Glacial geology and geomorphology

Objectives:
The course aims at introducing periglasial processes and forms, glaciology, and glacial geological processes and forms in solid rock and loose material. Glacial erosion and deposition forms and effects glaciers and ice sheets have, and have had, on the formation of the landscape, such as mountains, valleys and fjords are the central themes of the subject. The aim is also that the students should be able to describe and classify the most important glacial deposition types and that the students should be able to prepare a Quaternary geological map with an associated field report.

Content:
The course starts with a 5-days field course at Finse, where deposits from glaciers and glacier forelands are studied and mapped. The lectures begin with an introduction to glaciers, mass balance, glacier motion and glacier hydrology. Furthermore, glacier erosion and deposition forms and effects that glaciers and landslides have and have had on the formation of the landscape, such as mountains, valleys and fjords are presented. A short overview is given on other Quaternary land forms resulting from chemical and physical weathering, avalanches and rivers. Genesis and classification of the major glacial deposition types are reviewed. The description and interpretation of the sea level changes during and subsequent to the last ice age is also included in the subject. The glacial process of the Scandinavian ice sheet is presented, emphasizing the course of deglaciation towards the end of the last ice age in Norway. The teaching includes three exercises in interpreting aerial photographs of glaciated landscapes, as well as an exercise in the construction of strandlines and shorelines.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student can

• explain key glaciological terms and definitions
• explain small scale erosion and deposition forms
• explain how glacial landscapes are formed
• explain the genesis and classification of glacial deposition forms

Skills
The student can

• make independent field observations
• recognise geological processes and glacial geological erosion and accumulation forms
• describe and interpret glacial erosion and deposition forms in the field
• write individual field diary
• prepare and report field data in writing and display data graphically
• justify interpretations
• prepare a Quaternary geological map
• interpret graphs and figures
• conduct searches for relevant literature as well as refer to literature and set up reference/literature list

General competence
The student can

• use a precise geological language for describing and discussing geological processes and events
• recognize, evaluate and communicate humanity's role in, our independence of, and impact on the geosystem
• demonstrate ability to function individually and ethically together with fellow students
• conduct fieldwork on excursions in accordance with GEO/UiB's HSE guidelines