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Anderson, Suzanne Prestrud

Professor

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Research

research overview

  • I am a geomorphologist focused on the interaction of chemical processes and physical erosion processes on the Earth’s surface, with an emphasis on cold regions. I study how rock breaks down to be released into mobile regolith (or soil) through physical stresses and chemical alteration. The architecture of weathered rock and soil layers at the surface reflects the history of rock emplacement, tectonic movements, attack by biologic systems (roots and microorganisms), water, and erosion processes. I study the effects of weathering, erosion processes, and specific erosional systems: e.g., weathered rock strength, water flow paths, rates of mobile regolith formation, rock chemical alteration, solute fluxes, fluvial systems, hillslope systems, glaciers, and permafrost. The goal is to develop models that describe interaction of erosion and weathering processes to form the architecture of the near-surface environments, also known as the critical zone and that affect global chemical and water cycles.

keywords

  • geomorphology, weathering, hydrology, cryosphere, glaciers, permafrost

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • GEOG 1011 - Our Changing Planet: Landscapes and Water
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
    In many ways, the Earth is defined by its abundance of water and vigorous hydrologic cycle. This course introduces how floodplains and their associated river systems, river deltas, erosional features such as the Grand Canyon, depositional features such as Cape Cod and Long Island, as well as mountain and even desert landscapes reflect the great power of water in shaping our planet and impacting life on Earth.
  • GEOG 4241 - Earth Surface Processes
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / 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.
  • GEOG 4261 - Glaciers and Permafrost
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
    Surveys the major terrestrial components of the cryosphere, including permafrost, glaciers and ice sheets. Emphasizes physical processes involving ice, including thermal behavior, ice deformation and mass balance, but also considers biogeochemical processes and landforms associated with ice. The climate context, including human interactions and recent climate history, will be considered. Taught in a combination lecture-seminar format. Recommended prerequisite: GEOG 4241.
  • GEOL 1010 - Exploring Earth
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2019 / Fall 2023
    Introductory geology for majors and non-majors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Degree credit not granted for both GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1012.
  • GEOL 1170 - Our Deadly Planet
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
    This course investigates those events so dramatic and catastrophic that they have left evidence in the geologic record that suggest they significantly impacted life on the planet. These include. but are not limited to, violent volcanic eruptions, mega-earthquakes and associated tsunamis, landslides and sector collapse on volcanoes, megafloods, rapid climatic change, superstorms, and impacts from asteroids and comets. The intent is to use examples from recent events and processes to frame and interpret evidence for these types of events observed in the rock record.
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