GEO 4214 - Aeolian Geomorphology

Course Overview

This course focuses on aeolian (wind) processes that influence coastal and arid environments. Major themes in the course will be: 1) atmospheric controls on the location of arid environments; 2) the physics of sediment transport by wind; 3) modeling techniques used in aeolian geomorphology; 4) dune classifications and dune dynamics; and 5) desertification and climate change impacts on aeolian environments.

Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)

• Outline the influence of global atmospheric circulation patterns on arid and semi-arid environments
• Describe the classification schemes of dunes and the key processes of dune dynamics
• Articulate how scientists’ model aeolian systems: from small scale to large scale
• Summarize how arid and coastal dune systems respond to climate change forcing
• Analyze sediment transport processes

Topics

Course Materials

• Syllabus

• Calendar

• Textbook: No required Textbook.

  • Supplementary texts:
    • Aeolian Geomorphology, I. Livingston and A. Warren (1996)
    • Dunes: Dynamics, Morphology, History, A. Warren (2013)
    • Geomorphology of Desert Dunes, N. Lancaster (1995)
    • Deserts: A Very Short Introduction, Nick Middleton (2009)

Assignments

• Two Exams [60% – 30% each]
• Seminar Days: Article Synopsis & Discussion [15%]
• Desert/Dune System Project [25%]