GLG 265 - Geology of Rivers

1. Demonstrate understanding of geologic aspects of modern rivers.
   1. Name two sources of water for rivers.
   2. Name and identify major features of rivers, including watershed (or drainage basin), channel, floodplain, meanders, cutbank, point bar, right bank, left bank, oxbow lake, levee.
   3. Identify where erosion and deposition are concentrated within a river channel.
   4. Describe and identify the path of fastest flow of water in a channel.
   5. Describe characteristics of sediments in floodplain, channel, oxbow lake, and swampy lowland deposits.
   6. Explain the formation of current ripples in a channel, and describe their appearance.
   7. Discuss the effects of current velocity, gradient, base level, sediment load, vegetation, and bank stability on river channel type.
2. Demonstrate understanding of human interconnectedness with rivers.
   1. List and describe current and historic uses of rivers in the Midland/Saginaw/Bay City area.
   2. Define bankfull and flood stages of rivers.
   3. Describe what happens in a river flood event.
   4. Using an annual hydrograph, identify a river's flood regime.
   5. Name and describe evidence of flooding in a river landscape.
   6. Assess the risk of flooding and erosion of a property located on a river bank or floodplain.
   7. Describe the effects of a local, historical flood event.
3. Demonstrate understanding of ancient river deposits of Michigan.
   1. Explain the formation of coal, sandstone, conglomerate, and shale.
   2. Identify common sedimentary rocks in the field.
   3. List and describe characteristics of river deposits in the rock record.
   4. Identify sedimentary structures that form in river environments.
   5. Describe the sequence of rock layers present at outcrops at Grand Ledge, MI.
   6. Explain how geologists distinguish river from ocean/beach deposits.
   7. List and explain a plausible sequence of events that led to the formation of sedimentary deposits at Grand Ledge, MI.