Tools

GY 102 Section 001: Earth Surface Processes

Fall, 2010
4 Credit Hours
Primary Instructor: Mary Davis
Core Designation: Natural Science

Office Hours

Office Hours: T/R 1:30 – 3:00 pm, Farrah Hall Room 234 or e-mail (ldavis3@bama.ua.edu) to arrange a meeting.

 


Prerequisites

From the Student Records System

No prerequisites found.

No prerequisites required.


Course Description

This course provides a broad overview of earth surface processes, systems, and concepts.  Topics covered in this course include a brief look at earth materials and their origins, including minerals, rocks, sediment, and soils, during the first half of the course.  The second half of the course examines the processes and landforms associated with specific Earth systems, including: fluvial (river) systems, coastal systems, and glacial systems.  An additional theme of the course is global environmental change related to human activity and natural variability.  The course also includes a review of the physiography of the state of Alabama.  A schedule of lecture topics and exam dates is provided on page 3 of this syllabus, but this schedule is subject to change at Dr. Davis’s discretion.  You are responsible (expected to know and be aware of) all information discussed in lecture, including announcements made in class and the content of in-class activities.


Objectives

Geography 102 lecture aims to help students develop their knowledge of the natural environment by examining the physical and chemical processes operating on the Earth’s surface, which form landforms and landscapes that provide habitat for humans, other animals, and plants, and understand the ways that humans alter and use the natutal landscape.  In addition, students will gain experience in the geographic apprach to studying the environment by first developing their knowledge of earth surface processes and then using this knowledge to explain the behavior of natural systems and spatial patterns of natural features by analyzing  topographic maps in both lecture and lab.  Geography 102 lab focuses on helping students develop general critical thinking skills using geographic techniques of inquiry and analysis through the application of physical geography lecture concepts in lab activties that require analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing geographic data to better understand natural processes operating on or at the Earth's surface.   

At the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) understand the difference between different types of earth materials, including rocks, soil, sediment, and regolith, (2) explain how plate tectonic processes contribute to the formation of major relief features around the globe, (3) explain how tectonic processes and rock structure contribute to the physiography of the Earth’s surface; (4) identify the major physiographic subprovinces of the state of Alabama;  (5) explain the difference between the major subprovinces of the state of Alabama; (6) explain the processes involved in soil formation, (7) explain the difference between the 12 major soil orders identified in the SCS (8) identify landforms associated with the following major natural systems: (a) glaciers, (b) rivers, (c) hillslopes, and (d) coastlines; (9) explain processes that lead to the development of landforms in the following major natural systems: (a) glaciers, (b) rivers, (c) hillslopes, and (d) coastlines; (10) explain spatial patterns of glaciations that occurred during the last glacial maximum in North America, using glacial landforms; and (11) analyze, evaluate, and synthesize spatial and geographic data to understand natural processes operating at or on the Earth's surface.


Outline of Topics

Topics

Suggested readings

*all readings from Geosystems, unless otherwise stated

Lab activity

 

 

 

Syllabus, Course Introduction, Maps

1

No labs

Earth Structure and Earth Materials

8 & 9; Handouts

No labs

Plate Tectonics and Physiography

8 & 9; Handouts

No labs

Physiography;

8 & 9; Handouts

6: Projections & Scale

Weathering, Hillslope Processes

10: pp. 334-342

4: Contours & Topos.

Mass Movements & Soils

10: pp. 347-356

4: Contours & Topos.

