GEOG 1120

This lab science physical geography course is an introduction to geomorphology: the scientific study of natural processes acting on the surface of the Earth and the landforms they create. Specific topics include rivers, glaciers, coasts, permafrost, slope processes, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals. Physical geographers study the interaction of natural and human-processes to explain hazards such as floods, debris flows, landslides, sea level change, and coastal erosion. The impact of climate change on these processes, such as melting glaciers, thawing permafrost and slope instability, is also considered. Lab activities study rocks and minerals, and use Google Earth and topographic maps to investigate events including glacial retreat and slope failures, while field trips enable real-life measurements of local features such as stream flow and channel morphology.