• Contact Info
Publications in VIVO

Anderson, Bob

Distinguished Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • I am a geomorphologist, one who studies the surface of the planet and how it has evolved. I have studied most aspects of the landscape, from the weathering of rock to generate soil, to the transport of soil down hillslopes, to the transport of sediment by rivers to the sea, to the evolution of coastlines that define the edge of the ocean. I have worked on tectonically alive and tectonically dead landscapes. My recent focus has been on alpine and Arctic landscapes in which ice figures prominently, as glaciers in alpine settings, and as permafrost and sea ice in the Arctic. I focus on the processes involved, working them as physics and chemistry problems. My research may be broken into three tasks: field monitoring, modeling, and establishment of timing in the landscape. Modeling involves numerical simulations meant both to interpret data and to generate generic landscapes, often resulting in animations. In dating landscapes, I employ cosmogenic radionuclides in a variety of ways.

keywords

  • geomorphology, earth surface processes, glaciers, periglacial processes, hillslopes, cliffs, weathering, hogbacks, cosmogenic radionuclides, rivers, sediment transport, permafrost

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • GEOG 4241 - Earth Surface Processes
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
    Earth�s surface is constantly reshaped by water, ice, wind, and life. This class investigates the earth's landscapes and the processes that modify them, both gradually by slow weathering and erosion, and abruptly through the action of floods, landslides, and other geologic events. We cover surface processes in hillslope, glacial, riverine, desert, and coastal environments. Upon completion of the course, students will have mastered knowledge about diverse surface processes and landforms and applied core geomorphic principles to a variety of landscapes. Students will also learn that understanding surface processes is important for managing natural hazards (e.g., landslides and floods). This course will draw from many disciplines, including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology. The laboratory portion of the course will include quantitative problem solving and field trips to collect and analyze geomorphic data. Same as GEOL 4241.
  • GEOL 1040 - Geology of Colorado
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2023
    Reviews the geologic evolution and history of Colorado. It first develops the basic concepts needed to interpret the geology and then systematically shows how the state evolved through geologic time. Designed for those who enjoy understanding the beauty and splendor of the state.
  • GEOL 2001 - Planet Earth
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
    Explores the dynamics of planet Earth with particular emphasis on the factors that make the planet habitable. Includes examination of heat balance, hydrology, geomorphology, biogeochemistry and climate history through both lecture and lab-based activities. Required for the Geology major, introduces students to the major concepts in contemporary Earth system science.
  • GEOL 4241 - Earth Surface Processes
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
    Earth�s surface is constantly reshaped by water, ice, wind, and life. This class investigates the earth's landscapes and the processes that modify them, both gradually by slow weathering and erosion, and abruptly through the action of floods, landslides, and other geologic events. We cover surface processes in hillslope, glacial, riverine, desert, and coastal environments. Upon completion of the course, students will have mastered knowledge about diverse surface processes and landforms and applied core geomorphic principles to a variety of landscapes. Students will also learn that understanding surface processes is important for managing natural hazards (e.g., landslides and floods). This course will draw from many disciplines, including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology. The laboratory portion of the course will include quantitative problem solving and field trips to collect and analyze geomorphic data. Same as GEOG 4241.
  • GEOL 5101 - Introduction to Geological Sciences Faculty I
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
    Welcomes and introduces all new graduate students to the Department of Geological Sciences. Faculty discuss their research and their academic trajectories. The week�s geology colloquium is discussed. Tutorials from staff introduce how the university works, what funding opportunities exist, and how and when to apply for such funding.
    • ... more

Background

awards and honors

International Activities

Other Profiles