Ge 126. Topics in Earth Surface Processes. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. A seminar-style course focusing on a specific theme within geomorphology and sedimentology depending on student interest. Potential themes could include river response to climate change, bedrock erosion in tectonically active mountain belts, or delta evolution on Earth and Mars. The course will consist of student-led discussions centered on readings from peer-reviewed literature. Instructor: Lamb.  

2010: Fires, Debris Flows and the Geomorphology of Burned Landscapes (Course Website).

2011:  Sediment Transport Physics.

2012: Alluvial Fans and Pediments: Formation Mechanics and Recorders of Climate and Tectonic Change.  Website

Ge 125. Geomorphology. 12 units (3-5-4); first term. A quantitative examination of landforms, runoff generation, river hydraulics, sediment transport, erosion and deposition, hillslope creep, landslides and debris flows, glacial processes, and submarine and Martian landscapes. Field and laboratory exercises are designed to facilitate quantitative measurements and analyses of geomorphic processes.  Instructor: Lamb. Given in alternate years (2010, 2012). Website

Ge/ESE/CE 226. Sediment Transport Mechanics and Morphodynamics. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: ACM 95/100 bc and Me 19 ab, or equivalents. This course will consist of lectures and problem sets on the physics of sediment transport, erosion and deposition. Topics will include turbulent boundary layers, open-channel hydraulics and resistance, sediment-size distributions, incipient sediment motion, bed load, suspended load, and bed forms. The content is relevant to a variety of dilute geophysical flows (e.g., turbidity currents, powder avalanches, ocean currents, wind), but an emphasis will be made on application to rivers. Instructor: Lamb. Given in alternate years.

Ge121 ab. Advanced Field and Structural Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, second terms. Prerequisite: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor’s permission. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern U.S. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Either 121 a or 121 b may be taken more than once for credit. Offered by Lamb in Spring 2012.

Spring 2012 theme: "Climatic and Tectonic Controls on Landscape Evolution in Southern California."