Tectonic geomorphology

Teacher(s)

Vanacker Veerle;

Language

English

Main themes

The analysis of landscape morphology results from the study of internal and external processes that govern the formation and the evolution of relief. In the course, concepts of the dynamics and evolution of the relief are discussed through the analysis of tectonic, climatic and anthropic processes that have an influence on material transfer at the Earth surface. This course presents recent advances in the field of earth surface processes and evolution, and reviews the fundamentals of the subject including geomorphic markers, geochronology, and landform evolution at the short and intermediate time scale. As an advanced course, it is intended for students who are familiar with basic geomorphologic concepts. On completion of this module, students should be able to: (i) understand the fundamentals of commonly used dating methods, (ii) interpret dates and rates of geomorphologic processes in terms of long-term landscape evolution, and (iii) read independently scientific literature on earth surface processes and evolution.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The main objective of this course is to acquire the key concepts in geomorphology as to understand dynamic landscape evolution. Geomorphic markers and several dating techniques will be discussed in detail, so that students get a thorough knowledge of quantitative geomorphology.

Content

This course includes three parts : (i) the presentation of geomorphologic concepts that govern the formation and evolution of the relief and the basics of dating techniques and morphologic markers (ii) the autonomous application of these geomorphologic concepts through the analysis of topographic and morphometric indices calculated from digital elevation models in a GIS software (iii) the analysis of the morphology of a landscape in the field through the application of concepts presented during lectures

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The course is based on

• Class lectures with active participation of the students
• Practical sessions on the tectonic geomorphology of Belgium using GIS and high resolution topography
• Field work with characterisation of the fluvio-morphology of a river in the Ardennes

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Evaluation 50 % of the grade will be based on continuous evaluation: 

• Presentation of literature review : 10%
• Presentation and report of research project : 25%
• Report of excursion : 15%

A written exam on the theoretical lectures will count for 50% of the final grade

Other information

To follow this course, the student should have a basic knowledge of earth surface processes, geology and earth sciences such as taught in LGEO1251, LGEO1331 and LBIR1130.

Online resources

https://moodleucl.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=7634

Bibliography

disponible en BST (version électronique et version papier):
Burbank, D.W.; Anderson, R.S. 2011. Tectonic Geomorphology. Wiley-Blackwell; 2nd Edition.

Teaching materials

• Les supports de cours (slides et articles scientifiques) sont disponibles sur la plateforme Moodle.

Faculty or entity

GEOG