Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Coastal Environment Field And Laboratory Activity For An Undergraduate Geomorphology Course, Jean Ellis, Paul Rindfleisch

Jean Taylor Ellis

A field and laboratory exercise for an undergraduate geomorphology class is described that focuses on the beach. The project requires one day of fieldwork and two laboratory sessions. In the field, students measure water surface fluctuations (waves) with a pressure sensor, survey beach profiles, collect sediment samples, and observe the beach state. In the laboratory, students wash and dry sediments, complete a grain size analysis, and determine sediment volumes. Students produce a report that includes analysis of wave data and beach profiles and a discussion of their findings.