Physical Geography 101   updated6/29/09

Instructor:  Cassie Strickland     Email:  cstrickland@columbiabasin.edu

 

Required text:  Physical Geography, Strahler & Strahler (click to go to book website)

Credit hours:  5

Course Description:

*      Physical geography consists of describing and explaining the natural features of the earth.  One of the earth sciences, physical geography brings together elements of the natural sciences, such as climatology, hydrology, oceanography, geology, geomorphology, biology, and ecology, to understand the processes responsible for the physical patterns of climate, water, soils, vegetation, and landforms fond over the earth.

 

 

Winter 2009 Schedule:  Note: This schedule is tentative, and is updated as we cover material.

Text Box: Week of the: Tentative Topic Schedule Chapter June 23rd , 25th Introduction to Physical Geography Maps & Globes, Time Zones In addition, Chapter 8- the biogeographic process- is incorporated throughout these lectures from week one through the end of the course. 1 2 (23-31; 45-49) 30th Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Remote Sensing & GIS In-class homework, required 2 (32-38) & pgs. 68, 77, 302, 336, 414, 464 July 2nd Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Continue Remote Sensing/GIS 7th, 9th Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Solar Radiation & Earth-Sun Relationships Introduction to the atmosphere: layers and temperature 2 (38-43) 3, 4 14th, 16th Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Components of Atmosphere, continued: Air Pressure & Winds Atmospheric Water: Humidity and Clouds 4, 5, 6 21st, 23rd Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Climate Change Pgs. 108-116, 288-291, & Pg. 39 28th, 30th Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Hydrosphere- Groundwater Hydrosphere- Surface Water Hydrosphere- Oceans 15, 16, 18 August 4th, 6th Quiz Tuesday 5:30 sharp Lithosphere: The physical Earth & geomorphology Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic terrains In-class homework & final quiz, Thursday 11, 12 13 14, 15 (516-518)

 

Homework-6 @ 10 points each. Take-home or done during class time, like ‘miniature’ laboratories.  Project material will compliment lecture, providing hands-on opportunities to learn concepts. Homework may at times be accepted late, but will always be assessed a 10% per day late penalty.

                                             

Quizzes: 6 @ 20 points each.  Quizzes are multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and short answer; Quizzes are NOT comprehensive. Unexcused absences will be given a grade of zero for a missed test. There is a quiz at the beginning of class each Tuesday.

Map Assignments: 7 @ 2 points each. Each week you will be assigned a map hunt online.  Late map assignments will be assessed a 10% late grade per day late.  If you will be absent, you can turn in your map early or email it to me.

 

Sources:  The material contained on this website has either been created by myself or borrowed from a variety of educational, governmental and private sources.  For material not originally my own, thank you for allowing me to use this information. Earth science instructors, please feel free to use any of my original material for educational purposes.

                                                             

Columbia Basin College Geology & Geography Department