undergraduate course in geomorphology

This is a capstone project that allows students to synthesize and apply all prior course learning

culminating project

Ths is a capstone activity that synthesizes a wide area of course content and geomorphic concepts. Students must master basic topographic map and aerial photo interpretation, geomorphic field mapping, surveying profiles and measuring section, alluvial sediment description, soil profile description. They must also develop an understanding of the role of tectonics and climate in landscape change, and the significance of such concepts as base level and longitudinal profiles, thrust faulting and basement uplift, weathering and pedogenesis, etc

integrating classroom learning (multiple concepts) into a comprehensive field project, developing multiple working hypotheses, collecting, presenting, and interpreting multiple data sets, developing a consistent model for landscape evolution based on field results.

conducting background literature research, applying basic geomorphic field skills, preparing illustrations, writing a professional report, and giving an oral presentation.

The goal of this research project is to allow students to integrate and apply their geomorphic knowledge in a comprehensive study of a local landscape system. In this project, students investigate the origin and significance of a series of flat-topped mesas and isolated hills that rise above the gently sloping surface of alluvial fans along the San Gabriel Mountain foothills. Students work as part of a research team of 3 or 4 members. Each team is assigned a different field area and conduct a comprehensive geomorphic investigation of landforms within that area. Team members are expected to work collaboratively to formulate a research plan, complete a background literature search, and conduct independent fieldwork outside of class time. Each team divides up responsibilities as they see fit. At the end of the quarter, each team presents the results of their research in an oral presentation in front of the class, and in a professional written report submitted to the professor.
Designed for a geomorphology course

examine maps, illustrations, and final report. Rate these relative to classmates

Course Text Book:

Ritter, D.F., Kochel, R.C., and Miller, J.R., 2002, Process Geomorphology, Fourth Edition: New York, New York, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 560 p.


Research papers & reports:

Baird, A., 1956, Geology of a portion of San Antonio Canyon, San Gabriel Mountains, California [M.S. Thesis], Pomona College, Claremont, California, 91 p.

Eckis, R., 1928, Alluvial fans of the Cucamonga District, southern California: Journal of Geology, v. 36, no. 3, p. 224-247.

Morton, D.M., Matti, J.C., and Tinsley, J.C., 1987, Cucamonga fault zone scarps, Day Canyon alluvial fan, eastern San Gabriel Mountains, southern California, in Hill, M.L., ed., Geological Society of America Centennial Field Guide, Volume 1, Cordilleran Section, p. 199-200.

Ritter, J.B., Miller, J.R., Enzel, Y. and Wells, S.G., 1995, Reconciling the roles of tectonism and climate in Quaternary alluvial fan evolution: Geology, v. 23, p. 245-248.

Schumm, S.A., Baker, V.R., Bowker, M.F., Dixon, J.R., Dunne, T., Hamilton, D., Hjalmarson, H.W., and Merritts, D., 1996, Alluvial Fan Flooding: Washington, D.C., National Research Council, National Academy Press, 172 p.

Shelton, J.S., 1955, Glendora volcanic rocks, Los Angeles basin, California: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 66, p. 45-90.

Tinsley, J.C., Matti, J.C., and McFadden, L.D., 1982, Late Quaternary pedogenesis and alluvial chronologies of the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Mountains areas, Southern California, and Holocene faulting and alluvial stratigraphy within the Cucamonga fault zone: A preliminary view: Geological Society of America Cordilleran Section Guidebook, Field Trip 12, 44 p.

Van Buskirk, M.C. and Brooks, D.A., 1994, Geology and Geophysics of the Sierra Madre—Cucamonga Fault Zone, San Gabriel Mountains, California, in McGill, S.F. and Ross, T.M., eds., Geological Investigations of and Active Margin, 1994 Geological Society of America Cordilleran Section Guidebook, Trip 5, p. 82-93.



A few useful web sites:

http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/socal/geology/inland_empire/index.html

http://www.nap.edu/books/0309055423/html/index.html

http://bfs.claremont.edu/environment/bfsgeo.html