Study Programmes 2015-2016
GEOG2029-1  
Geomorphology Modelling
  • Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
  • Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
  • Introduction to hydrological modelling
Duration :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology : 10h Th, 10h Pr
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling : 20h Th, 20h Pr
Introduction to hydrological modelling : 10h Th, 20h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in geography : climatology (120 ECTS)10
Lecturer :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology : Yves Cornet
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling : Aurelia Hubert
Introduction to hydrological modelling : Eric Hallot
Coordinator :
N...
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
The course presents a series of topics related to geographical quantitative methods and, more specifically, geomorphometry. Some of these topics must be chosen by the students depending on the research field of their final project. A specific number of hours (lectures and exercises) are dedicated to each topic.
The total number of hours for the chosen classes must not exceed the number of hours for the course. The reported duration for each topic is a minimum estimate. At the beginning of the programme, the effective duration of the exercises can be twice as long as what is announced.
The list of the topics is as follows:
- Topic 1: Image segmentation (~4 hours) - Topic 2: Skeletonisation and vectorisation (~2 hours) - Topic 3: Extraction of the characteristics of the hydrographic network from a DEM (DTM or DSM) (~6 hours) - Topic 4: Computation of watershed asymmetry index using a DEM (~3 hours) - Topic 5: Computation of the linear density of a drainage network (~2 hours) - Topic 6: Envelope surfaces - map of summits - from a DTM (~2 hours) - Topic 7: Computation of morphometric indices from a DEM and morphological classification (~4 hours)
- Topic 8: Computation of the compound topographic index in topoclimatology (~1 h.) - Topic 9: Climatic modeling - physiographic predictors (~3 h.).
The last two subjects are dedicated to the climatology students who choose this course option.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
The course aims at providing an introduction to modeling and to the various approaches that can be adopted in modeling in this field of application. It starts with a general introduction on the variety of the existing models (spatial and nonspatial, static or dynamic, physical or statistical modeling, experimental and numerical). It then includes an example of experimental analogue modeling seeking to better constrain the interaction between Tectonics, Erosion and Sedimentation in foreland belt; an example of numerical modeling of elastic strain in the continental crust using Coulomb stress; quantitative modeling of the fluvial system; modeling using the diffusion equation and the advection-wave equation; the principles and limits of the different flow routine; the landscape evolution models.
Introduction to hydrological modelling
This course introduces the modeling concepts and various existing approaches in hydrology from a geomorphological point of view.
If there are more than two students, the course includes:
- An introduction to different models (empirical, conceptual, physically based ...)
- A first example of research relationships between morphometry and physical and hydrological characteristics of watersheds.
- A second example based on the validation of climate model outputs through the hydrological data by using a rainfall-runoff model on an elementary basin.
Learning outcomes of the course :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
This course's main objective is to enable students, mainly within the framework of the Master theses in geomorphology, to use several professional software applications (Erdas Imagine, ArcGIS, QGIS and SAGA, Statistica and Matlab programming...). This course must promote the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during previous years of study (remote sensing, spatial analysis, numeric analysis, statistics, mathematics, cartography, programming, geomorphology...).
At the end of the course, the students will have become independent enough to use these tools in order to develop their own methods of research and numerical experimentation by discovering by themselves the potential of these professional tools. During class, that potential is illustrated by applications related to spatial modelling and metrology (topometry) in various fields of geomorphology.
Close attention will be paid to how these tools fit together. Which tools to choose and combine to solve a specific problem? How to ensure, with these various tools, the flow of data and the results of each process?
Students should be able, on their own or by consulting online help resources and forums, to broaden their range of functionalities in order to answer to new research questions.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
The course aims at sensitizing to the modeling tools in geomorphology, enlightening its successes, its benefits and weaknesses and its accessibility even for a student without a deep specialized training in Mathematics and Computer Sciences.
