Those age 50 and up may gain a greater understanding of the science behind the Fairbanks landscape in a course offered in April by the Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning. UA Geography Program Assistant Professor Patricia Heiser (pictured at right) will teach about the geologic and ecosystems processes that create the landscape patterns around Fairbanks.
On the agenda are addressing the tectonic evolution of interior Alaska and how the geomorphic processes of streams, loess, and permafrost have modified the landscape. The patchwork of vegetation types and their position on the landscape will be examined in terms of topography, succession, and disturbance such as fire. The class will also study how landscapes change under changing climate. The culmination will be a field trip highlighting what was learned in class.
Heiser’s research focuses on ice age paleogeography and landscape evolution in western and southwestern Alaska. She is the advisor of the UAF Geography Club.
The class is offered April 2, 9, 16, 23 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. at the UAF University Park building. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a program of Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It is supported by membership fees and the Bernard Osher Foundation.
No comments:
Post a Comment