The instructional and student research programs in physical geography are supported by two laboratories and a weather station equipped with an extensive array of modern scientific instrumentation. Two principal areas of scientific study are geomorphology and climatology.
Extensive field research in geomorphology provides students with hands-on knowledge in data and specimen collection. Students studying climatology learn the intricacies of boundary layer climatology, air pollution, meteorology, and more. Our nationally recognized weather network of 14 climate recording stations provide students with statistical data ready for interpretation. Click on the weather station link for more information on our weather network.
Equipment in our physical geography labs include a Coulter Counter for laser-assisted analysis of small-sized sediments and a Wild M-8 microscope with video and photographic capabilities. We also operate a broad range of field surveying equipment including a laser-driven Total Station, automatic levels, and Marsh-McBirney sensors for the measurement of flow in fluvial and coastal environments. A 3.5 meter flume, constructed in-house, is available for studies of turbulent and laminar flow in non-viscous channels. The department is also well-equipped for student research projects focusing on soils, suspended and sediment evaluation.