Module Identifier GG31220  
Module Title DRYLAND GEOMORPHOLOGY  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr Stephen Tooth  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours 10 x 2 hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   2 Hours 1 x 2 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Written examination50%
Semester Assessment Essay: 2500 word assessed essay30%
Semester Assessment Seminar Presentation: 10 minute seminar presentation10%
Semester Assessment Report: 750 word seminar report10%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed coursework component(s) and/or resit of failed end of semester examination. No resit for seminar presentation available, original mark for presentation will be carried forward. 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to :-


Aims

This module is designed to enable students to gain a conceptual and factual understanding of the major landforms and processes in the world's extensive dryland regions, including an appreciation of how these forms and processes respond to environmental changes.

Content

1) The context for dryland geomorphology
   Drylands: definition, nature, extent and importance
   Climatic and geological frameworks

2) Weathering forms and processes
   Weathering agents: insolation, moisture, salt
   Weathering products: soils, crusts and varnishes
   The role of vegetation

3) Fluvial forms and processes
   Slopes and pediments
   Alluvial fans and gullies
   River channels and floodplains
   Wetlands, pans and playas

4) Aeolian forms and processes
   Aeolian bedforms, dunefields and sand seas
   Aeolian dust

5) Dryland regions: extensions, contractions and change
   Cenzoic environmental changes
   Human impact and future changes

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Thomas, D.S.G. (Ed.) (1997) Arid Zone Geomorphology: Process, Form and Change in Drylands 2nd edition.. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons ISBN 04-7197610-5
** Consult For Futher Information
Cooke, R.U., Warren, A. and Goudie, A.S (1993) Desert Geomorphology London: University College London Press (pbk). ISBN 18-5728016-4
Abrahams, A.D. and Parsons, A.J. (Eds) (1994) Geomorphology of Desert Environments London: Chapman and Hall ISBN 0-412-444801
Cooke, R.U., Warren A. and Goudie, A.S (1993) Desert Geomorphology London: University College London Press ISBN 18-5728017-2
Singhvi, A. and Derbyshire, E. (Eds) (1999) Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction in Arid Lands New Delhi: Oxford and IBH publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd. ISBN 90-5410710-3

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6