Duration
20h Th, 20h Pr, 3d FW
Number of credits
| Master in geography, global change, research focus | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course considers different techniques of laboratory and field analyses in order to define the characteristics of sediments, to reconstruct the geomorphological processes which are responsible of grain transport, to determine conditions during the sedimentation. This course is divided in thematic chapters: Particle size analysis, morphometry of particles, position of elements in their geomorphological context, techniques for separate grains (e.g. separation by means of the density gradient, magnetic separation, etc.), grain surface analysis (binocular magnifier, SEM), nature of elements (identification of heavy minerals with microscope, geochemical analysis).
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The outcomes of the course are to be able to:
- identify the processes which are responsible of the sedimentation
- reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental conditions during the sedimentation.
- determine the geographical origin of components.
- reconstruct the chronology of sedimentation, e.g. by using stratigraphical tracers (iron slag, tephra minerals, etc.).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledges in physic, chemistry, geology, and geomorphology.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The different techniques which are presented in the theoretical course are illustrated with laboratory analyses on samples collected on the field by students (grain size analysis, calcimetry measurements, identification of volcanic heavy minerals with polarizing microscope, etc.).
Three integrated field trips are devoted to the survey of outcrops, to the sampling methods, to the description and the analysis of deposits which have been transported by different processes (fluvial, aeolian, mass wasting, etc.)
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
The theoretical part and the practical works are given 3 hours per week during the first fourmonthly period.
If less than 3 students have registred, lectures will be wholly or partly replaced by written contributions.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Syllabus distributed to the students and reading list
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Written work / report
Additional information:
The assessment for the theoretical part and the practical part is based on a writing exam with lecture notes. A particular attention is given to the illustration of the written notes.
A report on the sites visited during the field days and on the analyses carried out on the samples taken must be submitted by 15 January. It will account for 50% of the course's final rating.
Work placement(s)
No training.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Courses are given in the classroom of practical works of the B12 building.
Three field days are organised. Please bring your field equipment.
Contacts
Geoffrey Houbrechts
Laboratoire d'Hydrographie et de Géomorphologie fluviatile
Département de Géographie
Université de Liège
Quartier Village 4 Clos Mercator,3 - B11
4000 Sart-Tilman - Belgique
Tél : 04 - 366 5257 - E-Mail: G.Houbrechts@uliege.be