The earth's surface and its landforms are continually changing as a result of erosion and sedimentation, both slow and catastrophic, governed by interactions between climate, biota and tectonic movements. Beginning with the origins of mountain belts, continental-scale lands of low relief, and island chains, the course shows how landforms ranging from mountains to rivers evolve through regolith and soil formation, erosion and sediment transport. The influence of geologic substrates, climate, biota and tectonics on these processes are examined, drawing on contrasting landscapes including those of arid Australia and tropical, mountainous Papua New Guinea. Methods are introduced for measuring soil and regolith formation, erosion rates and other geomorphologic processes, including intermittent natural hazards such as landslides and tsunamis. Particular attention is paid to the impacts of climatic shifts such as those of the ice ages, and the effects of human colonisation.

• Daily practical class tasks (50%)
• 3 hour written test (50%)

Intensive course, 13-18 February 2011; 3 hours lectures (mornings); 3 hours practical (afternoons); and field excursion (2 all-day trips).

96 units towards a degree, or the written approval of the course convenor.

SRES3026

To be advised.