 
The practical exercises are needed for the students to get practical training in modeling with Matlab, Excell and other software.
Introduction to hydrological modelling
The theoretical course aims to raise awareness of hydrological modeling tools as an important contribution to the geomorphology and climatology but also its limitations.
The practical work aims to gain experience in the analysis and data processing using different software (Excel, Matlab). Other models will also be used in particular to simulate rainfall-runoff relations.
This course allows the student to recognize, besides the growing interest and contributions of these techniques, the complexity of the phenomena and technical limitations of modeling.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
The course essentially uses concepts and software tools that are presented during the cartography, remote sensing and spatial analysis courses. It also exploits various processes studied during the statistics courses. Moreover, it frequently refers to concepts studied during mathematics and physics courses, and offers brief reminders on these concepts during the classes where they are used.
Furthermore, the thought process and analytical rigour acquired during this course as well as other scientific Bachelor and Master courses (physics, numerical method, geodesy ...) are an undeniable asset to achieve the level of performance and independence required.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
Training in Earth sciences, physics, mathematics, statistics and spatial analysis
Introduction to hydrological modelling
Basics background in Earth Sciences
Basic training in physics, mathematics, statistics and spatial analysis.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
Some standard protocols and algorithms are explained by the teacher, but students must broaden their knowledge of these methods on their own, exploiting online help resources, forums, articles and scientific textbooks, if necessary.
On the one hand, students apply these protocols and algorithms, under supervision, using the software tools at their disposal. The data sets are available to them or they must download them on the web and pre-process them (e.g. using SRTM).
On the other hand, students will perform an unexplained exercise without supervision, using the tools they have learned about or finding other ones if necessary. This exercise will, for instance, focus on one aspect of the geomorphology field trip done during the master programme. It will be subject to the certification evaluation.
Furthermore, students have free access to the Idrisi and other software licenses through the ULg's VPN. For information on this access, they can go to the following web address: http://www.gitan.ulg.ac.be/cms. This site also provides the schedule for the use of computer-equipped classrooms B5a/4/18 and B5a/2/35. If students wish to take this opportunity to practise and advance in their assignments, they can contact the Geomatics unit staff.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
Different learning activities are planned:
 -Lectures to give a basic knowledge in modelling
-Practical exercises
-Visit of the ArGenCo laboratory showing physical models of dams.
Introduction to hydrological modelling
The theoretical part of the course is ex cathedra type by two or three hours sessions. Depending on the type of exercise, 5 theoretical sessions will be either conducted in controlled autonomy or carried at their convenience, each session equivalent to four hours of work.
Depending on the exercice, a summary report will be requested or correction will be jointly organized.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
Classes are held at the Institute of Physics (B5a/2/35, B5a/2/42 or B5a/4/18). The schedule is set each year by the secretaries of the Geography Department and is provided to students in a timely manner. Generally, classes are held as 4 to 6 half-days in October, November and possibly December. A brief theoretical lecture is given at the beginning of each exercise. The exercise is then carried out by the students under supervision. Exercises that do not require any assistance from the professor are carried out outside of the scheduled classes.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
The lectures last 2-3 hours and practical exercises 2-3 hours
Recommended or required readings :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
The material used during classes and exercises consists of a collection of slideshows, Word documents, book and journal excerpts, and datasets. A dataset on topics covered during the geomorphology field trip as well as during the course is available for the students.
However, we recommend that students read the scientific literature accessible via the UD tools, the grey literature available online, and online help resources forums for the specific software used.
We also recommend consulting the following book: Zhilin Li, Qing Zhu Christopher & Gold, 2005 Digital Terrain Modeling. Principles and Methodology. CRC Press, 323 pages.
The exercises for climatology students are inspired by PhD thesis of R. Van De Kekhove (2012) of the UGent which can be consulted in my office.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
Ø PowerPoint Files of the lectures are available.
