Surface Processes and Landscape Evolution
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this introduction to quantitative geomorphology, examining how climate, tectonics, and surface processes interact to shape Earth's landscapes. The course covers erosion, sediment transport, river and hillslope evolution, and the mathematical models geomorphologists use to describe landform change over time. Materials include lecture notes, problem sets, and readings drawn from current research in the field, with an emphasis on quantitative reasoning about physical processes rather than pure description. Topics range from bedrock river incision to soil production and landscape response to climate and tectonic forcing. The course is aimed at students with a background in calculus and physical science who want to understand the mechanics behind mountains, valleys, and drainage networks. As with other MIT OCW offerings, all materials are free to access, with no certificate offered.