Geography 419: Terrain Analysis (A

Geography 419 : Field Methods in Physical Geography

Contact Information

Instructors: Ben Heumann ()

Amy McCleary ()

Julie Tuttle ()

Dan Weiss ()

Course Places & Times

Outdoor Lab: Meet in Saunders Hall Lobby (just inside front doors in the middle of the

south side of the building)

2:00-4:00 PM, Monday

Plan on 2:00-5:00 PM to account for cleanup & walking back

Indoor Lab Saunders Hall, Room 322

4:00-5:00 PM, Wednesday

Office Hours: 2:00-4:00 PM, Wednesday

Ben, Amy, Dan: Saunders Hall, Room 317

Julie: Saunders Hall, Room 320

Or by appointment

Links to Course Information

Course Website: http://www.unc.edu/courses/2008fallspring/geog/419/001/

UNC Blackboard: http://blackboard.unc.edu/

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce students to a broad set of tools with which to effectively characterize and measure the biotic and abiotic conditions present at a field site. The methodological approaches for this course will be drawn from sub-fields of physical geography, including biogeography, soil science, geomorphology, hydrology, and climatology. The key foci of the course will be (1) developing effective and realistic sampling protocols for the collection of field data, (2) obtaining practical, hands-on experience using field data collection equipment and techniques, and (3) analyzing and integrating the field data to form a cohesive explanation of the physical setting of a field site. Furthermore, this course will provide an opportunity for students to become familiar with basic field methods as a starting point for more in-depth or targeted study of physical geography field methods, and to promote scientific investigation using field observations to generate research hypotheses.

Course Structure

Each week we will introduce a new field data collection and analysis technique associated with one or more of the class modules described below. The 2-hour outdoor lab period will be used to demonstrate the technique(s) for the class and for students to collect data for their lab assignments at the field site in Battle Park. Allow for an additional 1 hour after each outdoor lab for walking back to campus, and for cleaning and storing field equipment. The 1-hour recitation time will be devoted to an in-class discussion of the method(s); assigned readings describing the development, implementation, advantages, and shortcomings of the technique; alternate methods for collecting similar types of field data; and analytical approaches that can be applied to the collected data.

Modules & Measurement Techniques

(1) Spatial Data Collection Basics

(a) Taking good field notes and using field forms.

(b) Reading and using maps.

(d) Creating topographic maps using a surveyor’s level and clinometer.

(e) Landscape interpretation using GPS and remotely sensed imagery.

(f) Introduction to sampling strategies.

(2) Forest Structure

(a) Selecting field sites

(b) Assessing and measuring general site characteristics

(d) Measuring basic dimensions of trees (diameter, estimating height)

(e) Estimating cover and height of shrubs and herbaceous species

(f) Using quadrats/plots to sample vegetation structure

(3) Forest Composition

(a) Practicing items from module (2)

(b) Identifying tree species

(d) Comparing tree sampling methods

(4) Forest Productivity

(a) Estimating Leaf Area Index (LAI)

(b) Estimating the canopy cover percentage using several approaches

(d) Collecting spectral reflectance data for forest landcover types

(5) Soils

(a) Using the soil auger and digging soil pits

(b) Identifying and differentiating basic soil types

(d) Assessing soil texture

(e) Assessing soil color using a Munsell soil color chart

(f) Assessing soil moisture conditions

(6) Hydrology

(a) Catchment Hydrology

(b) Catchment Delineation

(d) Streamflow Measurement Techniques

(e) Measuring

(7) Fluvial Geomorphology

(a) Intro to Geomorphology: Form and Process

(b) Characteristics of Rivers

(d) Manning's Equation

(e) Measuring Fluvial Sediment and Channel Surveying (Form)

(f) Estimate flood-stage discharge (Process)

(8) Geographic Arrangement

TBA

(9) Wildlife

(a) Introduction to studies of wildlife.

(b) Sampling strategies for wildlife.

