Geography
Permafrost and Environmental Change
Module code: F8023A
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Practical, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam
This module examines present and past permafrost regions from an interdisciplinary perspective, linking permafrost science with physical geography, geology, ecology and quaternary science.
After introducing the general nature of permafrost regions and their vegetation and soils, the module examines several important themes spanning scientific, engineering and resource issues, focusing particularly on modern permafrost in the Arctic and past permafrost in the mid-latitudes. The aim is to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of earth-surface processes and environmental change in permafrost regions.
This framework will allow you to summarise and critically evaluate some of the methods, hypotheses and data about such regions. A secondary aim is to consider the problems and solutions associated with economic development and land management on permafrost terrain.
Module learning outcomes
- To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of spatial variation of physical phenomena in present and past permafrost regions, and be able to explain the pattern and dynamic nature of spatial variation.
- To conceptualise patterns, processes, interactions and change in the physical world as systems at a range of spatial scales, and incorporate into a systems framework natural environmental impacts on human activity, human impacts on biophysical systems and the management of permafrost regions.
- To develop a critical awareness of the significance of spatial and temporal scale on physical processes and their interactions with human processes in permafrost regions.
- To understand how environmental change operating on a range of timescales (past, present, future) affects the permafrost regions.