where students initially learn to ask specific questions of the landscape, devise sensible, testable hypotheses, and pose straightforward methods for testing specific hypotheses. The next three weeks provide opportunities to learn and experience equilibrium theory as a means of understanding the geomorphic system. Thereafter we apply those concepts to a variety of specific geomorphic systems (e.g., Rivers and Watersheds). The students receive further technical training in problem solving using stereoscopic aerial photography and Quaternary dating techniques.

Learning Assessments: MLO #3 is assessed in two exams, short homework or in-class assignments, and in a heavily mentored and assessed independent project. The MLO is broken down into several Course Learning Outcomes described below.

Course Learning Outcome 1--Basic Geology: Students will be able to apply the major concepts and skill sets built in Introductory Geology/Hydrology (ESSP 260/260L) to complex problems found in geomorphic studies.

Learning Experiences
1. Lecture, illustrations, in-class practice, and field experience
2. At least four weeks of laboratory and field have mapping components
3. Many students create maps within the independent project

Learning Assessments
1.Both peer and instructor evaluation of mapping exercises
2.Mid-term and Final exams will include maps

Course Learning outcome 2--Map and Analyze Geomorphic Features: Students will be able to use various kinds of remote sensing data and land survey techniques to map geomorphic and geologic features. Students will be challenged to apply that skill set to a variety of Earth science problems.

Learning Experiences
1. Lecture, illustrations, in-class practice, and field experience
2. At least four weeks of laboratory and field have mapping components
3. Many students create maps within the independent project

Learning Assessments
1.Both peer and instructor evaluation of mapping exercises
2.Mid-term and Final exams will include maps

Course Learning outcome 3--Application of Landscape Equilibrium Theory: Students will be able to apply the conceptual models of landscape equilibrium to Earth science problems in a wide variety of settings and at a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.

Learning Experiences
1.Lecture, readings, illustrations, field examples
2. Concepts are formally developed in weeks 3-5
3. Concepts are used and reinforced throughout the course

Learning Assessments
1. Peer-graded and instructor graded exercises
2. Independent projects
3. Mid term and Final exams

Course Learning outcome 4--Writing: Students will be able to use proper English, topic sentences, logical paragraph organization, and clear illustrations in a series of short, concise geologic reports and a significant written report of an independent project.

Learning Experiences
1.Lecture
2. Samples of exemplary work
3. Several fieldtrip reports
4. Optional seminar reports

Learning Assessments
1. Fieldtrip reports
2. Independent projects (proposal, and two drafts of report)
3. Optional seminar reports

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ASSESSMENT

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TOPICS/READINGS/DUE DATES

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Students with disabilities who may need accommodations please see me by 9/4/09 during office hours or
make an appointment by calling 582-4696, by email dosmith@csumb.edu. ALSO, contact:
Student_Disability_Resources@csumb.edu, Phone: 831/582-3672 voice, or 582-4024 fax/TTY
http://www.sdr.csumb.edu/

Class Policy on Academic Honesty

Within the SMART College , plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are not tolerated.  Students who are found by faculty to have committed plagiarism in an assignment will, at minimum, upon the first offense fail that assignment. Upon the second offense, a student will, at minimum, fail the class. Each incident and the student's name will be reported to the college administration. (SMART Academic Honesty Website)

Links

CSUMB LIBRARY

Geology of Monterey Bay

CA Geology map

US Geology map

U.S. Shaded relief map

Big_Sur_field_guide.pdf web page with a link to a LARGE PDF!
A fieldguide to the geology of the central coast from Monterey Bay to Big Sur. Includes lots of good articles including geology and hydrology, and a color geologic map and cross-section of the region.

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