(10) Climate & Weather

(a) Using micro-meteorological devices

(b) Finding and acquiring weather station data

(d) Weather preparedness for fieldwork

Tentative Schedule

Dates are subject to changes due to bad weather, etc. If changes occur a new schedule with changes to assignment due dates will be posted on the class webpage.

Field Day / Lab Day / Module / Assignments
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 / Intro
Monday, August 25, 2008 / #1 Spatial Data Collection Basics
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 / #1 Spatial Data Collection Basics
No Class Labor Day (09/01)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 / #1 Spatial Data Collection Basics
Monday, September 08, 2008 / #1 Spatial Data Collection Basics
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 / #1 Spatial Data Collection Basics
Monday, September 15, 2008 / #2 Forest Structure / Lab #1 Due
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 / #2 Forest Structure
Monday, September 22, 2008 / #3 Forest Composition / Lab #2 Due
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 / #3 Forest Composition
Monday, September 29, 2008 / #4 Forest Productivity / Lab #3 Due
Wednesday, October 01, 2008 / #4 Forest Productivity
Monday, October 06, 2008 / #5 Soils / Lab #4 Due
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 / #5 Soils
Monday, October 13, 2008 / #6 Hydrology / Lab #5 Due
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 / #6 Hydrology / Form project groups; pick topic; research question & paragraph; schedule meeting.
Monday, October 20, 2008 / #7 Fluvial Geomorphology / Lab #6 Due
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 / #7 Fluvial Geomorphology
Monday, October 27, 2008 / #8 Geographic Arrangement / Lab #7 Due
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / #8 Geographic Arrangement
Monday, November 03, 2008 / #9 Wildlife / Lab #8 Due
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 / #9 Wildlife / 1-2 page project proposal due
Monday, November 10, 2008 / #10 Climate / Lab #9 Due
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 / #10 Climate
Saturday, November 15, 2008 / SPECIAL FIELD DAY - Project Data
Monday, November 17, 2008 / Collect Project Data / Lab #10 Due
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 / Writing Day & Analysis Day
Monday, November 24, 2008 / Project Writing Day / Project Draft Paper Due
No Class Thanksgiving (11/26)
Monday, December 01, 2008 / Project Discussion Day / Make presentation
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 / Project Presentation Day / Final Paper Due
Saturday, December 06, 2008 / Scheduled exam time – No Class

Grading

Labs: One lab assignment per module will be turned in, consisting of a written report that describes and integrates the methods used and briefly analyzes the results. Photocopies of your field notes associated with the module should be attached to the report as an appendix. Each of the 10 labs is worth 60 points (7.5% of the final grade). See the schedule for lab report due dates. Although field data collection will occur in groups and students may work together on portions of the data analysis, the written report for each module should represent your own, independent writing and integration of the material. You should include the following honor code pledge with your signature on all work to be graded: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received (nor will I give nor receive) unauthorized aid on this class work.” Assignments will be turned in when we meet in the Saunders lobby before heading into the field. Late work will be penalized 10% (6 points) for each day late.

The point distribution for the written reports will vary for the labs; see each module’s handout for details. In general, each lab report may be graded for any or all of the following items:

· writing quality (e.g., having all required sections, sentence structure and flow, grammar, etc.)

· field notes associated with the module

· answers to all module questions within the text of the report

· succinct, yet adequate explanation of the field methods used

· presentation of results in a clear and intuitive format

· integration of the field methods with background readings to make a cohesive interpretation of the results

Project: A final class project will focus on applying the methods covered in this course toward a single, integrated study of a field site in the forested area around the future Carolina North campus. Students will work in groups to conduct a series of field measurements and analyses, produce a final research report, and give a final presentation that will be open to the public. The project report should be more in depth than the module reports, with additional sections including research questions and hypotheses, a study area description, and a discussion section that integrates other biophysical aspects of the study area with your results. The final project is worth 200 points (25% of the final grade); 100 points will be for the project report and 100 will be devoted to the presentation.

