Geomorphology

We will study the main external and internal processes involved in shaping landforms:

• Weathering process
• Wind power 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 aim of the module is to introduce the different processes that shape landforms as a function of climatic and geological conditions. The presentation of the different types of morphologies will be accompanied by photo-interpretation practical sessions and a field trip.

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

Recommended prerequisites:

Introductory course on earth physics, structural geology, cartography, minerals, rocks and surface transfers.

Continuous control

• Synthetic description of the concepts covered in CM :

Each theme will be addressed on the basis of field images illustrating the morphologies typical of the landscapes concerned. The evolution of landforms will be analyzed in relation to specific climatic conditions and associated surface processes.

• Summary description of practical sessions and number of hours for each session

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 using an augmented reality sandbox (AR sandbox), iii) map analysis to identify hazard-related processes.

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

The field trip will take place on the southern edge of the Larzac plateau, where various morphologies can be observed, including fluvial, slope (gravity), periglacial and karst processes.

Students must be able to identify, in the field and from aerial photos, the main landforms observed in different types of landscapes on earth, as well as the main processes behind them.