651-4904-00L  Digital Topography and Geomorphology Practical

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersE. Deal
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 20.


AbstractThe abundance of data that describes the shape and the physical properties of the Earth's surface provides us with the opportunity to understand the interactions between the solid Earth, the biosphere and the atmosphere. It allows researchers to detect and quantify tectonic, climatic and geomorphic signatures preserved in the landscape.
ObjectiveThis course will teach the basic methods available through GIS tools, and spatially-based computations based on standard, publicly available data. We will also learn about conversions beween standard formats, visualization methods, data extraction and standard geomorphic analyses.
ContentTopographic data, as well as satellite and aerial photography became widely available during the last decade and are now extremely common in virtually any field of Earth Sciences. This data allows researchers to detect and quantify tectonic, climatic and geomorphic signatures preserved in the landscape. This includes, but is not limited to, the topographic expression of active faults, different tectonic and climate forcings, and various geomorphic process regimes. During this half-semester course (first half-semester) students will learn how to analyze and interpret digital topographic data to improve understanding of how landscapes record tectonic and geomorphic processes through a series of case-studies and hands-on practicals.
LiteratureNo required textbook, but students will be expected to read primary literature (provided by lecturer) associated with each case-study prior to each class.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course will utilize both ArcGIS and Matlab software.