Module Information

Module Identifier
GG23910
Module Title
GLACIAL PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Mr Tom Holt
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
GG10610 or DA10610 preferred.
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 20 Hours. 10 x 2 hours
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Learning Portfolio.  The module will be assessed by a Learning Portfolio, comprising 3 Entries to be submitted via Blackboard. Entries are a maximum of 1200 words each. Each Entry will cover a different topic, directly related to the subject content of lectures. 1. Problem identification associated with a lecture topic (related to Lectures 1 - 4) (33.3.%) 2. Finding and evaluating information on a lecture topic (related to Lectures 5 and 6) (33.3%) 3. Creating an annotated bibliography (related to Lectures 7 - 10) (33%)   100%
Supplementary Assessment Students who fail the module will be required to resubmit the failed components of the assessment described above.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Outline the principles of glacier mass balance, glacier motion and glacier hydrology.
2. Identify the dominant erosional and depositional processes operating in glacial environments.
3. Explain how erosional and depositional processes interact to produce different glacial landforms and landscapes.
4. Assess the role played by ice sheets in global change.
5. Explain how cold climate indicators are preserved in the geomorphological and sedimentological record.
6. Find and evaluate information from the glaciological and glacial geomorphological literature.

Brief description

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to glacial environments and to the processes, landforms and sediments that occur in these areas. Students will be introduced to the main types of glacial settings, and to the dominant landform- and sediment-forming processes that are found in these areas. Topics covered include glacier mass balance, glacier motion and velocity, glacier hydrology, glacial erosion and sedimentation, and an introduction to the glacial geomorphology of Wales. This module will make use of case studies to introduce students to the most recent published literature and current debates in the field. Each session will consist of a lecture, followed by discussion of a case study related to the topic of that lecture. Assessment tasks (building into a Learning Portfolio) will be linked to lecture topics.

Content

1. Introduction to glaciology
2. Glacier mass balance
3. Ice sheet and glacier flow
4. Glacier hydrology
5. Processes of glacial erosion
6. Landforms and landscapes of glacial erosion
7. Processes of glacial deposition
8. Landforms of glacial deposition
9. Glaciomarine and glaciolacustrine environments
10. The glacial geomorphology of Wales

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Written communication skills are developed in researching and writing all Entries.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will learn how to improve their own learning and performance through the exercises related to all Entries.
Information Technology Information technology skills are developed through the writing of all Entries and posting these to Blackboard.
Personal Development and Career planning Awareness of personal development is developed in the work associated with all Entries.
Problem solving Problem-solving skills are developed by students in researching and writing Entry 1 (problem identification).
Research skills Research skills are developed in researching and writing Entries 1, 2 and 3 (problem identification, finding and evaluating information on a lecture topic and creating an annotated bibliography).
Subject Specific Skills Subject-specific skills in glaciology, glacial geomorphology and sedimentology are developed throughout the module in lectures, as well as through independent study (researching and writing the Entries).

Reading List

General Text
Benn, D. and Evans, D (1998) Glaciers and Glaciation Arnold, London, 734 pp. paperback. #24.99. Primo search Bennett, M.R. and Glasser, N.F (2009) Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms Second Edition John Wiley, Chichester, 400pp, paperback. Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5