Geomorphic Processes: Landforms & Landscapes Course | NPTEL IIT Kanpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 54 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Earth Sciences |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unveiling Earth's Dynamic Sculptors: A Guide to the Geomorphic Processes Course
Have you ever wondered how majestic mountains rise, vast valleys form, or intricate coastlines are carved? The answer lies in geomorphic processes—the powerful natural forces that shape the Earth's surface. For students eager to understand these fundamental Earth dynamics, the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) offers an exceptional course: Geomorphic Processes: Landforms and Landscapes, presented by the renowned Prof. Javed N. Malik from IIT Kanpur.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Javed N. Malik
Learning from an expert with field-defining experience is invaluable. Prof. Malik brings a wealth of knowledge to this course:
- Academic Credentials: Completed his Ph.D. in Geology from M.S. University Baroda and a prestigious JSPS Post-Doctorate at Hiroshima University, Japan.
- Professional Journey: Has been a faculty member at IIT Kanpur since 2001.
- Areas of Specialization: Active Tectonics, Paleoseismology (studying past earthquakes), and Paleo-tsunami research.
- Global Research: Actively collaborates with institutions in Japan, the US, and France on critical projects related to earthquake and tsunami studies, including work in the Himalayas, Kachchh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
His cutting-edge research ensures the course content is not only theoretically sound but also connected to real-world, contemporary geological investigations.
About the Course: A Journey into Earth's Sculpting Forces
This 8-week undergraduate-level course serves as a comprehensive introduction to geomorphology. It is designed to build a strong foundation in understanding the complex interactions between the Earth's interior and surface processes.
Course Objectives:
- Introduce the basic principles of geomorphology and the geological environment.
- Explain the processes operating within the Earth's interior and on its surface.
- Equip students with detailed knowledge of landforms and dynamics in various terrains.
Intended Audience: This course is perfectly suited for Undergraduate students in Science and Engineering disciplines who wish to solidify their understanding of Earth's physical processes.
Pre-requisites: A basic course in Earth Sciences is recommended. Students may also benefit from the NPTEL courses Earth Sciences For Civil Engineering (Parts I & II).
Industry Support: The skills and knowledge gained are highly relevant for any company or organization involved in landscape mapping, environmental consulting, civil engineering, and natural resource management.
Detailed Course Layout: Week-by-Week Breakdown
The course is meticulously structured over eight weeks to guide you from fundamental concepts to specific geomorphic environments.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Fundamentals of the Earth Surface System and Processes |
| Week 2 | Interior of Earth, Plate Tectonics and Sea-floor Spreading |
| Week 3 | The Atmospheric System: Composition, Hydrological & Carbon Cycles, Greenhouse Effect, Milankovitch Cycles |
| Week 4 | Fluvial Geomorphology I: Drainage basins, river systems, morphology, hydrology, and open channel flow principles |
| Week 5 | Fluvial Geomorphology II: Fluvial erosion, sediment transport, depositional landforms, and river dynamics |
| Week 6 | Aeolian Geomorphology: Atmospheric circulation, wind erosion, sediment transport, and desert landforms |
| Week 7 | Glacial Geomorphology: Glacial basics, ice motion, erosional and depositional landforms |
| Week 8 | Karst & Coastal Geomorphology: Karst processes/landforms; Coastal environments, waves, tides, erosion, and depositional features |
Recommended Textbooks for In-Depth Study
To complement the video lectures, Prof. Malik recommends several authoritative texts that are considered classics in the field:
- Monroe, J.S., Wicander, R., & Hazlett, R. (2007). Physical Geology: Exploring the Earth (6th Ed.).
- Strahler, A. Introduction to Physical Geology. John Wiley & Sons.
- Keller, E.D. (2012). Introduction to Environmental Geology. Prentice Hall.
- Grotzinger, Jordan, Press & Siever. Understanding Earth. W.H. Freeman and Company.
Why Enroll in This Course?
This NPTEL course is more than just an academic module; it's a window into understanding the ever-changing planet we inhabit. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Javed N. Malik, you will learn to read the landscape, interpret the history written in rocks and landforms, and comprehend the forces that continue to shape our world. Whether you're a geology student, a civil engineer, or simply an Earth enthusiast, this journey through geomorphic processes will fundamentally change how you see the world around you.
Ready to decode the language of landscapes? Explore this course on the NPTEL platform to begin your learning adventure.
Enroll Now →