Periglacial and Glacial Geomorphology:   

Geography 417-517

Class Outline:  

This class enlarges on the course description in the catalog.  We will start with glaciers, formation, evolution, and effect on the landscape.  The emphasis will be on alpine glaciers, although the two ice sheets will be briefly covered.  We will examine the physical processes of glacier formation including the climatic factors controlling the distribution of glaciers and the atmospheric exchange processes that control the temporal changes in glacier mass.  Because glaciers and ice sheets are so closely linked to climatic variations, and because many of our recent advances in understanding past climate is gained from glaciers and ice sheets, we will encounter climate as a natural consequence of our study of glaciers.

We will then turn to periglacial geomorphology, such as mima mounds, stone strips, permafrost, rock glaciers and other features thought to be formed in or associated with glacial-like environments.  Many of these periglacial features are observed in Oregon and some may be commonly encountered.

Fall 2001:

Class Report Outline

For a discussion on the importance of units (m, kg, Hz) in your calculations, see the attached page that discusses units.

Assignment:  A sampling of the spatial characteristics of glaciers in the lower 48 states.