GEOB 308 Quaternary and Applied Geomorphology

Description

This course covers landscape development in the Quaternary Era, emphasizing the history of glaciation in western North America; interpretation of surficial materials and landforms to understand past climates; and applications of geomorphology for hazards analysis, resource development, environmental history and land management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the processes of landscape development during the Quaternary Era, with particular focus on the timing and impacts of glaciation in British Columbia.
2. To develop interpretive and analytical skills for the study of glacial and paraglacial environments, landforms and materials.
3. To apply methods of assessing surficial materials, landforms and natural hazards for the purposes of land use and management, hazards analysis and reconstructing past climates and environmental history.
4. To critically evaluate relevant, state-of-the-art geomorphological literature.

The material and techniques from this course can be applied to further environmental studies or professional work, and hence we will focus on honing our interpretive skills for ‘reading’ the stories of past climate change in the landscape.