Geomorphology

We will study the main external and internal processes that participate in the shaping of landforms:

• Alteration process
• Wind Processes and Landscapes
• River processes and river landscapes
• Glacial and periglacial processes and landscapes
• Tectonic and structural geomorphology
• Slope process
• Karst Model

Hourly volume:

CM : 21h

Practical work : 9h x 2 groups

Field : 6h x 3 groups

The objective of the module is to introduce the different processes that shape landforms according to climatic and geological conditions. The presentation of the different types of morphologies will be accompanied by photo-interpretation lab sessions and a field trip.

General knowledge in earth sciences (^2nd year undergraduate level)

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory course in earth physics, structural geology, mapping, minerals, rocks and surface transfers.

Continuous control

• Synthetic description of the concepts covered in CM:

Each theme will be approached from field images that illustrate the typical morphologies of the concerned landscapes. The evolution of the landforms will be analyzed in relation to the specific climatic conditions and the associated surface processes.

• Synthetic description of the practical sessions and number of hours associated with each session

The practical sessions will illustrate the geomorphological environments seen in class (eolian, glacial, alluvial, structural and tectonic). They will focus on i) analysis of stereoscopic aerial photographs, ii) landscape construction exercises with an augmented reality sandbox, iii) map analysis to identify processes related to hazards.

• Description of the themes/manipulations addressed during your field trip(s) and details of the destinations/sites

The field trip will be carried out in the southern edge of the Larzac plateau, where different morphologies can be observed, and in particular, fluvial, slope (gravity), periglacial and karst processes.

The student should be able to identify in the field and in aerial photography the main landforms observed in the different types of landscapes on earth, as well as the main processes that cause them.