Module DXX-3018:
Rivers, Coast and Oceans
Rivers, Coasts and Oceans 2024-25
DXX-3018
2024-25
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Lynda Yorke
Overview
This module deals with the cascade from source to sink, divided up in to three segments: catchment-fluvial, coastal (continental shelf), and deep marine (Sømme et al., 2009). Each segment is a morphodynamic zone, but these zones are also genetically related and dynamically connected (Allen, 2017). Geomorphology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy are core to understanding the flow of sediments within and through these segments. Sediments from single or multiple sources are routed through the source to sink cascade, with each morphodynamical zone connecting regions of erosion, sediment transfer, temporary storage, and long-term deposition.
The module will explore the key foundational and conceptual frameworks (thresholds, sensitivity, drivers) in these geomorphological zones. The module will explore the mechanisms and responses to external factors, such as environmental change, tectonics, base-level change, and anthropogenic activity, alongside developing an understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic processes in these key zones. The module will examine sediments within these zones, which are important components of biogeochemical and ecological systems, and have major socio-economic significance. This module will examine the sediment routing system (origin, controls, and processes that determine the properties, transport, and deposition) in the catchment-fluvial, coastal (e.g., beaches, barriers, deltas, tidal flats) and continental shelf, the deep ocean basins segments. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with the literature and key debates, and to develop a scholarly and applied approach to the subject.
Major themes covered
Foundation and Framework: Equilibrium, thresholds, transition, complexity, and response. External/Intrinsic Drivers (Base level change, Climate, Tectonics, Humans).
Catchment-Fluvial Environments: Geomorphology Single (meandering) and multi-thread (braided, wandering) channels Alluvial channels, bars and floodplains Facies, sedimentary sequences, and subenvironments Importance of river to marine cascade Cable Bay as natural laboratory Pilcomayo case study & Ebro/Rhone/Var case study Alluvial Histories River response to environmental change Quaternary fluvial history
Coastal-Beach Environments: The coastal morphodynamic system Coastal classification: transgressive/progressive; wave/tide dominated Coastal barrier systems and the shoreface Beaches: classification, wave-driven currents, morphology, engineering applications Tidal flats
Deltaic Environments: Classification: wave/fluvial dominance Stratigraphy Continental shelf : Classification: tide/wave/storm dominated Morphological features Sediment budgets
Shelf edge and Deep Marine Environments: Processes, facies, sedimentary sequences, and subenvironments Density cascading Sediment gravity flows Submarine fans and channels and hydrocarbons Contourite drifts Pelagic and hemipelagic sedimentation
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Grade D- to C+: Adequate knowledge of the key concepts. Presentation of appropriate examples to illustrate elements of the directly taught programme. Basic ability to describe and explain the core subject matter. Little evidence of reading beyond the taught material. Some understanding of the multidisciplinary subject matter, with a basic level of critical evaluation.
-good -Grade B- to B+: Clear understanding and thorough knowledge of the key concepts, with evidence of reading around the subject. Good ability to integrate the multidisciplinary subject matter. Good understanding and ability to critically evaluate the subject matter. High standard of presentation.
-excellent -Grade A- to A**: Excellent understanding, wide and thorough knowledge of the key concepts. Evidence of significant wider reading, with appreciation of recent research developments and creative potential to develop research ideas. Excellent ability to integrate multidisciplinary subject matter. Detailed understanding and explanation of concepts and principles. Critical evaluation, with well-reasoned opinion. Elegant and flowing presentation, with flair for the subject.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts governing fluvial behaviour in a catchment. Understand the concepts and principles which govern marine sedimentary environments (ES 3.3.4.1)
- Explain the features of ancient and modern braided and meandering river systems and sedimentary sequences.
- Reconstruct ancient sediment environments using data gathered through field observation
- Synthesise and summarise interdisciplinary information critically (ES 3.3.4.2), and critically analyse the literature.
- Understand how an interdisciplinary approach is needed to understand the nature of sediment deposits (ES 3.2.1.1)
- Understand physical and key biological controls of sedimentation in coastal and shelf seas, and deep sea environments, and the temporal and spatial scales of variation, and anthropogenic impacts (ES 3.2.1.2)
- Understand the long-term dynamics of river systems and the controls operating within fluvial systems, and be able to comprehensively discuss how these condition river response to environmental change.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Graduate-level Task: a final in-course assessment that takes place as a live event over two and a half 'graduate working' days, i.e. 9-12hrs per day. There is a maximum word count limit of 2,000 words, however, the minimum word count could be as low as 1,500 word as this depends on how succinctly you write,
Weighting
50%
Due date
25/04/2025
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
This task is a literature comprehension assessment that is associated with the 'rivers' block of teaching. It is a short-answer assessment associated with answering a question associated with a few key academic papers only. A word count of 800 words, +/- the University's 10% word count limit.
Weighting
20%
Due date
14/02/2025
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
A real-world problem-based task associated with the 'coastal' block of teaching. You will be asked to complete some preparatory tasks, and then upload your answers using the Blackboard system.
Weighting
20%
Due date
21/03/2025
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
This is a staged assessment comprising of three short quizzes linked to classroom teaching that is associated with the Oceans block of teaching.
Weighting
10%
Due date
23/05/2025