Z0051 Geomorphology

Faculty of Science
Spring 2016
Extent and Intensity
2/2/0. 4 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. RNDr. Zdeněk Máčka, Ph.D. (lecturer)
RNDr. Lenka Ondráčková, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Rudolf Brázdil, DrSc.
Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: doc. RNDr. Zdeněk Máčka, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 8:00–9:50 Z4,02028
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
Z0051/01: Thu 8:00–9:50 Z3,02045, L. Ondráčková
Prerequisites (in Czech)
KREDITY_MIN(40)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the lecture is: a) outline the fundamental concepts, theories and paradigms of geomorphology; b) explain the functioning of geomorphic processes (exogenic, endogenic); c) give an overview of the various groups of landforms, their apppearance and genesis; d) introduce the fundamental methods of geomorphological research. The course is devoted to the general problematics of subaerial geomorphology of continents. Students gain following skills in the course:
- recognise the various landforms in the landscape and explain their genesis,
- explain the functioning of general as well as specific geomorphological processes (exogenic, endogenic),
- assess the potential impact of geomorphic processes on the human society.
Syllabus
  • 1. What is geomorphology about? (1 hour)
  • 2. Diversity of geomorphological inquiry - disciplines, problems, paradigms (1 hour)
  • 3. Key concepts and theories of the geomorphological thought (1 hour)
  • 4.Research methods in geomorphology (1 hour)
  • 5. Weathering – processes and resulting landforms (2 hours)
  • 6. Geomorphology of karst (1 hour)
  • 7. Slopes (2 hours)
  • 8. Geomorphic work of rivers (2 hours)
  • 9. Geomorphic work of glaciers (2 hours)
  • 10. Geomorphic work of frost and snow (2 hours)
  • 11. Human impact on landsurface (Anthropocen) (1 hour)
  • 12. Climate, climate change and landsurface (1 hour)
  • 13. Tectonic and structural control of landforms (2 hours)
  • 14. Mountain building (1 hour)
  • 15. Long term landscape development (1 hour)
  • 16. Relative and absolute dating of landforms (1 hour)
  • 17. Rate of uplift and denudation (1 hour)
  • 18. Geomorphological landscapes - ancient landforms (1 hour)
  • 19. Geomorphological landscapes - Quaternary landforms (1 hodina)
Literature
    required literature
  • HUGGETT, Richard John. Fundamentals of geomorphology. London: Routledge, 2003, 386 s. : i. ISBN 0-415-24146-4. info
    recommended literature
  • SUMMERFIELD, M. A. Global geomorphology : an introduction to the study of landforms. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall, 1991, xiv, 537. ISBN 0582301564. info
  • DEMEK, Jaromír. Obecná geomorfologie. Vyd. 1. Praha: Academia, 1987, 476 s. URL info
  • RUBÍN, Josef and Břetislav BALATKA. Atlas skalních, zemních a půdních tvarů. Vyd. 1. Praha: Academia, 1986, 385 s. URL info
    not specified
  • Encyclopedia of geomorphology. Edited by Andrew Goudie. London: Routledge, 2004, xxx, 578. ISBN 0415327377. info
Teaching methods
Principal part of the seminar is a complex analysis and synthesis of landforms in a small area selected by a student. Various aspects of relief are analysed from geology and morphometry to human impact on landforms and their attractivness for tourism. Structure of seminars is as follows: 1/2 hour main methods of landforms investigation (morphography, morphometry, morphostructural analysis, geomorphological mapping, delimitation of elementary geoforms, geophysical methods); 1/2 hour explanation and discussion of the topics from the previous lecture; 1 hour explanation, control and consultation on field work and data processing. One or two voluntary field excursions are offered during the semester (depends on time available and students´ interest).
Assessment methods
The final grade is a product of two writen tests which must be passed in the middle and the end of the semester, oral exam and in some case of other activity (some extra credit for the winner of the photography contest - the best photo of a landform, participation on the voluntary excursion).
Presumptions for granting the credit:
- submitting of all required reports on own field work and data processing.
- passing two written tests
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2008 - for the purpose of the accreditation, Spring 2011 - only for the accreditation, Spring 2000, Spring 2001, Spring 2002, Spring 2004, Spring 2005, Spring 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, spring 2012 - acreditation, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2017, spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2016, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2016/Z0051