Prerequisite: GY100
Course status: Core
Credit Rating: 12 credits
Total hours spent: 120 hours [45 hours lectures, 15 hours Tutorials, 30 hours Assignments, and 30 hours independent study]
Course Objective(s)
o To enable students understand the principles of geomorphology and soil characteristics.
o To enable students to acquire knowledge on bedrock mapping, develop geomorphic models for mineral exploration and their applications in engineering geology aspects.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
o Explain and apply the principles of geomorphology in bedrock mapping.
o Develop geomorphic models for mineral exploration and engineering geology works.
o Explain the relationships between geology, landscape development and soil cover.
Course Structure
Introduction to Geomorphology; Models of Geomorphology Processes; Paleokarst and paleosols; Geomorphic Mapping Procedures; Application of geomorphic theory to soil development; Geomorphic mapping in assessment of environment problems; Geomorphology of Tanzania.
Course Content
Study of geomorphology within the realm of Sciences: its definitions, approaches and terminology; Traditional models of processes, evolution and the resultant landscapes; Paleokarst and paleosols; Techniques applied in geomorphic mapping: digital mapping; visualiazation, interpretation and quantification of landforms; Application of geomorphic theory in understanding soil development and solving environmental problems: erosion and deposition processes, slope instability, river control and restoration, coastal and land management, Geomorphic mapping in assessment of environment problems; Geomorphology of Tanzania; and case study in applied geomorphic mapping.
Assessment
Coursework 40%, Final Examination60%.
Key Textbooks:
1. Fookes, P. G. Lee E. M. and Griffiths J. S. (2007). Engineering Geomorphology. Theory and Practice.
2. Selby M.J. (1985). Earth’s Changing Surface. Oxford University.
3. Easterbrook, D.J. (1999). Surface Processes and Landforms 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.
4. Rice R. J. (1988). Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Longmans.
5. Mike J. Smith, P. and Griffiths J.S. (2011). Geomorphological mapping. Elsevier.
6. Hugget, R.J. (2002). Fundamental of Geomorphology, University of Manchester.