GEO204 Soils and Landscapes (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Soil and Water Sciences (SOWAT)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject deals with surficial physical landscapes. Landscape evolution as a result of contemporary processes is explored through the conceptual framework of modern geomorphic theory with a focus towards Australian landscapes. The pedogenic development of sediments and soils is investigated on both a theoretical and applied level. The field and laboratory based work (held during a residential school for distance education students) will provide experience in physical landscape evaluation for land management and develop independent research skills. The subject contains a total estimated workload of 145 hours.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Albury-Wodonga |
| Distance * | Albury-Wodonga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GEO204
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Students who have completed GEO302 cannot enrol in this subject
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to:
- discuss key geomorphic concepts and theories;
- describe and classify soil pedogenic development with reference to the Australian Soil Classification system;
- apply field, laboratory skills and data analysis techniques appropriate soil and landform analysis;
- discuss the persistence of Australian regolith and geology over time;
- critically discuss the role of soil biota with reference to soil carbon storage; and
- discuss the role of human modification to soils and landscapes.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
1. Overview of Australian regolith and geology
2. Australian landforms and their persistence through geologic and contemporary time;
3. Gemorphic theory, including: key geomorphic theories and the application of those theories to Australian landscapes
4. Pedogology, including: chemistry, stratigraphy, and assessment. Along with the role of climatic and human influences
5. Analytical chemistry of soils and regolith, including: field assessment and lab-based assessment, geochronology, spatial elemental mapping and data analysis
6. Soil biology, including: the role microbiology in soil and sediment development, assessment of microbiology in soils and the role of biology in soil carbon storage.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
The residential school practical field and laboratory experience in landscape analysis, field sampling and laboratory techniques.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.