Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FW
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology, professional focus in conservation biology : biodiversity and management | 3 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 introductory geomorphology course addresses the processes that shape and modify the environment. It provides an understanding of the dynamics of environments, including their stability or instability, and provides a geomorphological diagnosis. This course will also make the link between geomorphological processes and biocenosis as well as the impact of man on these processes.
Notions of hydrography and hydrology are also discussed. The issue of water is an important subject in the management of the environment, agriculture and biodiversity, particularly in the face of the challenge of climate change. The understanding of the water balance and the hydrological characteristics of rivers is therefore of primary importance and implies the introduction of notions of surface, urban and underground hydrology in continental environments.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
- To understand the major mechanisms of geomorphology, namely: mass transport processes and selective transport agents.
- To reconstruct the evolution of a continental relief at different time scales.
- Assess the impact of geomorphological processes on the ecology and biogeography of species and on environments. Analyze the factors of instability of an environment and evaluate the role of ecosystems.
- To understand the different items of the hydrological balance, considering for each of them the measurement methods and specific data processing.
- To reconstruct river dynamics on the basis of morphological, granulometric and hydrological parameters.
- To understand how man can induce geomorphological and hydrological changes and to know how to identify which measures can minimize their effects.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledge of geology and pedology
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
rganization of the theoretical course (3-hour sessions):
1) Fluvial geomorphology and hydrology (6h)
2) Structural geomorphology and karst (3h)
3) Mass transportation agents (3h)
3) Climatic geomorphology (3h)
The practical work of Geomorphology focuses on the analysis of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and digital terrain models.
The hydrology practical work focuses on methods for estimating river flow, evapotranspiration and water balance.
Two field days are organized:
- Hydrogeomorphological diagnosis and assessment of the physical quality of rivers
- Traces of periglacial mounds in the Hautes Fagnes and the quaternary evolution of the Warche (Ardennes). Soil erosion in the Warche basin and sediment transport in the Amblève basin.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Theoretical courses are given in 3-hour sessions during the first quarter.
Practical work is given in 2-hour sessions.
Two days of integrated fieldwork are organized.
Participation in the courses and field days is mandatory. Any absence must be justified by a medical certificate for example.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Lecture notes and practical and fieldwork notes distributed to students.
Reference works :
- Amat, J-P., Dorize,L., Gautier, E., Le Coeur, C. 2015 : Eléments de Géographie physique. Bréal, 4e édition, Paris, 464 p.
- Ambroise, B. 1999 : La dynamique du cycle de l'eau dans un bassin versant : Processus, Facteurs, Modèles. Editions HGA, Bucarest, 201 p.
- Birot P., 1959. Précis de géographie physique générale, 403 p.
- Bravard, J-P.; Petit, F. 1997 : Les cours d'eau, dynamique du système fluvial. A. Colin, Paris, 222 p. - -- Coque, R. 1977 : Géomorphologie. Coll. U, A. Colin, Paris, 430 p.
- Cosandey, C.; Robinson, M. 2000 : Hydrologie continentale. A. Colin, Paris, 360 p.
- Derruau, M. 1994 : Les formes du relief terrestre. Masson, Paris, 115 p.
- Hugget R.J. 2003 : Fundamentals of Geomorphology. Routledge Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Routledge, London, 386 p.
- Lambert, R. 1996 : Géographie du cycle de l'Eau. Presses Universitaires du Mirail, 439 p.
- Malavoi, J.-R & Bravard J.-P., « Éléments d'hydromorphologie fluviale. Édité par l'Onema (Office national de l'eau et des milieux aquatiques), 2010, 224 p. En ligne.
- Tricart, J. 1977 : Précis de Géomorphologie. Sedes, Paris, 345 p.
- White, W.B. 1988 : Geomorphology and hydrology of karst terrains. Oxford University press, 463 p.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Further information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Additional information:
Written examination; particular importance is given to all documents illustrating the course notes. For questions relating to practical work and field days, students may consult their personal notes. In the second session: written exam.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
A financial contribution will be requested to cover the costs related to the field days.
Contacts
Geoffrey HOUBRECHTS
Department of Geography
Institute of Physical Geography
Building B11 - Sart Tilman 4000 LIEGE
Phone: +32/(0)4/366.52.57
e-mail: G.Houbrechts@ulg.ac.be
Secretariat of the Department: +32/(0)4/366.52.48