GEOMORPHOLOGY

Course Title Geomorphology
Course Code GEO 2101
Course Level Year 2 semester 1
Credit Units 3 CU
Contact hours 45 hours
Course Description This course unit introduces students students to geomorphology and provides a foundation for more specialized and advanced studies in geomorphology, the course considers the relevancy of geomorphology to the environmental processes and their management, including landscape design and environmental management for sustainability of ecosystem within Africa and Eastern African sub-region
Course Aim The main objective of the course are to:-
- Introduce students to the subject of geomorphology, as a basic foundation for environmental management.
- Build students’ capacity in geomorphic thinking and to impart in the students the tradition of scholary approaches and analysis of contemporary geomorphic problems.
- Gain basic understanding and appreciation of geomorphological processes and problems, and their importance in man-environmental relationship.
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Indicative content 1.0 Introduction and the major concepts in geomorphology 6 hours
- Definition and scope of geomorphology, history and evolution of geomorphic ideas(Greeks, Romans, Chinese ideas etc), Concepts of catastrophism and uniformitarianism, Evolution of geomorphology and the different schools of thoughts (Eg. Mobilistic or Dynamic climatic and Isostatic) and major approaches in geomorphology ie historical geomorphology, process geomorphology, structural, functional, applied geomorphology etc
2.0 System approach in geomorphology
Definition of the concept and values of systems approach in the study of geomorphology, system processes, attribute, energy expenditure and work and application of system approach to thestudy of drainage basins, rivers and streams.
3.0 Theories/models of landscape/slope development 8 hours
Evolutionary theories of slope development; concepts, assumptions and application,slope development (downwearing); the Davisian cycle of erosion (peneplanation), Slope development by structural mobility; the W.Penk model- (uplift and denudation related) and the L.C Kings model- (Pediplanation), application and limitation
1.0 Landscape and landform classification
Landform classification (mountains, hillslands, Piedmonts, peneplains, plateaus, valleys, plains etc), Interpretation of the environmental issues opportunities and problem dorminant in landscapes.
5.0 Geology and Geomorphology. 9hrs
Geological basis of geomorphology, origin of the earth’s surface (structure), classification and formation of rocks; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Rock composition and their resistance to the denudation and resultant land form, concepts and processes of reck weathering, -physical or mechanical, chemical and biological weathering; factors affecting the process, critique of the relative importance and evidence of the three types of weathering in different climatic regions of the world.
6.0 Slope stability analysis/slope failure 9hrs
Slopes as the most ambiguous landform on the earth’s surface-definition and classification, share stress, shear strength, safety factor analysis.
Geomorpgic classification of slope failures and analysis of the factors that control slope stability and slope processes, soil erosion and mass wasting; implications on environmental management, stability and analysis and relattionships with landscape occurance and mitigation
7.0 Field work
Compulsory and guided fieldwork will be conducted in a selected regions in Uganda, ie Mt Rwenzori, and characterized river Nyamwamba floods hazards (scars) and other fluvial processes in the region. The study willalso look at structural morphology, drainage patterns, the impact of environmental change and many other geomorphological aspects of the region. Another area of study will be the Mt Elgon region in Eastern Uganda where the student will be exposed to landslide hazerd characterization, structural morphology, fluvial processes, river dynamics, erosion processes etc. The cost of fieldwork (transport, accommodation and meals) will be met by the students.
Teaching and Learning patterns; Lectures/Tutorials, research and presentation by students, and projects by the students
Assessment Methods: Coursework 50% and Examination 50%
Reading List 1 Chorley, R.J (1962). Geomorphology and general systems theory USGS Professional papers 500B, B1- B10
2 Gregory, K.J and D.E Walling 1973.Grainage basin form and processes. Edward Anold. Hugget
3 Waugh, D. 2014. Geography, an integrated approach
4 Richard J 2020. Fundamental of Geomorphology. New York: Routledge
5 Morgan Hudson 1981. Soil Conservation; Cornell University press.
6 Morisawa, M, 1968. Stream; Their Dynamics and Morphology. McGraw – Hill.
7 Robert, A Millers and Theodore 1978. Physical Geography today. Random House of Canada.
8 Ree R.J 1977. Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Longman; U.K.