Geomorphology and Soils at MSU
COURSES | FACILITIES | PUBLICATIONS
For a more detailed discussion of the soils
and geomorphic research within the
MSU Geography Department, please go to the home page of our
Quaternary Landscapes Research Group.
Geomorphologic research and teaching in the Geography Department emphasizes the interactions between landforms, soils, and environmental change. Soils-based research is done within a geomorphological framework, while geomorphic research often utilizes soils and paleosols as indicators of landform age or the chronology of landscape evolution. Much of the work we do has a Great Lakes or Great Plains regional focus. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction is a significant component of our research, with the primary goal to determine the range of (paleo)environmental conditions within a region and how they affect landscapes.
Within geomorphology, our program emphasizes a wide range of processes, including soils, glacial, coastal, fluvial, and eolian.
Glacial geomorphology focuses on the northern Great Lakes region, and often employs soils or surficial sediments to interpret the various glacial depositional environments, or to better understand the development/evolution of these landforms over time. We also have a focus on mapping of glacial landforms.
Coastal geomorphological research is centered on the shore of Lake Michigan and is associated with high resolution monitoring of shorezone processes and change using GPS and remote sensing.
Work in fluvial geomorphology centers on the investigation of the post-glacial history of watersheds and streams in Michigan by reconstructing the evolution of alluvial fills, terraces, and changes in stream characteristics. A goal here is to integrate the influence of Holocene climate change into an understanding of fluvial systems in Michigan. Post-settlement impacts on fluvial systems are also under study by students and faculty.
Eolian landscapes currently being studied include both coastal and inland dunes within Michigan, and dune fields on the Great Plains. In both areas, the aim is to determine the chronology of dune evolution and the variables that promote activation and/or stabilization of dunes. Thus, buried soils are frequently used as chronostratigraphic markers through radiocarbon dating. We are also developing an interest in dating eolian and outwash sands using optimally-stimulated luminescence.
Within soils, the research emphasis is on soil genesis within a variety of geomorphologic contexts. Soil chronosequence and chronofunction work has been a strength of the Department in the past. Work on pedoturbation and soil evolution continues to be a research topic of ongoing interest. Since soils are important keys to (paleo)sedimentologic environments, identification of these environments, though the use of soil maps and other spatial data, are an important component of our work. For example, we are currently using soils data to identify areas of eolian activity in Michigan, to understand some of the many aspects of glacigenic depositional processes, and to decipher the glacial lake chronology, based on soils formed in probable glaciolacustrine sediments. Finally, we are very interested in the links between soils and vegetation in the upper midwest.
RESEARCH AND TEACHING FACILITIES
Faculty and students utilize a fully-equipped geomorphology lab for their research. The lab houses all the standard equipment needed for soil and sedimentological analyses. Equipment (most newer than 4 years) includes a high precision laser particle size analyzer by Malvern Instruments, two petrographic microscopes, a binocular microscope, image analysis software for one of the petrographic scopes, sieves and shakers, a 4-decimal and 2-decimal balance, two research-grade centrifuges, a pH and ion-specific meter, three ovens, two freezers, a muffle furnace, two dessicators, and all the necessary support glassware and chemicals.
Field equipment in support of our geomorphology lab includes a complete, in-house collection of topographic maps for Michigan, over a dozen Brunton compasses, and numerous soil augers. The Department has its own 23 hp John Deere diesel backhoe, equipped with four-wheel-drive capability, and the ability to dig pits to 2 meters. The backhoe is taken to research sites on its own trailer.
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS COURSES
A typical program for graduate student in geomorphology might include the following courses:
REQUIRED:
ELECTIVES within geomorphology:
GEO 306 - Environmental Geomorphology
GEO 407 - Regional Geomorphology of the United States
GEO 408 - Soil Geomorphology Field Study
GEO XXX - Fluvial Geomorphology (course is not yet officially "on-line")
GEO 412 - Glacial and Quaternary Geology
ELECTIVES within physical geography and related fields
CSS 470 - Soil Resources
GEO 402 - Agricultural Climatology
GEO 405 - Weather Analysis and Forecasting
GEO 425 - Geographic Information Systems
GEO 419 - Applications of GIS to Natural Resources
GEO 424 - Advanced Remote Sensing
GEO 428 - Digital Terrain Analysis
GEO 492 - Climate Change
GEO 835 - Biogeography
GEO 866 - Spatial Data Analysis
GEO 825 - Clay Mineralogy
GEO 863 - Mineral-Water Interactions
Students are expected to take supportive courses in climatology, biogeography, geology, soil science, and other related disciplines. Field research and field experience is stressed throughout the program. All students must also develop a proficiency in at least one tool area (mathematics, statistics, geographic information systems, remote sensing, computer science, or a combination thereof).
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
For a complete list of our publications, including links to abstracts, please follow this LINK. Thank you.