Geol 4630.001 Soils Geomorphology

GEOL 4630.001 – SOILS GEOMORPHOLOGY Spring 2016 - MW 2:00-4:50 PM, ENV. 241

Instructor Dr. Reid Ferring Office: 242 ENV Office Hours: M-Tu 11:00-12:30 PM (or appointment)

Text: Soils: Genesis and Classification, 5th ed. (Buol, et al. 2003).

Course objectives

- To acquire knowledge and understanding of 1) The nature and properties of soils, 2) the processes which govern the formation of soils, 3) the classification and distribution of soils, 4) the methods of soils analysis, and 5) the significance of soils to other disciplines, including environmental science, Quaternary geology, geomorphology and archaeology.

Grading

This course carries four semester hours credit. You will receive one grade for this course, according to the following distribution:

Item Percent of course grade

Exam I 25% Exam II 25% Exam III (final) 25% Labs 25%

Your lab grade will be based on your average grade for all labs (100 points each).

Notes: 1) The Department of Geography does not allow any extra credit assignments 2) A grade of incomplete will be assigned only in the event of unavoidable, adverse circumstances

Disability Accommodations

The Department of Geography, in cooperation withy the Office of Disability Accommodation, complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodations for students with qualified disabilities. Please present your written accommodation request before the 12th class day (January 27, 2014).

Classroom Environment Students are expected to respect the teaching environment, especially as it relates to those around them. Behaviors that disrupt the class will not be tolerated. Use of cell phones during the class, including text messaging, is strictly prohibited, and cell phones must be turned off and out-of-sight. Disruptive activities may result in the student being listed as absent for that class.

Attendance

Attendance to labs and lectures is required. Labs will include both on-campus exercises and short trips in university vans to local soils exposures. The schedule of labs and lectures may have to be adjusted, according to weather conditions.

Academic Dishonesty

Students who cheat or plagiarize on any exam or lab (see UNT Undergraduate Catalog for definitions), will be given a grade of F for the course, and will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for possible further penalty.

SOILS GEOMORPHOLOGY (GEOL 4630.001) Spring 2016 MW 2:00-4:50 241 ENV Course Outline

DATE TOPICS TEXT READINGS

January 18 NO CLASS MLK DAY 20 Introduction 1

25 Soil Morphology 2 27 Lab 1: soil color, texture February 1 Soil Composition, Profiles, Horizons 2 3 Lab 2: FIELD sandy soil profile

8 Weathering and soil forming processes 3 10 Lab 3: Soil Horizons and Subhorizons

15 Parent Materials and Topography 3 17 Lab 4: FIELD Soil Parent Materials and Catenas

22 Soil Ecosystems: Climate 4 24 EXAM I Feb-March 29 Soil Ecosystems: Organisms 4 2 Lab 6: Climate and Texas Soils

7 Soils in Space and Time 5 9 Lab 7: Soil chronosequences

14-18 SPRING BREAK

21 Soil Taxonomy 6,7 23 Lab 9: Taxonomy Denton Co. Soils

28 Alfisols and Mollisols 8,15 30 Lab 9: FIELD Mollisol Profile April 4 EXAM II 6 No lab

11 Aridsols and Vertisols 10,19 13 Lab 10: FIELD Alfisol Profile 18 Late Quaternary Soils lecture 20 Lab 11: FIELD: Elm Fork Trinity Soils

25 Soil phosphorous, potassium and micronuturents handout 27 No lab May 2 Soil Nitrogen and Sulfur handout 4 No Lab

9 Last (FINAL) Exam 1:30-3:30 PM