GEOL 470 - Fluvial Geomorphology

Description:
Advanced course covering geomorphic and hydrologic processes in rivers. Exploration of current research and practical experience in field, laboratory and modeling techniques. GEOL 470 and GEOL 570 are layered courses, students may not receive credit for both.

Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: GEOL 386 or GEOG 386 or GEOG 486.

Credits: (5) Contact Hours: 4 hours lecture, one 3 hour lab per week

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

describe key processes and landforms of river channels and watersheds;
calculate characteristics of water flow and sediment transport using equations for basic hydraulic processes in a river system, and explain the underlying concepts behind the equations;
critique and discuss the data and interpretations presented in journal articles on fluvial geomorphic processes;
collect, analyze and interpret original data and observations;
propose, test and evaluate a hypothesis related to fluvial processes or landforms;
500-level only: Research and synthesize current knowledge on a topic relevant to fluvial geomorphology and lead a class discussion;
500-level only: Compare and evaluate different interpretations of a similar fluvial geomorphology topic.

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
12/8/23

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations:
Fall Locations: Ellensburg