Soils, Elemental Cycles

15

GPS Lab

Exam 1 Hydrologic Cycle

 

19: GIS

Infiltration, Runoff, Streamflow (Discharge)

6

18: Soils

Groundwater, Karst Systems

6; 10: pp. 343-347

Lab Mid-Term

Fluvial Systems & Watersheds

11; 13

15: Recurrence Intervals

Fluvial & Watersheds, cont.; Coastlines

14: 452-462;

14: Karst

Exam 2;

Aeolian Systems; Glacial Processes & Landforms

 

11: Fluvial

Glaciers, cont., & North American Glacial History

14: 468-475

17: Coastal & Arid

Glaciers, cont., & North American Glacial History

14: 468-475; 12

12: Glacial

Global Environmental Change & Landscape Interpretation

 

Lab Final

Exam 3 (Comprehensive Final Exam)

 

 

 


Exams and Assignments

Topics

Suggested readings

*all readings from Geosystems, unless otherwise stated

Lab activity

 

 

 

Syllabus, Course Introduction, Maps

1

No labs

Earth Structure and Earth Materials

8 & 9; Handouts

No labs

Plate Tectonics and Physiography

8 & 9; Handouts

No labs

Physiography;

8 & 9; Handouts

6: Projections & Scale

Weathering, Hillslope Processes

10: pp. 334-342

4: Contours & Topos.

Mass Movements & Soils

10: pp. 347-356

4: Contours & Topos.

Soils, Elemental Cycles

15

GPS Lab

Exam 1

Hydrologic Cycle

 

19: GIS

Infiltration, Runoff, Streamflow (Discharge)

6

18: Soils

Groundwater, Karst Systems

6; 10: pp. 343-347

Lab Mid-Term

Fluvial Systems & Watersheds

11; 13

15: Recurrence Intervals

Fluvial & Watersheds, cont.; Coastlines

14: 452-462;

14: Karst

Exam 2;

Aeolian Systems; Glacial Processes & Landforms

 

11: Fluvial

Glaciers, cont., & North American Glacial History

14: 468-475

17: Coastal & Arid

Glaciers, cont., & North American Glacial History

14: 468-475; 12

12: Glacial

Global Environmental Change & Landscape Interpretation

 

Lab Final

Exam 3 (Comprehensive Final Exam)

 

 

 


Grading Policy

Grades for this course are calculated from your performance on lecture exams, in-class activities, and lab work.  The lecture grade contributes 75% and the lab grade contributes 25% of your overall grade in the GY 102 lecture course.  HOWEVER, YOU MUST INDEPENTLY PASS BOTH LECTURE AND LAB TO PASS THE COURSE.  A failing grade in EITHER component (lecture or lab) constitutes a failing grade for the whole course.  There will be three exams given throughout the semester.  Each exam is worth 25%.  The final exam is comprehensive.  With exception of the final exam, the exams test knowledge of lecture material presented since the last exam. Extra credit work is not permitted.  

Your final average will be calculated according to the following weighting of assignments:

Exam 1 = 25%; Exam 2 = 25%; Exam 3 = 25%; Overall Lab Score = 25%

Final averages will adhere to the following grading scale:

A+ (100-97); A (96-90); B+ (89-87); B (86-80); C+ (79-77); C (76-70); D+(69-66); D (65-60); F (59 or less)


Policy on Missed Exams & Coursework

Make-up exams will be administered at the discretion of the professor for valid medical or other emergencies that occur during or very near to the scheduled exam date and time.  This does not include regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments, unless the appointment is with a “hard to book” specialist, or doctor visits related to minor colds.  If at any point in the semester you begin taking medication that you think may impair your judgment while taking exams, please arrange for exam taking assistance with Disability Services (see Disability Statement) in advance of the affected exam.   It is Geography Department policy that all make-up exams are administered the first Friday after the scheduled exam at 3:00 pm in Farrah Hall.  If you should miss an exam due to an emergency, you should do the following: 1) contact me via e-mail, phone, or in person as soon as you are able but no later than 5:00 pm the day following the exam to request consideration for a make-up; 2) if I approve of your request, bring documentation of your emergency to me by the end of class the next class meeting; 3) attend the make-up exam scheduled for that week, bring your student identification to the make-up, failure to provide your student identification will result in being refused to take the make-up.  If you miss the make-up exam for which you are scheduled, I will not re-schedule another make-up exam for you.

