Course details
This course provides an outline of the physical processes that control how watersheds function; it provides the necessary geophysical link with biology required to successfully plan, undertake and complete ecological restoration. Both terrestrial and fluvial processes are considered. Because these processes require understanding of general geoscience principals, this course includes selected basic introduction to earth science concepts. The first section of the course covers general earth science principals leading into terrain assessment, including a wide range of terrain attributes, with mapping and related interpretations such as landslide and erosion hazards from the point of view of the map user and according to current provincial (British Columbia) standards. Topics covered include an overview of watershed assessment approaches, morphometry, hydrological concepts, surficial materials and landforms, principles of soil physical behavior (e.g., drainage and strength), use of terrain maps, terrain map symbols, and developing terrain maps landslide and other slope processes. The second section, dealing with fluvial processes, covers the collection and interpretation of stream channel data. Other topics will include: the provincial Channel Assessment Procedure and the effects of land use on stream channel, gully and alluvial fan morphology, and channel restoration strategies.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.
Credits
4.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive notifications of future course offerings and other opportunities to learn more about this course and related programs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand basic geoscience principals, as they apply to ecological restoration.
- Understand the factors that control watershed diversity and the biophysical processes that must be considered in ecological restoration activities.
- Identify watershed landforms that relate to restoration planning and effectiveness.
- Understand terrain maps, terrain stability maps, and other interpretive maps, and be aware of how these maps should and should not be used in a restoration context.
- Interpret terrain map symbols with the aid of a map legend (BC Terrain Classification System).
- Conceptualize the physical characteristics of the common surficial materials and demonstrate how these relate to the material’s original mode of deposition.
- Assess how surficial material characteristics and properties are related to landforms and their significance with regard to land use activities.
- Recognize the common geomorphic processes (e.g., debris flows) related to different watersheds, and be aware of the potential effects of these processes on land use and the potential influence of land use on these processes.
- Classify the different types of geomorphic processes and describe the chief controls on slope stability.
- Outline simple interpretations for geological hazards.
- Interpret air photos under a stereoscope and recognize features shown on a terrain map of the same area.
- Outline the general stream channel morphologies and understand the importance of watershed characteristics in controlling morphologies.
- Identify and interpret the various mapping conventions for stream channel characteristics.
- Compare the various types of stream channel restoration strategies that are available and evaluate their relative effectiveness in a watershed context.
- Develop prescriptive actions for the restoration of forestry harvested and urban disturbed watercourses.
- Apply the Stream Channel Assessment Procedure to select examples on natural watercourses.
- Identify and evaluate geomorphic processes and geologic landforms in the field.
- Identify, compare and contrast stream attributes in the field.
- Identify, compare and contrast landforms in the field.
- Utilize technology to evaluate landscapes while in the field.
Effective as of Winter 2023
Related Programs
Terrain and Stream Channel Assessment for Ecological Restoration (RENR 8201) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
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