Macalester College Geology Department

GEOL 260 - Geomorphology

Instructor: Kelly MacGregor
Level: Intemediate
Offered: Every Fall

Geomorphology is the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur on the surface of a planetary body (we’ll be focusing on the Earth!). We will be examining the physics of processes that turn solid rock into transportable material, the transport mechanisms themselves (whether beneath glaciers, down hillslopes, or in rivers), and the patterns of deposition, many of which are unique to the processes that created them. These processes range from the very large (volcanism and mountain-building) to the microscopic (frost cracking of rock, soil creep, and chemical weathering along mineralogic grain boundaries). Some processes occur frequently across geographic boundaries and throughout geologic time (like rainsplash), while others are stochastic in nature and can be dramatic in their geomorphic signature (glacial outburst floods). We will spend a large chunk of the course on the inner workings of rivers and glaciers, as they are two of the primary ‘movers and shakers’ in geomorphology, but will touch on a multitude of other topics. I will also be teaching you the ‘tools of the trade’ – how to interpret topographic maps and air photos, how to make observations and measurements in the field, and how to display data for further interpretation. In addition, we will be delving into scientific literature – learning how to read and discuss peer-reviewed journal articles. A final note: geomorphology is a quantitative science – you will learn to use math to describe how nature works. This can be challenging, but I promise it is rewarding to understand the physical processes responsible for the world around us!