Geomorphology

We will examine the main external and internal processes that contribute to the shaping of landforms:

• Weathering Processes
• Wind-Driven Processes and Landscapes
• Fluvial Processes and River Landscapes
• Glacial and Periglacial Processes and Landscapes
• Tectonic and Structural Geomorphology
• Slope Processes
• Karst landforms

Number of hours:

CM: 9:00 p.m.

Practical Training: 9 hours x 2 groups

Field: 6 hours x 3 groups

The objective of this module is to introduce the various processes that shape landforms based on climatic and geological conditions. The presentation of the different types of landforms will be accompanied by hands-on photo-interpretation sessions and a field trip.

General knowledge of earth sciences (^second year of a bachelor's degree program)

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory courses in Earth physics, structural geology, cartography, minerals, rocks, and surface processes.

Ongoing Assessment

• Brief description of the concepts covered in fourth grade:

Each topic will be explored using field photographs that illustrate the typical landforms of the landscapes in question. The evolution of landforms will be analyzed in light of specific climatic conditions and the associated surface processes.

• Summary description of the lab sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

The lab sessions will illustrate the geomorphological environments covered in class (aeolian, glacial, alluvial, structural, and tectonic). They will focus on i) the analysis of stereoscopic aerial photographs, ii) landscape-building exercises using an augmented reality (AR) sandbox, and iii) the analysis of maps to identify processes related to natural hazards.

• Description of the topics/hands-on activities covered during your field trip(s) and details on the destinations/sites

The field trip will take place along the southern edge of the Larzac Plateau, where we can observe various landforms discussed in class, particularly fluvial, slope (gravitational), periglacial, and karst processes.

Students must be able to identify, both in the field and from aerial photographs, the main landforms found in various types of terrestrial landscapes, as well as the main processes that create them.