SURFICIAL PROCESSES

   GEY 203 
   Fall 2004

   Instructor: Julia Daly, Ricker 38
        x7403
        dalyj@maine.edu
   Course times:  Mon. 11-3, Ricker 30
                         Wed. 11- 11:50, Ricker 30







Surficial Geology:
This course will focus primarily on the field of geomorphology, the study of landforms and landscape evolution.  The landscape on which we exist is dynamic.  Movement and redistribution of materials across this surface occur on timescales from seconds to thousands and millions of years.  A study of landforms reveals an archive of these dynamic processes and changing environments.  Investigation of landforms and surficial processes is crucial to many aspects of human habitation: risk assessment of structures in coastal and fluvial environments, distribution of sand and gravel for construction, spatial extent of high-flow aquifers.  The long-term geomorphic record can be interpreted to determine the rate of landscape change in response to climate change, and to predict likely archeological sites. 

Course Objectives:
•    Develop skills in field description and mapping
•    Learn basic use of GPS and GIS technology as applied in geology
•    Learn fundamental characteristics of landforms and associated environments
•    Develop significant synthesis and integration skills applied to interpretation of the geologic record

Text:
Process Geomorphology, 2002 (4th ed.), Ritter, Kochel, and Miller
Supplementary readings will also be assigned
Other materials: small notebook (for lab), colored pencils, simple calculator, small ruler

Assessment:
25 % Portfolio:
    Contents
    Location map (GIS)
    For each feature/stop:
        Sketch (and optional photo)
        Description
            Regional/contextual
            Outcrop/feature scale
        Interpretation
            Environment of formation
            Comparison to other local features
10% Synthesis report
25% Field write-ups (3: fluvial, glacial, coastal)
    Introduction
    Methods
    Results (including tables and figures, if appropriate)
    Discussion
    Ideas for future study
15% Problem sets  / homework
15% Video production (details to come)
10 % Journal

Please remember this is YOUR OWN WORK.  Plagiarism, electronic or otherwise, will result in a grade of zero.  If you are uncertain about using research material or how to cite an article, please come see me.  A digital version of the UMF Code of Academic Integrity can be found on eCampus (under Policies) or in the online catalog .


Attendance & make-up policy
Attendance in class and labs is required.  There will be no scheduled lab make-ups.  In an emergency (if you are sick, etc.), contact me as soon possible to discuss alternatives.

Equal educational opportunity is offered to students with special needs due to disability.  Please notify me if a reasonable accommodation is needed to meet course requirements.


Return to Dr. Daly's main page