The aim of this course is to introduce students to key concepts of coastal and fluvial geomorphology. The course covers both theoretical and applied aspects of coastal and river-related hazards from a geomorphic perspective, and introduces tools for flood hazard assessment and mitigation. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the following competences: 1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental processes and concepts that govern coastal and riverine hydromorphology. This includes insight into geomorphic drivers of landscape change and natural hazards such as flooding and erosion, which are essential for interpreting complex environmental systems. 2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be able to apply theoretical principles to real-world scenarios, using appropriate methods and tools to analyse morphological changes in rivers and coastal zones. Practical skills will be developed in using Earth observation data and GIS tools to support hazard and risk assessment. 3. Making Judgements: The course will foster critical thinking, enabling students to evaluate scientific data, literature, and methodologies. They will learn to assess the validity and limitations of different approaches regarding hydromorphological studies. 4. Communication Skills: Students will develop the ability to clearly and effectively communicate hydromorphological concepts, methods, and results to both expert and non-expert audiences. This includes the use of appropriate visual tools (e.g., maps) and formats (e.g., reports and oral presentations). 5. Learning Skills: Students will develop the ability to independently acquire and adapt methods for the analysis of river, deltaic, and coastal environments using Earth observation data and GIS.
Course Prerequisites
The effective learning would benefit from basic knowledge of geomorphology and GIS.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, practical exercises and Project Work
Assessment Methods
The final grade will be given by an oral exam.
Texts
Wohl, E. Rivers in the Landscape, Wiley, 2020. Davidson-Arnott, R., Bauer, B., & Houser, C. Introduction to coastal processes and geomorphology, 2019 Cambridge university press. Charlton, R. (2007). Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology. Routledge.
Contents
MODULE 1 • The fluvial system and keys fluvial geomorphology concepts; • Basic knowledge of fluvial morphological characteristics and dynamics; • Fundamental concepts of river morphodynamics and flood hazard assessment; • River channel changes and geomorphic response to floods; • Change in land cover influences on river process; • River Management in an Environmental Context; • Application of remote sensing and earth observation data for the analysis of river hydromorphological characteristics and flood hazard assessment. MODULE 2 • Coastal processes and landforms; • Coastal hazards and risk assessment; • Land subsidence in coastal areas; • Basic knowledge of river delta and estuaries systems: morphological characteristics and dynamics; • Application of remote sensing and earth observation data for the analysis of coastal/delta hydromorphological characteristics and processes
