Anthropogenic Effects on Geomorphology

& Problem Solving

Karen GranUniversity of Minnesota, DuluthNAGT WorkshopJuly 2008

Goals:

1) Content – Yes, humans are important geomorphic agents

2) Skills – Read and critique a paper for content and methodology

3) Skills – Set up & evaluate multi-step problems

4) Skills – Use internet & Google Earth to find missing information

Geology (2000) v. 28, n. 9

earth moved per capita

multiplied by population

= total earth moved

“Back of the Envelope” calcs

1. Mountain-top removal (how much material is this? What does it look like in a stream valley?)

2. Barrier island stabilization (volumes of sand involved? Cost to taxpayers?)

3. Construction erosion vs. road sanding into local creek

“What I’ll do differently next time”

• Give less info – allow students more flexibility to set up problems

• More discussion, with emphasis on assumptions made

• Extension – groups develop their own “unknown” related to anthropogenic effects on erosion, set up problem, solve it, and present it to the class