Graduate Student Component: In addition to the course requirements described above, each graduate student will write a paper detailing the field methods that he or she will be implementing in his or her own research (e.g., the field methods component of the dissertation proposal), or detailing a methodology of interest that was not covered in class.

Readings

Weekly readings will be provided that give theoretical and technical background for each module, some focusing on the physical geography of North Carolina. The purpose of these readings is to prepare students for the field as well as to provide a reference guide with which to begin future work. Weekly reading assignments will be posted on BlackBoard, and because these readings will be crucial to completing the lab, they should be read completely before the outdoor lab session on Monday.

Software

Although this course will mainly focus on field data collection techniques, we will also devote time to converting field data into digital format for statistical and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyses. Some lab assignments will require the use of Microsoft Excel for simple data organization and analysis. Several software packages will be used to download and differentially correct Global Positioning System (GPS) data, thereby allowing field data to be mapped and analyzed using GIS software. All necessary software will be available through labs on campus and/or from the instructors. If you would like software for your laptop, some programs are available through the software acquisitions office. If you are inexperienced using programs such as Microsoft Excel, you should explore the software’s help files and tutorials and allow extra time for data manipulation and analysis.

Weather Policy

In the case of bad weather (active or impending) during the outdoor portion of the class (Monday 2-4), we will follow this procedure:

1) We will always meet on Monday at 2:00 PM in Saunders Hall Lobby (as usual).

2) Assume we are going outside and dress appropriately (boots or sturdy shoes every day, rain and/or cold weather clothes as necessary, etc.).

3) In the case of severe weather and/or lightning, we may stay inside and work on an alternative lab assignment for all or part of the lab period.

Attendance Policy

Labs must be attended by all students each week unless prior arrangements are made with the instructors. The data and methodological experience required to complete the lab assignments will be gained during class on Mondays, and therefore missed classes will result in a score of zero on the lab assignment.

Field Work Mentality

Like most things, field work has its advantages and disadvantages. In the best cases field work is done in beautiful locations under pleasant circumstances, and in the worst cases field work is conducted in wretched places with terrible conditions. Field work can occur in the sweltering heat, bitter cold, pouring rain, blistering sun, and any other nasty weather imaginable. The work itself can be back-breaking, hikes can be long, packs can be heavy, bugs will bite, physical and mental fatigue are the norm, dealing with minor injuries (e.g., cuts and bruises) is an everyday occurrence, and, despite the best-laid plans, some things will go wrong. In other words, field work is not for the faint of heart, and often what separates a good field worker from a bad one is the ability to grit one’s teeth and persevere despite discomfort and/or unforeseen challenges. Therefore, your own positive attitude and adaptable nature are among the most important components for conducting successful and enjoyable field work. Please keep this in mind during any less-than-pleasant moments of the class.

Honor Code: Statement from the Chancellor and from the Student Body President

The principles of academic honesty, integrity, and responsible citizenship govern the performance of all academic work and student conduct at the University as they have during the long life of this institution. Your acceptance of enrollment in the University presupposes a commitment to the principles embodied in the Code of Student Conduct and a respect for this most significant Carolina tradition. Your reward is in the practice of these principles.
Your participation in this course comes with the expectation that your work will be completed in full observance of the Honor Code. Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable, because any breach in academic integrity, however small, strikes destructively at the University's life and work.
If you have any questions about your responsibility or the responsibility of faculty members under the Honor Code, please consult with someone in either the Office of the Student Attorney General (966-4084) or the Office of the Dean of Students (966-4041).

Please make sure you understand what constitutes plagiarism – the UNC websites below (and many others) provide definitions and examples. If you have any questions at all about this, please ask us before you turn in your assignments.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/plagiarism.html

http://honor.unc.edu/students/plagiarism.html

http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/copyright/plagiarism/

(this page also includes a link about digital copyright – i.e., using images or graphics from the web – please review this also!)