Geomorphological dynamics in different climates: from glaciers to deserts, Part A

Duration

15h Th, 10h Pr, 4d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Aurelia Hubert, Brice Noël

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Part A: The course focuses on mechanical erosion, processes, and geomorphology in glacial and periglacial environments. It also addresses the impacts of climate warming on these environments.

For the glacial environment, the course done by Dr. Brice Noël covers:

• The main glacial systems: Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, and mountain glaciers.
• Mass balance, flow mechanisms, dynamics, and velocity.
• The dynamics of mountain glaciers, their networks, and their role in shaping mountain landscapes.

• The definition of periglacial zones.
• The concept of permafrost.
• The consequences of permafrost thaw in relation to climate warming.
• The importance of ground ice in these regions.
• Mass-transport processes, cryoturbation, cryogenic mounds, and the specific characteristics of river systems.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The ex cathedra lectures provide an overview of the various geomorphological environments across the globe and the associated processes, enabling students to interpret geomorphological evidence of past climates, which often differed from those of today.

They also offer a broader perspective for discussions on climate change. The learning objective of this part of the course is to provide students with in-depth training on this contemporary issue, allowing them to develop a critical understanding of the problem.

In addition, the aim of the practical sessions is to consolidate skills in geomorphological mapping and in the use of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in ArcGIS, which are essential for the professional practice of physical geography.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basics in geology and geomorphology

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The theoretical ex cathedra lectures form the core of the course.

The complete course slides are made available to students on eCampus before each session.

In addition, recordings of selected lectures from previous years are also accessible.




 

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:



This 15-hour Part A course is generally organized into 3-hour lecture sessions and 3-hour practical sessions during the first semester. It is complemented by a 4-day field trip to the Vosges in September.

The practical sessions are compulsory, graded, and must be submitted.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

Ø PowerPoint Files of the lectures are available on MyULiege.

Ø All informations about practical works on eCampus.

 
Ø Video record of some courses on My ULiege.

Ø Reference Book :

o Geomorphology- The Mechanism and Chemistry of Landscapes. Robert S. Anderson & Suzanne P. Anderson. Cambridge University Press. Available at the University Librairy.

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report

Other : Présentation Orale hors session


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report

Other : Présentation Orale hors session


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Written work / report

Other : Oral presentations and QCM


Further information:
Assessment is multifaceted.

Practical sessions and fieldwork: graded reports must be submitted. They account for 30% of the final grade for students taking both Part A and Part B, and for 15% for students taking only Part A. This rule also applies to the resit (second session).

Oral presentations and multiple-choice test (only for students taking Part A and Part B): students must deliver an oral presentation based on a scientific paper, prepared after watching the lecture podcasts. Presentations last 10-15 minutes and may be carried out in pairs or individually. A multiple-choice test is also organized for this part of the course. Together, the presentation and the test account for 10% of the final grade.

Written examination (all students):

For students taking only Part A: the exam is divided into two parts. The section on the glacial environment, supervised by Dr. Brice Noël, accounts for 30% of the final grade, while the introductory parts (mechanical weathering and permafrost) account for 55%.

For students taking Part A and Part B: the exam is also divided into two parts. The section on the glacial environment, supervised by Dr. Brice Noël, accounts for 15% of the final grade, while the other sections (excluding the arid environment) account for 45%.

Resit (second session): in case of failure, the written exam is mandatory, and practical assignments must be resubmitted and will be reassessed. In addition, students taking Part A and Part B must submit a recorded oral presentation based on a scientific paper, focusing on the arid environment.

 

 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The cost of the educational trip is around 200 euros, depending on accommodation, vehicles and student numbers.

Contacts

Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari et Brice Noël

email : aurelia.ferrari@uliege.be et bnoel@uliege.be 

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online