Course Details in

Module Title	River Processes, Deposits and Environments
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Geography
Module Code	03 24061
Module Lead	Greg Sambrook Smith
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites	Geomorphological Processes - (03 18181)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Practical Classes and workshops-6 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module develops approaches to help understand the fundamental controls on river processes, channel change and depositional systems. The module draws on latest research as well as classic ideas. The module evaluates the different innovative ways in which fluvial scientists tackle key questions in river research. A key theme is the interaction between fluvial processes, erosion and deposition. The module initially focuses on the smaller bedform and bar scale, before considering larger channel scale issues and deposits over a range of timescales. These topics are addressed across a broad range of river systems and scales varying from single grains to whole catchments, and turbulent events to Quaternary changes. Topics to be covered will include; Techniques for measurement, Turbulent Boundary Layer (TBL) structure, methods of shear stress determination . Flow separation, types of secondary flows, confluence dynamics, shear layers TBL structure, coarse sediment entrainment, and the initiation of bedforms Types of bedforms and bar forms in rivers: generative mechanisms, self-organization, dynamics and stability, deposits Sedimentology of bedforms, bars and channels; alluvial architecture of braided and meandering systems; preservation potential of sediments
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Develop coherent and sustained arguments on the controls of fluvial erosion, sediment transport and depositional process events, rates and mechanisms; Demonstrate an in-depth familiarity with key concepts, models and datasets appropriate to the quantification and interpretation of river geomorphological and sedimentological dynamics, through a critical engagement with published analyses in the international scientific literature; Articulate a sound understanding of a range of monitoring and analytical strategies in the fluvial sciences.
Assessment	24061-01 : Sessional Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 24061-02 : Essay 1 : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: One x 3000 word research project (50%) One x 1.5 hour exam (50%): Answer any two essay style questions In the January exam period. Reassessment: There are no reassessment opportunities at this level
Other
Reading List