LAWI100517 Introduction to geomorphology

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Lüthgens, Christopher
Organisation
Applied Geology
Offered in
Sommersemester 2027
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Geomorphology, or the study of landforms, examines the shapes and shape-forming processes of the Earth’s surface. Relief plays a central role in this context, as it is shaped by endogenous and exogenous processes within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere.

Geomorphogenesis (relief formation) & geomorphodynamics (shaping processes) are integral interfaces for a wide range of research fields, e.g.:
- Sustainable land use (forestry & agriculture)
- Engineering applications
- Natural hazards, risk management, global environmental change
- Landscape planning, landscape development & landscape conservation

Topics:
- Introduction, timescales, relief & morphostratigraphy
- Endogenous system, rocks & weathering
- Mass movements
- Fluvial landforms
- Aeolian landforms
- Glacial landforms
- Periglacial system
- Structure-controlled landforms
- Karst system
- Littoral landforms
- Geomorphology & climate
- Geomorphology & humans
- Geochronology
Previous knowledge expected

An interest in geomorphological processes is preferred.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to understand the fundamentals of general geomorphology and landscape development.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to qualitatively describe geomorphological landforms, assess the timescales of geomorphological processes, and make statements about their frequency.

Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the landforms and processes on the Earth’s surface, with a special focus on Alpine landscapes.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.