Geomorphology

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

• Weathering process
• Wind processes and landscapes
• River processes and river landscapes
• Glacial and periglacial processes and landscapes
• Tectonic and structural geomorphology
• Slope process
• Karst landscape

Hours per week:

CM: 9 p.m.

Practical work: 9 hours x 2 groups

Field: 6 hours x 3 groups

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

General knowledge of earth sciences (^second-year bachelor's degree level)

Recommended prerequisites:

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

Continuous assessment

• Brief description of the concepts covered in CM:

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

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

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

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

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

Students must be able to identify, in the field and in aerial photographs, the main landforms observed in different types of landscapes on Earth, as well as the main processes that cause them.