Geomorphology of the Oregon Coast Range
Geog 607, Research Seminar, Winter 2009
Steep slopes and deep valleys, old growth, medium growth, new growth, clear cuts, roads, fire and rain, rivers, debris flows, deep seated land slides - all contribute to the complex mosaic of geomorphic process and form that make the Oregon Coast Range one of the classic sites of geomorphic investigation
Instructor: Dr. W. Andrew Marcus, marcus@uoregon.edu
109 Condon Hall, Phone: 346-5709, Office Hours: Th1-2
Syllabus / Readings and Schedule
Publication Download Sites: To be added
Data/Information Sites: USGS / SNOTEL Oregon
Andrew Marcus home page / Department of Geography / University of Oregon
Debris flow videos: Chile,
Overview:
This seminar surveys research on the geomorphology of the Oregon Coast Range, one of the classic sites in geomorphology. We will have three overarching goals as we review the research:
(1) To put the Coast Range research into the context of classic articles in geomorphology, such as Gilbert’s work on landscape evolution, Leopold’s hydraulic geomorphology, and Wolman and Miller’s work on magnitude and frequency, as well more recent articles that highlight major paradigms and debates in geomorphology. These readings will help us understand how geomorphologists conceptualize landscape evolution, process and form, while also introducing some of major foundation readings in geomorphology.
(2) To gain a better understanding of the landscapes in our own backyard. Besides providing a better grasp of the landscapes in which we live and on which we depend, the Coast Range is one of the most studied regions in geomorphology. As we read the literature on this range we will examine why the Coast Range has been an object of so much study, and how the focus on this area may influence (and bias?) our thinking about other regions.
(3) To explore how simple processes can lead to complex outcomes. One of the great debates in modern geomorphology is how to characterize and explain complex multiscalar processes. Rather than focusing on the literature that explicitly discusses complex response, I am hoping that by focusing on a region and the literature around it, we can begin to understand how complexity evolves in a dynamic landscape.
Work in the seminar includes weekly readings, oral reports on the lead authors of articles we read, and development of a Coast Range field trip with notes and an annotated bibliography.