FGM Terms & Processes

This Fluvial Geomorphology Module Section will introduce many of the fundamental definitions, both qualitative and quantitative, and concepts needed to study FGM. While learning definitions may seem rote, according to the well regarded Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, such basic knowledge is required to support higher levels of learning, including comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Later FGM Sections will build upon the knowledge acquired through these definitions with exposure to FGM processes. Exercises at the end of this Section will present creative challenges that encourage use of the qualitative term and quantitative variable definitions.

Qualitative definitions for key terms occupy slides fg_3_2 to fg_3_25, and users of the FGM Module may wish to proceed linearly, or skip around, through this set of key terms. Some of these terms are also found in the FGM Module Glossary, and all can be revisited later when seeking clarification for later readings or exercises. The nature of fluvial geomorphology requires the explanation of processes to define many of this Section's terms.

Quantitative or formulaic definitions for key variables occupy slides fg_3_26 through fg_3_74, and again users can take their own route and pace through this material, possibly skimming at first pass and returning for details as needed.

Exercises should be visited even if you bypass these two sub-sections of terms and variables. The exercises are located at fg_3_75. Each sub-section is denoted in the FGM Module Menu view. Many of these terms are from the texts identified at the beginning of this FGM Module, with particular emphasis on the Leopold, Wolman & Miller as well as Rosgen work.

Upon completing this FGM Module Section the student will have obtained exposure to the fundamental terms, variables, and processes of FGM. Later Sections will build upon these basic learning blocks.

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