Geomorphology

geography

obligatory courses

Blended learning
Classroom
Remote learning

The lecture component of this class presents a characteristic of basic exogenous processes (weathering, karst phenomena, denudation, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, aeolian, and litoral processes), as well as their effects on terrain relief.

The aim of this class is to educate about the terrain relief genesis and the processes that led to its creation, as well as the research methodology in the studies of geomorphology.

The first part of the class consists of introductory topics: geomorphology among natural sciences, the history of studying terrain relief, the contemporary issues and methods in studying geomorphology. Then, basic factors influencing the development of a terrain relief (including an impact of litology) are characterised.

After the introductory part, the in-depth characteristic of selected exogenous processes and their resultant terrain is presented. They are presented in a following format: weathering, transporting and accumulative effects and the climate's impact on them.

The first analysed process is weathering. A concept of a 'slope' is introduced as an area where the denudation processes take effect. The further characteristic encompasses gravitational mass movements and the surface flow and its effects.

The second described topic is fluvial processes and fluvial forms. The highlights include descriptions of various river valley types, canyons, and the stages of of the creation of the fluvial-denudation terrain relief.

Next, the class proceeds to glacial forms and processes. The different glacier and ice sheet types are characterised (using the typological approach). It is followed by the basic glacial process that have impact on the mountainous terrain relief. A lot of time is dedicated to the characteristics of basic glacial and fluvio-glacial processes which impacted the terrain relief of Poland during the Pleistocene glacial period. The description of periglacial processes, structures and forms that follow next, also introduce a concept of a periglacial area.

The weathering activity of wind is shown through the aeolian processes and forms (dune types, deserts, loess areas). Then, terrain relief of coasts is characterised. It starts by an attempt to define the concept of a 'coast area' and then moves on, through the tidal movement and the coastal current, to description of basic abrasive and accumulative forms, as well as the typology of coasts.

The lecture component of this class ends with a characteristic of basic morphoclimatic types of terrain relief.

The practical component of this class aims at reinforcing and broadening the knowledge from the lecture.

The students recognize the main forms of terrain relief and define metric characteristics of selected types of relief basing on the topographic maps. During this component, the topics relating to the following, inter alia, factors impacting terrain relief are realised: glacial, fluvial, aeolian, structural, krast, anthropogenic. The results of the analysis, supported by the knowledge gained through the lecture component and from suggested textbooks, allow students to discern morphogenetic process that had impact on a given area.

For every exercise in this component, a student receives a set of necessary equipment, including topographic maps, geological maps and cross-cuts, photographs (including air photographs). Every exercise has two components: graphic and descriptive-interpretative.

Student work input:

Lecture component = 30 hrs

Preparing for the lectures (literature) 0.5 hrs per week = 7.5 hrs

Practical component = 30 hrs

Preparing for the practical component 1 hr per week = 15 hrs

Preparing for the exams = 30 hrs

Total 112.5 hrs

After successfully passing this course, a student:

Knowledge:

1. Knows basic theories and the research topics in the contemporary geomorphology.

2. Knows basic processes impacting terrain relief.

3. Knows the impact of terrain relief processes on the contemporary world.

Skills:

4. Is able to explain causes, course, and effects of basic processes impacting terrain relief.

5. Is able to show the relationship between these processes and the environmental conditions.

6. Is able to show the relationship between these processes and the human activity.

7. Understands the basics of field research, including the responsibility for the collected and interpreted material.

8. Understands the responsibility for the undertaken activity which aims to adapt terrain relief to human needs.

Final written exam.

To be allowed to take the final exam, the practical component needs to be passed.

The practical component is graded basing on the midterm control tests, final written exams, weekly assignments, attendance.