Ecology of Landforms

Course Description

This course is a combined graduate research seminar and research practicum that will explore the linkage between ecological and geomorphic processes—between biology at Earth’s surface and the shape and structure of that surface. This course will be centered around two skill-building activities: (1) a series of presentations in which students will deliver short mock lectures, lead subsequent discussion, and exchange constructive feedback; (2) a series of quantitative workshops (held in alternate weeks) in which the class collaboratively designs and codes a model or model(s) that relate to ecological and geomorphic processes.  A primary focus of this course will be understanding how biogeochemical cycles play out across hillslopes, watersheds, and fluvial landforms. Depending on student interest we may also address questions relating community ecology, population ecology, or evolutionary processes to landscape structure. Students should expect to hone their presentation skills and quantitative toolset, particularly with respect to spatial analysis and numerical modeling.