Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Know the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the earth and differentiate various types of geological materials
2. Explain the geomorphological and geological processes and their role in shaping earth’s surface
3. Understand the hydrological processes in the environment
4. Apply geomorphological and geological knowledge for various environmental studies
5. Diagnose various environmental hazards and find their mitigation measures

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Geomorphology (8 hrs)

1.1 Introduction to Geomorphology: Nature of geomorphology and concepts of landform evolution, Interdisciplinary nature and sub-divisions of geomorphology

1.2 Continental landscape dynamics: Continental drift, Plate tectonics, Global topography, Surface processes, Tectonic uplifts, Erosion, Surface deposition

1.3 General background of geomorphic processes and their types: Rock weathering, Mass wasting/erosion (gravity-driven), Work of running water (fluvial), Groundwater activity, Wind action, Glacial activity/Moving ice, Wave action /Tide action

1.4 Equilibrium System: Concept, Driving forces, Gravity, Tectonics

Unit 2: Hydrological Processes (7 hrs)

2.1 Hydrological processes in different climatic zones

2.2 Processes of precipitation, Evaporation, Snowmelt, Runoff, Soil-water dynamics and groundwater recharge, Mass rainfall curve and hyetograph, Intensity duration of rainfall, River discharge, Runoff generation

2.3 Soil moisture and groundwater, Stream flow and stage-discharge relationship

2.4 Floods: Classification, Causes, Triggering factors, Flood flow determination

2.5 Hydrology of urban areas and agricultural systems

Unit 3: Geological Materials and Structures (8 hrs)

3.1 Silicate and non-silicate minerals

3.2 Rocks: Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary, Composition, occurrence and formation, Field identification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock units, sample collection, making rock descriptions

3.3 Measuring geological features (e.g., strike and dip of bedding, lineation and foliation in metamorphic rocks), Plotting geologic features on a topographic map, Geologic field note taking, and Preparing geologic reports

3.4 Plate tectonics and structure in rock bodies

Unit 4: Geological Processes and Mechanisms (10 hrs)

4.1 Geological surface processes: Weathering (Types, Characteristics, Factors and Products), Soil horizons and profiles, Erosion (Types, Cycle and Control), Landslides and their types

4.2 Fluvial environment: Drainage basin evolution, Erosional landforms, Channel patterns, Fluvial deposits, Flood plain and its mapping, River basin, River mapping, River terraces

4.3 Glaciers: Growth, Decay, Types, Movements, Erosion and Sediment transport, Deposition

4.4 Periglacial processes and landforms, Lake and desert environments (Lake environment and deposits), Dry climates and landforms of dry regions, Eolian processes and landforms

Unit 5: Earth Hazards (12 hrs)

5.1 Concept of hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and risk

5.2 Landslide: Classification, causes, control and mitigation measures, Slope stability analysis, Landslide hazard mapping techniques, Landslide in Nepal

5.3 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): Creation and types of glacial lakes, Factors contributing to GLOF and mitigation techniques, Potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, History of GLOFs in the Himalayas, Glacier hazard in Nepal Himalaya

5.4 Earthquake: Nature, intensity, and magnitude, Intensity scale (Modified Mercalli), Epicenters, Earthquake zones, Effects of earthquakes, History of earthquakes in Nepal, Seismic hazard assessment and mapping techniques, Preparedness

5.5 Flood: Open channel hydraulics, Factors contributing to flood, Flood frequency analysis, Flood hazard mapping, Flood control measures

5.6 Wildfire: Causes and effects, Trend in global and Nepalese perspectives, Prevention techniques

References

1. Dahal, R.K. (2006). Geology for technical students. Bhrikuti Academic Publication, Kathmandu.
2. Erickson, J. (2014). Environmental geology: facing the challenges of the changing earth (living earth). Infobase Publishing.
3. Garg, S.K. (2002). Hydrology and water resources engineering. Khanna Publishers, Delhi.
4. Ritter, D.F., Kochel, R.C., & Miller, J.R. (2011). Process geomorphology. 5th ed. Waveland Press, Long Grove, Ill.
5. Roy, A.B. (2010). Fundamentals of geology. Narosa Publishing.
6. Sidle, R.C., & Ochiai, H. (2006). Landslides: processes, prediction, and land use. Water Resources Monograph. Americal Geophysical Union (AGU), Washington DC.
7. Subramanya, K. (2013). Engineering hydrology. 4th ed. Tata McGraw-Hill Publication Company Ltd.
8. VenTe, C., David, M.R., & Larry, W.M. (2003). Applied hydrology. McGraw-Hill International Editions.