 
Ø Reference Books and papers:
o Pelletier J., Quantitative Modeling of Earth Surface Processes
o Graveleau F., Interactions Tectonique, Erosion, Sédimentation dans les avant
pays de chaînes : Modélisation analogique et étude des piémonts de l'est du Tian Shan (Asie centrale), Thèse de doctorat de l'Université de Montpellier II
o King J., 2007, Fault Interaction, Earthquake Stress Changes, and the Evolution of Seismicity
 o Codilean A.T., Bishop P. and Hoey T.B., Surface process models and the links between tectonics and topography, Progress in Physical Geography 30, 3 (2006) pp. 307-333
o Willgoose G., 2005, Mathematical modelling of whole landscape évolution, Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 33:443-59
o Pazzaglia F.J., 2003, Landscape evolution models, Development in quaternary science, vol. 1, DOI:10.1016/S1571-0866(03)01012-1
o Kirkby M.J., 1996, A Role for Theoretical Models in Geomorphology? , The Scientific Nature of Geomorphology, Proceedings of the 27th Binghamton Symposium in Geomorphology held 27-29 September 1996. Edited by Bruce L. Rhoads and Colin E. Thorn, J. Wiley & Sons Ltd.
 
Introduction to hydrological modelling
The presentations of the course and exercises will be available.
Supports for each exercices (procedures, papers ...) will be distributed at each session.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
Students carry out permanent non-certifying self-assessments during classes through a strong interaction between students and teachers.
The certifying evaluation consists in the analysis of a specific problem related to one of the topics studied during the geomorphology field trip, requiring students to formulate a solution using a series of software tools used during the classes, and possibly other applications. This analysis and the solution offered will be described in a report that will serve as the basis for a presentation and an oral exam. The work will be done individually.
Nevertheless, we reserve the right to change the evaluation process. These changes will of course be made in agreement with the students, who will therefore be kept informed.
The assessment criteria are as follows: Clarity, coherence, logic, meticulousness, precision, completeness, brevity, relevance, cross-cutting nature (within the course and between courses), quality of mathematical (mathematical meaning of the different coefficients of the equation, e.g.), physics (dimensions and units, order of magnitude - scaling, e.g.) and geographical (single and multivariate spacial and temporal interaction - type- and meaning of the variables e.g.) interpretations. Critical thinking with respect to the data used (qualification, nature, meaning, representativeness, standardization ...) and methodological choices (justification of the choice of methods, appropriate thresholds, ...) will also be taken into consideration in the evaluation. Furthermore, answers will also be evaluated based on the quality and the originality of the graphic illustration since graphic expression is the scientist's specificity. It further allows demonstrating a good understanding of the phenomenon. Finally, enriching an answer with a rich personal scientific culture will also be considered a factor of excellence in the assessment.
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
Assessment is based on the practical exercises that the students do
Introduction to hydrological modelling
The first two exercises sessions are a non-for certified assessment to enable students to lie face different requirements and criteria requested in the course.
The last two sessions constitute the certification evaluation of the course through written reports.
The evaluation criteria are based on the scientific quality of documents and screw critical sense vis the data and results as well as the quality of graphics and cartographic illustrations.
Work placement(s) :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
None
Organizational remarks :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
None
Contacts :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
Yves CORNET, Professor
Geomatics Unit, Allée du 6 Août, 17 (B5a), 4000 Liège
Office #: +32 4 366 53 71
E-mail: ycornet@ulg.ac.be
Website: http://139.165.44.35/cms/index.php
Introduction to Geomorphology Modelling
Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari
 tél. 04/366 93 95
email : aurelia.ferrari@ulg.ac.be
Introduction to hydrological modelling
Eric HALLOT
04/366 52 82
Eric.Hallot@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Geomatics applied to Geomorphology
Géomatique appliquée à la géomorphologie et à la climatologie
The documents can be downloaded from the e-Campus of the University of Liege. http://www.ecampus.ulg.ac.be/