Because of logistical challanges, missed labs cannot be made-up for any reason.  This is Geography Department Plolicy.  In the event that you miss a lab, you can drop the missed lab as your lowest score, but only one lab score can be dropped.


Attendance Policy

Lecture attendance is mandatory.  You are expected to know everything that is covered in lecture, including announcements, and exams will be almost exclusively based on lectures.  It is your responsibility to get a copy of the notes and find out about what you missed in class from a classmate, should you miss class.

You must register and attend a GY 101 lab.  You must attend the lab section in which you are registered.  It is Geography Department Policy that you must pass the lab section in which you are registered in order to pass GY 101 lecture.  If you fail your GY 101 lab, you automatically fail GY 101 lecture, even if your lecture average is passing (60 or above).  Additionally, GY 101 labs have an attendance policy.  If you miss three labs, you automatically fail GY 101 lab, and therefore, you fail the GY 101 course as a whole.  The attendance policy is Geography Department Policy.


Required Texts

UA Supply Store Textbook Information

  • CHRISTOPHERSON / ELEMENTAL GEOSYSTEMS E-BOOK
    (Choose One)
  • CHRISTOPHERSON (BEST VALUE) / ELEMENTAL GEOSYSTEMS CUSTOM EDITION
    (Choose One)
  • CHRISTOPHERSON (BINDER READY) / ELEMENTAL GEOSYSTEMS (VALUE BUNDLE)
    (Choose One)
  • CHRISTOPHERSON / GEOGRAPHY 101/102 LAB MANUAL
    (Required)

  • Applied Physical Geography, Geosystems in the Laboratory, Sixth Edition, by Christopherson and Thomsen, published by Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. 

 

  • Elemental Geosystems, Fifth Edition-Customized, by Christopherson, published by Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. 

 

Also, free online textbook: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, (Pidwirny, M., National Science Foundation Digital Library), http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/contents.html


Extra Credit Opportunities

Extra credit work is not permitted.  


Disability Statement

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability, but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-4285 or visit 133-B Martha Parham Hall East to register for services. Students who may need course adaptations because of a disability are welcome to make an appointment to see me during office hours. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services, 133-B Martha Parham Hall East, before receiving academic adjustments.

Policy on Academic Misconduct

All students in attendance at the University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student.

The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.


Severe Weather Protocol

In the case of a tornado warning (tornado has been sighted or detected by radar; sirens activated), all university activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. If you are in a building, please move immediately to the lowest level and toward the center of the building away from windows (interior classrooms, offices, or corridors) and remain there until the tornado warning has expired. Classes in session when the tornado warning is issued can resume immediately after the warning has expired at the discretion of the instructor. Classes that have not yet begun will resume 30 minutes after the tornado warning has expired provided at least half of the class period remains.

UA is a residential campus with many students living on or near campus. In general classes will remain in session until the National Weather Service issues safety warnings for the city of Tuscaloosa. Clearly, some students and faculty commute from adjacent counties. These counties may experience weather related problems not encountered in Tuscaloosa. Individuals should follow the advice of the National Weather Service for that area taking the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. Whenever the National Weather Service and the Emergency Management Agency issue a warning, people in the path of the storm (tornado or severe thunderstorm) should take immediate life saving actions.

When West Alabama is under a severe weather advisory, conditions can change rapidly. It is imperative to get to where you can receive information from the National Weather Service and to follow the instructions provided. Personal safety should dictate the actions that faculty, staff and students take. The Office of Public Relations will disseminate the latest information regarding conditions on campus in the following ways:

  • Weather advisory posted on the UA homepage
  • Weather advisory sent out through Connect-ED--faculty, staff and students (sign up at myBama)
  • Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA at 90.7 FM
  • Weather advisory broadcast over Alabama Public Radio (WUAL) at 91.5 FM
  • Weather advisory broadcast over WVUA 7. WVUA 7 Storm Watch provides a free service you can subscribe to that allows you to receive weather warnings for Tuscaloosa via e-mail, pager or cell phone. Check http://www.wvua7.com/stormwatch.html for details.