Geog 312 Geography of Landforms

J. D. Davis Fall 1998

Office HSS 270 (338-2983), GIS Center (HSS 272; 338-6332); Office hours: TuTh 10-11 W 10:45-11:45, 12:45- 1:45.

Course Description: This course is about the surface of the earth and the processes that shape it. The landforms we will study exhibit the influence of both internal and surficial processes and materials. The discussion will include:

1. structural processes and landforms, that is those resulting primarily from internal earth processes;
2. degradational processes and landforms, or those systems that exhibit the impact of surface conditions (weathering, erosion/ deposition) on pre-existing structures;
3. a consideration of the relative impact of structural and climatic controls in the development of landforms;
4. a study of systems which are characterized by a dominant influence of either climate or structure.

Field trips (to glacial, alpine, fluvial, coastal, karst, and volcanic areas) and slides will be used to illustrate these varied landform systems.

Lectures on reserve in the Map Library. Please note: Having and even reading the notes is not the same as taking them and joining in class discussions. For some reason, the mechanical process of writing notes is important to learning. Having copies of the slides in class will help you pay attention in class, since you won't need to take as many notes, but you should find a way to replace the note-taking process, after class, with something that will help you learn the material. Attendance is also critical, since important class discussions are not reflected in the printouts.

Optional Texts: Summerfield, Global Geomorphology

Kane, P. S. (1980). Through Vulcan's Eye

Course format: lecture/discussion (3 hrs) + field trips (1 hr).

Grading policy: Your grade in this course will be determined from three exams (30% each), exercise/demo participation (5%), and field trip participation (5%).

Scheduled Field Trips:

Sept 4 (Fri)- Sept 7 (Mon): Marble Mountains. karst, glacial, fluvial, weathering, slopes. Research Trip -- group will participate in ongoing karst research project. Backpacking involved -- you must have proper equipment. Leave SFSU Friday 7 am. optional.

Oct 1 (Thu)- Oct 4 (Sun): Combined hydraulic mining impacts & Lassen Volcanic National Park field trips. mining-impacted fluvial systems, glacially-induced stream capture, volcanics, weathering, slopes, glacial features. Leave SFSU Thursday in late afternoon, at a time to be determined.

Oct 31: San Mateo Coast. structural, coastal, wind, slopes, human impact, fluvial.