GEOG 213: Introduction to Geomorphology

Research assistance

If you need help, please contact Sarah (Tong) Zhang, Librarian for Geography, GIS, & Maps at 778-782-9704 or tza68@sfu.ca or Ask a librarian.

Assignment

You are being asked to write a researched analysis of how a particular landform that you observe developed. You don't need to find information about your specific site (although that will be helpful if it's available). You do need to find information about the landform in question.

Identifying search terms (keywords)

To find information on your landform or specific site, it's important to brainstorm related and alternate terms/synonyms to use in your search. For example:

  • LocationLake of the Wood is also known as Schkam Lake.
  • Geomorphic feature:  a rockfall is also a rock fall is also a rock avalanche is also a rock slide.
  • Processes at play:  other search terms for the Kamloops benchlands, for example,  are Thompson River Valley, Kamloops Lake, quaternary valley fill, glaciolacustrine fill.

Other useful words: landforms, surficial geology, surface geology, geomorphology, land processes, earth surface processes.

Background information

Start with the Encyclopedia of Geomorphology [online or print]  

041527298X

Journal articles

Suggested databases to use when you are ready to search for journal articles:

GeoRef
Articles on all aspects of geology

GEOBASE
Scholarly research in all areas of geography. 

Web of Science
Major multidisciplinary scholarly database. Includes backward and forward citation linking as well as citation counts. 

CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
A bibliographic database containing over 11,000 records for publications on geomorphology by Canadian researchers.

GEOSCAN
The bibliographic database for scientific and technical publications of the Earth Sciences Sector (ESS) of Natural Resources Canada

Google Scholar
Scholarly articles from all disciplines from a wide variety of academic publishers, professional societies, preprint repositories, and universities. Search tips for Google and Google Scholar will help you construct your search. 

Formatting your document

Choose a format and citation style used in one of the following journals:

Finding the map for the Cache Creek field trip

The map your Cache Creek field trip will cover is titled “VANCOUVER-KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA”. It is located in the Maps Collection with the call number G3512 S60 C11 1980 [map]

To find this map again, use the "Keyword search with optional limits" part of the Library Catalogue: do a keyword search for Cache Creek and check the box to limit by format to "Maps".

The map cabinets have call numbers on the various drawers to assist you in finding the map. Within the drawer, they are also filed by call number order.

This map cannot be checked out of the library. You can take the map up to the middle of the 6th floor to use the special large-format photocopier there.

Photocopier 6B is the only one that does 11x17 sized paper (also known as LD or ledger sized). (Once you place your map on the copier, enter your printer/copier card, press the paper icon, and choose 11x17. Note that it may take 4-6 copies to cover the part of the map that you will need.)

After you copy the map, please return it to the top surface of the cabinet that it belongs in, but do not re-file it. Library staff will re-file it.