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TI 313 specialism 1: physical geography
Dune dynamics and processes of aeolian sediment transport

Lecturer:   Dr Eugene Farrell  Office:       101a Geography    Office Hours:  Mon 15:00-17:00; Tue 11:00-12:00; By appointment Phone: 091 49 4336 E-mail: eugene.farrellnuigalway.ie Lectures: Monday 10:00-11:00 AC 201; Mon 2 - 3 Aras Ui Chathail Monday 14:00-15:00 UC102 Theatre, Áras Ui Chathail
Course Outline

This course focuses on aeolian (wind) processes that form and shape coastal and arid environments. Major themes in the course will be: 1) the physics of wind blown sand; 2) modeling techniques in aeolian geomorphology; 3) dune dynamics; and 4) impact of climate change on arid environments. Emphasis will be placed on using simple physical principles as a tool for understanding landscape patterns of coastal and desert dunes. This course has a quantitative component, however all required physics are taught in the class itself. Lecture material is complemented by assignments and required readings.

There is no course textbook.

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Aims and Objectives

Students will develop an appreciation of the temporal and spatial scales of sediment transport and landscape response. These skills can be applied to all other geomorphic analyses of the physical landscape. Students will develop their quantitative and presentation skills.

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Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students will be able to display an in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

1. Sediment transport processes by wind. 
2. Recognise the temporal and spatial scales associated with geomorphic processes 
3. Identify key processes and controls associated with dune dynamics 
4. Be familiar with the design and implementation of instrumented field experiments 
5. Appreciate and articulate underlying geomorphic principles of arid and coastal environments and how they might respond to climate change
   

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Method of Assessment

2 exams: Midterm 15%; Final exam 35% (50%)
3 assignments: 10% each (30%)
4 short, multiple choice quizzes based on readings: 5% each  (20%)

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Key Texts

There is no required textbook. Required readings will be assigned during class and posted to the module website or distributed in class.

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Attendance

The University views class attendance as the responsibility of you, the student. While attendance is not part of your assessment, your performance is directly related to your attendance - the more classes you miss the lower your grade tends to be. Students who miss class are responsible for getting the notes from a classmate.
    

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