Géomorphologie structurale et dynamique

Structural geomorphology: Introduction to the study of processes on the Earth’s surface (geomorphology, climatic context, the Earth’s energy balance); Earth’s morphology (mass, relief, structure, isostasy); large-scale topography, volcanism, sedimentary basins. Processes of weathering, erosion and rock transport across continental surfaces through to marine sedimentation, including the evolution of coastal zones in relation to waves and tides.

A cartographic overview of the main structures based on a comparison of both topographic and geological maps. Field trip in Belgium (south of the Sambre-Meuse trough): visits to natural sites.

To provide an overview of the influence of structure and tectonics on the Earth’s surface relief; to learn how to identify structural landforms on maps; to apply theoretical concepts relating to folded landforms in the field, considering them within a palaeoclimatic context; and to produce a field trip report.

Lectures, practical sessions and a field trip. Attendance at practical sessions and the field trip is compulsory, and any absence must be justified. Any student who is absent from the practical sessions or the field trip will be marked ‘Absent’ as their overall mark for the module.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

• Ahnert, F. (1996) Introduction to Geomorphology, John Wiley and Sons

• Allen, P. A. (1997) Earth Surface Processes, Blackwell Science Ltd.

• Anderson, R. S. & Anderson S. P. (2011) Geomorphology: the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes, Cambridge University Press

• Christopherson, R. W. (2005) Geosystems: An introduction to physical geography, Pearson prentice Hall

• Hamblin, W. K. & E. H. Christiansen (1995) Earth's Dynamic Systems, Eighth Edition, Prentice-Hall

• Newman, W. I. (2012) Continuum Mechanics in the Earth Sciences, Cambridge University Press

• Press, F. & R. Siever (1999) Understanding Earth, Second Edition, W. H. Freeman and Company

• Marshak, S. (Trad. Olivier Evrard), 2014, Terre, portrait d'une planète, de Boeck Université .

Course notes

• Université virtuelle

Contacts

Prof. Frank PATTYN Laboratoire de Glaciologie, Faculte des Sciences, CP 160/03 UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES 50, avenue F.D. Roosevelt, B-1050 BRUXELLES Téléphone: 02 650 28 46 Télécopie: 02 650 22 26 Courriel : fpattyn@ulb.ac.be

Campus

Solbosch

Method(s) of evaluation

• written examination

written examination

• Open question with short answer
• Open question with developed answer

Written examinations cover the theoretical component; the practical component is assessed through written assignments and a field trip report.
The course leader reserves the right to invite any student to a supplementary oral interview in order to verify their individual understanding of the content of the submitted examination, particularly where inconsistencies in the examination prevent the course leader from correctly assessing the level of mastery of the knowledge and skills covered by the course.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

The marks for the theory exam (2/3) and practical assessment (1/3) are added together, provided that both marks are 8/20 or above.
If the student achieves a mark lower than 8/20 in either of these two parts, the final mark will be equal to the lower of the two marks.
If the student achieves a mark lower than 8/20 in both parts, the final mark will be a weighted average of the marks for the theory exam (2/3) and the practical exam (1/3).

Language(s) of evaluation

• french