Global climates and climatic change are explained and climatic classification is presented as a useful tool for geographic analysis. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of lifeforms. Classification of vegetation is based primarily on structural responses to other environmental stimulae such as climate, soils, drainage, exposure, and competition. Pedology is the study of soils. Explanations of pedogenic processes and pedogenic regimes provides a more global perspective for the geography of soils.
Geomorphology is the study of landforms.
Origin, composition, and classification of landforms is included, with emphasis on glacial, fluvial, aeolian, and karst topography. Discussions of continental drift, orogeny, weathering, erosion, and deposition prepare you for more advanced courses in geomorphology. Introductory Geography consists of a lecture session and a lab session each week. The labs are designed to amplify and exemplify the material covered in lectures, and to introduce you to some of the techniques and skills which you will use in more advanced courses, and which will make you more employable as a Geographer. Essay writing is not required in this course, but some time will be devoted to discussion of the content, organization, and writing style for both research papers and scientific lab reports.