Apr 18, 2024  
2021-2022 College Catalog 
    
2021-2022 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GEO 102IN - Physical Geography: Land Forms and Oceans

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to the surface of the earth and the forces of nature that shape it. Includes continental drift and plate tectonics, geomorphic processes, the hydrologic cycle, pollution esthetics of landforms, recreation and other utilization, and map reading and interpretation.

Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SCI; Meets CTE - M&S.




Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss the basic formative processes and the resultant landforms on this planet including plate tectonics, volcanism, weathering, running water, and glaciation. [Problem Solving, Critical Thinking]
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in map locations of the geographic grid and analyzing topographical relief feature of USGS Quadrangle maps. [Problem Solving, Inquiry Analysis]

Performance Objectives:
  1. Discuss the basic formative processes and the resultant landforms on this planet.
  2. Demonstrate topographic map reading skills.
  3. Discuss the hydrologic cycle and its effect on humans and other life forms.
  4. Discuss the interrelations between the physical forms and the processes that created them, and human beings.

Outline:
  1. Earth Materials
    1. Structure (core, mantle, crust/lithosphere)
    2. Cycle of rock change
  2. Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
    1. Landforms
    2. Volcanoes
    3. Earthquakes
  3. Geomorphic Processes
    1. Landforms and humans
    2. Running water (floods, waves, tides, ice)
    3. Wind
    4. Earth flows and landslides
    5. Erosion, transportation, and deposition
  4. The Hydrologic Cycle
    1. Surface water
    2. Groundwater
    3. Freshwater
  5. Pollution Esthetics of Landforms
    1. Deforestation
    2. Air pollution
    3. Water pollution
    4. Soil pollution
  6. Glacial and Periglacial Landforms
    1. Types
    2. Glacial and Periglacial process
    3. Climate impact on glaciation
  7. Recreation and Other Utilization
  8. Lab Exercises and Activities Related to:
    1. Map reading concepts and interpretation
      1. Direction
      2. Scale
      3. Application of Latitude and Longitude, Parallels and Meridians
      4. Symbols
    2. Topographic maps
    3. Remote sensing
    4. Quadrangle maps


Effective Term:
Full Academic Year 2019-20