Module 2: Exploring the Effects of Each Model Parameter in WILSIM-GC

Kyle Whalley, Geography, Northern Illinois University
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Summary

In this exercise, students begin using WILSIM-GC to simulate the development of the Grand Canyon, and learn about how each variable in the simulation affects the resulting topography.

Key words: Grand Canyon, subsidence rate, rock erodibility, hard/soft contrast, and cliff retreat rate

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Learning Goals

Content Goals

After successfully completing this exercise, students will be able to describe, in their own words, how each of the four model parameters – subsidence rate, rock erodibility, hard/soft contrast, and cliff retreat rate – affects the shape of the Grand Canyon and its development over time.

Other Skills

Students learn to manipulate the parameters of the computer simulation WILSIM-GC.

Context for Use

Course Type

Undergraduate course in geography or geology

Prerequisite Skills

It is recommended that students understand concepts from module 1, including fluvial erosional processes, landform evolution, and background about the Grand Canyon before starting this exercise.

Where this activity fits in the course

This exercise is intended as an introduction to WILSIM-GC, a computer simulation. Having completed this exercise, students will be ready to use WILSIM-GC to do more sophisticated activities, exploring and discovering principles of fluvial geomorphology. However, it can also be used as a stand-alone assignment.

Description and Teaching Materials

In this exercise, students begin using WILSIM-GC to simulate the development of the Grand Canyon, and learn about how each variable in the simulation affects the resulting topography.

Go to Start Using WILSIM to download WILSIM-GC.

Module 2: Exploring the Effects of Each Model Parameter in WILSIM-GC (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 2.3MB Nov11 15)

Assessment

Assess the students' understanding by reviewing their answers to the questions.

References and Resources

Go to Start Using WILSIM to download WILSIM-GC.