Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE GEO2008

 
TITLE Applied Geomorphology: Methods and Applications

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Geography

 
DESCRIPTION An understanding of landforms may be of great use, directly or indirectly, to human beings who are influenced by and, in turn, influence the surface features of the earth which they inhabit. Applied geomorphology could be defined as the application of geomorphic understanding to the analysis and solution of problems concerning land occupancy, resource exploitation, and environmental management and planning.

This study-unit focuses site-based fieldworks in which the students will investigate geomorphological processes and landscape morphology through the use of various tools and techniques such as:
1. geomorphological mapping;
2. use and comparisons of sieving and stereomicroscopy for sediment analysis;
3. use of UAVs such as drones and other hand-held equipment for 3D topography mapping;
4. use of strength equipment such as Schmidt Hammer and Equotip for rock surface intact strength analysis;
5. any other geomorphological techniques and assessments that may be relevant and appropriate depending on new instruments availability.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims at providing an in depth knowledge and skills on how to collect data governing selected geomorphologic processes, which are responsible for the genesis of the landscape morphology. Focus is put on observing, mapping and measure geomorphologic processes in order to understand the behaviour of selected physical systems within the local context and learn how to use specific equipment to collect such observations.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. advance theoretical knowledge in geomorphology through site-based fieldworks;
2. learn how to engage and employ instruments to collect site-specific data;
3. demonstrate competence in critical reasoning and decision-making on site-based data collection;
4. engage applied geomorphology knowledge to assess problems within the landscape context.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

1. develop the necessary skills to measure site-specific geomorphological processes;
2. use his/her knowledge of fundamental physical processes to analyse the forces driving the making and evolution of the physical environment;
3. develop the ability to use techniques and equipment to collect geomorphological data;
4. synthesize and process data collection into assignment reports and class presentations.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main texts:

- Gregory K.J. (2010). The Earth's Land Surface. Huggett. 2007. Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Routledge, London.
- Goudie, A., & Gregory, K. J. (2011). The SAGE handbook of geomorphology. Los Angeles, London: SAGE (Selected readings)
- Hart T, M. G. (1986). Geomorphology, pure and applied. London, Allen & Unwin. (Selected readings)

Supplementary Texts:

- Fookes, P.G., Lee, M. and Griffiths, J.S. (Eds). 2007. Engineering Geomorphology: Theory and Practice, 1st edition, Whittles Publishing, Caithness. (Selected readings)
- Verstappen, H. T. (T. (1983). Applied geomorphology: geomorphological surveys for environmental development. Elsevier: Distributors for the U.S. and Canada, Elsevier Science Pub. Co. (Selected readings).

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Fieldwork and Independent Study

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 50%
Presentation SEM1 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Ritienne Gauci

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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