डॉ. बी. आर. अम्बेडकर विश्‍वविद्यालय दिल्ली
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi
Established by The Government of NCT of Delhi

Specific requirements on the part of students who can be admitted to this course: None.

No. of students to be admitted (with justification if lower than usual cohort size is proposed): 50

Course scheduling: (summer/winter course; semester-long course; half-semester course; workshop mode; seminar mode; any other – please specify): Sem 4; Semester-long course

Proposed date of launch: To be decided

Course Details:

This course can be a part of ‘Minor’ in Geography later.

Summary: This course focuses on the origin and evolution of landforms and the physical processes responsible for their creation and modification. It aims to provide an understanding of the physical processes that drive the ever-changing realities of the Earth. The curriculum surveys a broad array of landforms worldwide, examining the geomorphic processes responsible for their creation through the action of rivers, wind, and glaciers.

Furthermore, the course is designed to help students gain a scientific understanding of the physical aspects of Earth's climate system and the factors influencing climate change. We will explore the balance of energy, insolation, pressure, wind belts, and atmospheric circulation. Additionally, the course covers global climatic changes, including heatwaves, cold waves, and cyclones.

The knowledge of geomorphology and climatology is essential for informed decision-making in various fields, ranging from environmental management and infrastructure planning to natural resource management and climate change studies. Integrating insights from these disciplines enhances our ability to address complex challenges related to Earth's dynamic processes.

Module 1: Earth Dynamics

The module provides insights into the physical features of the Earth's surface, helping students understand global landforms, tectonic processes, and the impact of natural hazards on different regions. It aids in the assessment of environmental vulnerabilities and the identification of regions prone to natural disasters. This information is crucial for sustainable development practices and minimizing environmental degradation.

Topics to be covered are: Fundamental concepts in geomorphology, Internal structure of the Earth, Theories: Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics; Earthquakes, Volcanoes

Readings:

• Huggett, R. J., (2007): Fundamentals of Geomorphology, Routledge.
• Kale, V. and Gupta, A. (2018): Introduction to Geomorphology, Orient Black Swan
• Small, R.J., (1972): The Study of landforms: A textbook of geomorphology, Cambridge University Press
• Strahler, A. H. and Strahler, A N., (2001): Modern Physical Geography (4/E), John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
• Thornbury, W. D., (2019): Principles of Geomorphology, Third Edition, New Age International Publishers.
• Steers, J. A. – Unstable Earth, Kalyani Publisher. Davis W. M., (1909), Geographical Essay, Ginnia Co Module 2: Processes on the Earth's Surface
• The aim pf this module is to provide a historical context for understanding how Earth's surface has changed over time, contributing to discussions on global environmental change. Physical geography, including landforms and topography, can influence geopolitical dynamics. Understanding the physical context of regions can provide insights into historical and contemporary geopolitical conflicts.
• Topics to be covered are: Weathering and Mass-wasting; Geomorphology - Processes and Landform Development; Flow and Work- erosion, transportation, deposition – landform development; Fluvial landforms and Fluvial geomorphic cycle; Aeolian, Glacial, Coastal, and Karst Landforms and their development

Readings:

Richards K. S., 1982: Rivers: Form and Processes in Alluvial Channels, Methuen, London

Gabler R.E, Peterson. J.F., Trapasso, L.M., Dorothy, S. 2009. Physical Geography, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Belmont, USA.

Arreola, D.D., Deal, M.C., Petersen, J.F. and Sanders, R., (2007) World Geography, McDougal Littell.

Christopherson, R. W. and Birkeland, G. H., (2012) Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (8th edition), Pearson Education, New Jersey.

Gabler R.E, Peterson. J.F., Trapasso, L.M., Dorothy, S. 2009. Physical Geography, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Belmont, USA.

Ritter, D.F., Kochel, R.C. and Miller, J.R., (2002): Process Geomorphology, Waveland Press.

Module 3: Elements of Climatology

An understanding of climatology facilitates comprehension of global climate patterns, including temperature variations, precipitation trends, and the factors influencing climate change. This knowledge is fundamental to understanding the interconnectedness of climate systems worldwide. This fosters an awareness of climate change issues, enabling students to explore solutions for mitigating the global impact of climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Knowledge of climatic patterns also enhances understanding of the potential for climate-related conflicts and the need for international cooperation on climate issues.

Topics to be covered are: Atmosphere: Structure and Composition; Insolation: Factors influencing the incidence and distribution; Temperature: Horizontal and Vertical Distribution; Atmospheric moisture budget: humidity, evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Global Pressure and wind Belts, Atmospheric general circulation models; Winds: Local, Periodic and Planetary; El Niño and La Niña

Readings:

• Christopherson, R. W. and Birkeland, G. H., (2012): Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (8th edition), Pearson Education.
• Critchfield H. J., (1995): General Climatology, Prentice Hall.
• Barry, R.G. and Chorley R.J. 2009. Atmosphere Weather and climate (9th edition), Routledge. Lal, D.S., (2005): Climatology, Sharda Pustak Bhawan, Allahabad
• Trewartha, G.T. (1954): An Introduction to Climate, McGraw-Hill.

Module 4: Understanding Recent/Significant Events Shaping the Earth

Studying natural disasters in Global Studies is essential for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between natural phenomena, human societies, and the global environment. It prepares students to address the challenges posed by natural disasters through interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches on a global scale.

The disasters shape the Earth's surface, cause widespread human and economic devastation, and need for international collaboration to monitor, understand, and respond to these events. Increasing our understanding of recent events contributes to global efforts to enhance resilience, minimize risk, and improve disaster preparedness and response.

Along with the understanding of the global importance of selected recent events, this module will highlight the origin of disasters that are natural as per genesis but have become human- induced in the recent past.

Readings:

• Christopherson, R. W. and Birkeland, G. H., (2012): Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography (8th edition), Pearson Education.
• Critchfield H. J., (1995): General Climatology, Prentice Hall.
• Barry, R.G. & Chorley, R.J., (2003): Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, 11th Edition, Routledge Publications
• Lal, D.S., (2005): Climatology, Sharda Pustak Bhawan, Allahabad Trewartha, G.T. (1954): An Introduction to Climate, McGraw-Hill.

Pedagogy:

Instructional strategies: This course will use a combination of lectures, presentations, documentary screening

Special needs (facilities, requirements in terms of software, studio, lab, clinic, library, classroom/others instructional space; any other – please specify): Classroom

Expertise in AUD faculty or outside: AUD faculty

Linkages with external agencies (e.g., with field-based organizations, hospital; any others): No

Assessment structure (modes and frequency of assessments):

The course will have three assessment situations as part of continuous assessment policy of AUD:

• First assessment: take-home assignment (30%)