PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY-1

This course is part of the Earth Science elective courses for the Environmental Science degree. The course aims to provide an overview of active processes on the Earth's surface and how they are affected by climate change. The specific objective of the course is to provide basic knowledge regarding the study of Earth surface processes.
The course will be delivered in a blended format, alternating between prerecorded lessons (both field-based and screencasts) and in-class activities for learning and knowledge assessment.

By the end of the course, the student will have learned about the forms and processes active on the Earth's surface, and how these may vary at different time scales. The student will learn the cause/effect links between morphology and processes and the effect of human interventions on the natural geomorphological balance.

The course requires a general knowledge of geology, geography, cartography, and basic chemistry and physics. An introductory video will be provided to review the fundamental concepts to be known before starting the course.

The course follows the structure of the book “Key Concepts in Geomorphology” by Paul R. Bierman and David R. Montgomery, published by Freeman & C. Each lecture spans approximately two 2-hours classes. It is not necessary to purchase the book to follow the course and take the exam. Slides will be given by the teacher.

The geomorphology course offers a comprehensive overview of the processes and forms that characterize our terrestrial landscape. In the initial sessions, we will delve into the foundations of this discipline, examining the relationship between the geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, and uncovering the essential tools used by geomorphologists. Subsequently, we will explore weathering and the importance of soils in shaping our environment. We will analyze the physical and chemical processes that influence rock transformation and the crucial role of soils in landscape formation.

In the following lessons, we will delve into hydrology, studying the various forms of water on Earth, from precipitation to groundwater and surface water, examining their implications for landscape formation. We will then examine slopes and landslide phenomena, understanding the materials that compose them, the processes that influence them, and the implications of such phenomena for the stability of the terrain, with a particular focus on the Vajont tragedy.

We will also discover the importance of fluvial channels and hydrographic basins in landscape shaping, examining fluvial processes, sediment transport, and the morphological evolution of channels and basins.nNext, we will explore coastal morphology, examining the different types of coasts, beaches, and coral reefs, and understanding the factors that determine their shape. We will then delve into glacial and periglacial environments, studying glaciers, landforms, and deposits associated with these environments, as well as wind processes and their impact on landscape morphology.

"Key Concepts in Geomorphology" by Paul R. Bierman and David R. Montgomery, published by Freeman & C (2021)
Slides and supplementary materials provided by the teacher

The student will be required to prepare all topics covered in the course for a written test. The test will include 33 open-ended questions. Sample tests will be provided to students.
To enter the written test, the student must turn in the results of the lab exercise. The lab grade will count 1/3 of the grade on the written test.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The grading scale below refers exclusively to the multiple-choice written exam, which represents the theoretical component of the course. The test consists of 33 single-choice questions, each with only one correct answer. Each correct answer is worth 1 point; there are no penalties for incorrect or unanswered questions. The time allowed is 90 minutes.

The evaluation takes into account the number of correct answers, as well as the student’s ability to accurately identify key concepts in physical geography and geomorphology.
• 18–22/30: sufficient but fragmented knowledge. Limited understanding of major geomorphological processes, with uncertainty in distinguishing similar concepts or applying them correctly. Correct answers: 18–22.
• 23–26/30: fair and consistent knowledge. Good understanding of the course content and ability to recognize relationships between concepts, examples, and case studies. Correct answers: 23–26.
• 27–30/30: complete and in-depth knowledge. Excellent mastery of theoretical content, with precise terminology and conceptual associations. Correct answers: 27–30.
• 30 cum laude: outstanding performance, with at least 31 correct answers out of 33. The student demonstrates advanced knowledge, terminological precision, and critical thinking in selecting answers.

Note: The grade awarded for the theoretical component will contribute to the final weighted average of the course, calculated as follows:
• 2/3 theoretical exam (multiple-choice test)
• 1/3 practical exam (technical report developed in the “Physical Geography and Geomorphology – 2” module)

The grading criteria for the practical component are provided in the corresponding section of the syllabus for the “Physical Geography and Geomorphology – 2” module.

- Field video lessons (5–8 minutes each)
- Screencasts (recordings of full lectures with slides, approximately 2 hours each)
- In-depth podcasts (approximately 30 minutes each)
- In-person lectures with in-class quizzes and practical exercises

Accommodations and Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders:
Ca’ Foscari complies with Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding the support services and accommodations available to students with disabilities or specific learning disorders. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999), or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010), and require support (in-class assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible-format materials, note-taking support, specialized tutoring, interpreters, or other services), please contact the Disability and SLD Office at: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development