GEOL 554 -- FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY
Fall Quarter 1997
Section 01 - 3:00 pm M

Course Syllabus

I. Text: Fluvial Forms and Processes; David Knighton, 1984.

The required text is merely a guide to the copious amount of literature that exists on the topic of fluvial geomorphology and alluvial processes. In addition to chapters assigned in the text, supplemental readings consisting of journal articles will be frequently assigned (weekly) concerning special topics.

Copies of the book can be purchased in the EWU bookstore.

II. Expectations:

  1. Lecture exams will comprise 40% of grade. Two exams, a midterm and a comprehensive final exam will each be worth 20% of the total course grade. Closed book/notes.
  2. Weekly reports and problem sets, 30% of grade; A number of short projects will be assigned throughout the quarter and reflect the nature of the current lecture topic. Assignments will be due one week from the date they are introduced unless otherwise instructed. Format of the reports to be specified with each assignment.
  3. Weekly abstracts, 10% of grade; Reading assignments will be made weekly (see course outline) and a 500 word abstract will be prepared for one paper each week. Abstracts must be typed.
  4. Term Paper, 20% of grade: The student will select a topic related to fluvial geomorphology early in the quarter to research. A term paper will also be prepared, not to exceed 10 pages in length. Specific format of the paper will be described by mid-quarter. Each student will make a brief oral presentation the last week of classes.

III. Tentative course outline:


Class will meet weekly for three hours.  Lecture topics and reading assignments are listed below:


 1        Introduction to course, hydrologic cycle,         Introduction,  p. 87-96
1/6/97         concepts and variables, geomorphic           Schumm, 1981
          thresholds                                        Schumm, 1988
                                                            Mosley & Zimpfer, 1976

 2        Drainage basin morphology, erosional         Ch. 2
1/13/97   development and evolution, rejuvenation      Zernitz, 1932
          Project:  Horton Analysis                    Strahler, 1957
                                                       Davis, 1899

 3        Complex response and episodic erosion,       p.173-184
1/27/97   slope morphology and evolution, mass         Bergstrom & Schumm, 1981
          wasting processes                            Hillslopes manuscript

 4        River channel morphology and classification  Ch. 4
2/3/97         Project:  Channel Morphology I               Schumm, 1985
                                             Leopold & Wolman, 1957
                                             Schumm & Winkley, 1994
 5        Mid-term Exam
2/10/97   Open channel hydraulics, sediment            Ch. 3
          transport mechanics                     Morisawa, 1988
          Project:  Channel Morphology II

 6        Sediment transport (continued),              Ch. 3
2/17/97   hydraulic geometry relationships             Leopold & Maddock, 1953
          Project:  Sediment Transport

 7        River metamorphosis, experimental studies         Ch. 4,5
2/24/97   Project:  Hydraulic Geometry            Nadler & Schumm, 1981
                                             Schumm & Brakenridge, 1987

 8        Valley-fill deposits, terraces,                   Simons & Senturk, 1976
3/3/97         alluvial fans and pediments, deltas and      Womack & Schumm, 1977
          fan deltas
          Project:  River Metamorphosis

 9        Applied fluvial geomorphology, case          Ch. 5
3/10/97   studies, student presentations                    Baker, 1988
                                             Ouchi, 1985
                                             Pitlick, 1993

 10       Final examination (week of 3/17/97)