Illustrating Hillslope Diffusion with Physical and Numerical Models

1. develop the math for a diffusional process
2. make predictions from this equation about how a hillslope would evolve through time
3. develop a numerical theory (here, the diffusion equation applied to slopes)
4. test this numerical theory with data from an analog model
5. construct a numerical model of hillslope diffusion, and compare it to the analog model results

This exercise is done in a 300 level course on Surface Processes. The course prerequisite is one introductory geology course, and there are ~15-25 students in the course. The activity is used during two three-hour lab sessions, with the first lab for the analog model (Slope Lab I) and the second for the numerical model (Slope Lab II). I assume that students (with some prodding) can remember both simple algebra and that a delta symbol implies change in a variable. From work in previous labs, students have a basic working knowledge of Excel for data entry and Kaleidagraph for graphing (entire lab could be done using Excel alone). The lab takes place after several lectures discussing hillslope processes, including a basic introduction to hillslope diffusion. But, the majority of the learning about hillslope diffusion is done as part of the lab.