Module GEOG3711: GLACIAL SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS

Department: Geography

GEOG3711: GLACIAL SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS

Prerequisites

• *Either* GEOG2531 GLACIERS & GLACIATION *or* GEOG2601 RECONSTRUCTING ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This module provides a comprehensive examination of glacial sedimentary environments drawing on a range of case studies from both modern and ancient glaciated regions. It focuses on the sedimentary processes operating in these environments, the related deposits, and the wider environmental controls on glacially-influenced sedimentation

Content

• Glacial debris entrainment and transport pathways
• Terrestrial glacial sedimentation: Till deposition and facies; models of glacial sediment sequences; description of glacigenic sediments; lithofacies analysis
• Glacifluvial processes and sediments
• Glacilacustrine processes & sediments: ice-contact deposits & depo-centres; distal lake deposits
• Glacimarine processes and sediments: fjords and tidewater glaciers; ice shelves; continental slopes and deep sea
• Applied aspects of glacial sedimentology: sediment provenancing; aggregate extraction; hydrogeology; geotechnical properties
• Technical aspects of glacigenic sediment description and analysis including micromorphology, sediment description and clast macrofabic analysis

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• Understand the range and nature of glacial sedimentary environments, both modern and ancient
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the sedimentary processes that operate in these environments and the characteristics of the associated deposits
• Critically evaluate the contrasting interpretations of glacial sedimentary sequences and understand the basis for these interpretations

• On completion of the module students:
• Will be able to critically evaluate and demonstrate a good working knowledge of the techniques used to investigate glacial sediments in the field and laboratory
• Will be experienced in the use of sedimentological techniques that can be used to investigate and interpret glacial deposits

• On completion of the module students will be able to:
• Produce their own research findings in the form of a written field report that presents these findings and justifies the basis for their interpretations
• Produce a critical analysis of a particular topic from the literature and present and defend these findings in the form of an oral presentation

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module uses a range of teaching, learning and assessment techniques
• Lectures will be used to impart basic facts and information necessary to fulfil the aims of this course
• Fieldwork will provide students with individual and group working skills and the understanding to describe and interpret glacial sediments in the field
• The written field report will test students understanding of glacial sediments and their ability to communicate and justify their findings and interpretations
• The laboratory practicals will analyse data and instruct the students in lab techniques for interpreting glacial sedimentary environments
• The oral presentations (seminars) will test students’ understanding of a specific topic in the field of glacial sedimentary environments and their ability to communicate and defend their findings verbally
• The examination will be used to test student understanding of basic facts and knowledge

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Feedback on oral seminar presentation. Participation in group discussion during the fieldtrip

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University