Geomorphology: Landforms, Processes, and Earth's Surface

Why does the Earth look the way it does? This course introduces you to the dynamic, continuous processes constantly reshaping our planet’s mountains, valleys, coastlines, and deserts. By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundational understanding of geomorphology, enabling you to identify and analyze how tectonic activity, climate, and water interact to create distinct surface features across the globe. What you'll learn: * Understand the fundamental concepts of endogenic and exogenic geomorphic processes. * Analyze the mechanisms of physical, chemical, and biological weathering on rock breakdown. * Classify major landforms resulting from fluvial, glacial, aeolian, and coastal systems. * Apply principles of structural geology and plate tectonics to large-scale landscape evolution. * Practice interpreting topographic data to infer landform history and evolution. * Evaluate the relationship between climate change and current geomorphic process rates. We begin with core terminology and the forces driving change, moving through detailed explanations of weathering and erosion, and concluding with comprehensive coverage of landforms created by water, ice, wind, and tectonic activity. This course is designed for absolute beginners in earth science, geology, or geography. No prior knowledge of scientific principles is required. Start your journey into understanding the dynamic history written on the Earth's surface today.