GL102 Chapter : Geology 102
Document Summary
An understanding of the earth"s surface may be attained by description of the surface followed by explanation. The surface may be described qualitatively or quantitatively. Explanations of the surface, at a number of scales, may be obtained from the effects of geophysical and climatically controlled processes acting on earth materials. The rates at which these mechanical actions operate may be affected by human use of the earth, at times with severe environmental consequences. Weathering, soil development, mass wasting on slopes, strength of materials, landslides. River action: hydrological cycle, hydraulics in river channels, sediment erosion and deposition. Glaciation: continental and valley glaciation, isotactic and eustatic changes, glaciogenic landforms in canada. Wind action: general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, desert landforms. Near shore marine processes and forms, the beach erosion problem. First order forms: continents and ocean basins. Third order forms: produced by agents of erosion, transport, deposition.