Courses :: Module, GEOMORPHOLOGY

	Overview
	Geomorphology is the scientific study of the Earth�s surface. Varied forces of nature (exogenic and endogenic) act to shape the earth�s surface over a variety of spatial (e.g. catchment to river meander) and temporal (e.g. daily to tectonic) scales. These forces act upon the physical structure of the Earth to create the physical landscape around us, one that is subject to continual change. This change can be slow or rapid, and can vary over time depending upon key controlling factors/variables such as climate, sea-level, tectonic uplift etc, some principles of physical geography. Geomorphology attempts to understand such processes in different parts of the world today and in the past, and their role in landscape formation. It also aims to allow students who successfully complete the module to be able to interpret how the Irish landscape has come to look the way it has. This module content covers 7 main topics: Topic 1 - What is Geomorphology? Topic 2 - Endogenic/Tectonic forces Topic 3 - Exogenic/Morphoclimatic processes Topic 4 - Irish bedrock controls on the landscape Topic 5 - Coastal landscapes Topic 6 - Glacial landscapes Topic 7 - Karst landscapes

Overview

Geomorphology is the scientific study of the Earth�s surface. Varied forces of nature (exogenic and endogenic) act to shape the earth�s surface over a variety of spatial (e.g. catchment to river meander) and temporal (e.g. daily to tectonic) scales. These forces act upon the physical structure of the Earth to create the physical landscape around us, one that is subject to continual change. This change can be slow or rapid, and can vary over time depending upon key controlling factors/variables such as climate, sea-level, tectonic uplift etc, some principles of physical geography. Geomorphology attempts to understand such processes in different parts of the world today and in the past, and their role in landscape formation. It also aims to allow students who successfully complete the module to be able to interpret how the Irish landscape has come to look the way it has.

This module content covers 7 main topics:
Topic 1 - What is Geomorphology?
Topic 2 - Endogenic/Tectonic forces
Topic 3 - Exogenic/Morphoclimatic processes
Topic 4 - Irish bedrock controls on the landscape
Topic 5 - Coastal landscapes
Topic 6 - Glacial landscapes
Topic 7 - Karst landscapes

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Explain what the systematic study of geomorphology is and how this changes over time, and with the temporal and spatial scale of study. Describe the controls on geomorphology exercised by the geological processes associated with Plate Tectonics. Explain the physical and chemical processes associated with weathering at the Earth�s surface. Explain the processes and major geological events which have been important in shaping the landscape of Ireland particularly over the Cenozoic Era (last 65 Ma). Explain coastal processes (degradational and aggradational processes) and main contributing factors. Explain hazards and risk levels (ecosystems disruption, gradual inundation, salt water intrusion, erosion and flooding) in coastal landscapes under a changing climate. Discuss the role of past glaciations in producing landscapes during the Quaternary Period (last 2.6 Ma) especially in Ireland. Discuss the creation and importance of Karst landscapes globally and in Ireland.

Learning Outcomes

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes Resitting students may opt to do supplemental continuous assessment over the summer (details will be normally posted on the course Moodle page following the end of academic year exam boards and marks release). Only those students who have officially registered to repeat/resit this module in the Autumn will have submitted supplemental continuous assessment graded. For this module, it is possible only part of the continuous assessment work can be repeated in the Autumn as some components may be groupwork based. Supplemental assessment, if submitted, will automatically replace continuous assessment marks earned over the regular year, even if assessed at a lower grade. Continuous assessment marks for non-repeatable components will be carried forward to the resit examination period. University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 60 minutes, On-campus

Autumn Supplementals/Resits

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GEOMORPHOLOGY

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