Mr.

Mohamed Ali Yusof Bin Mohd Husin

APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
• The use of geomorphic principles to interpret the terrain can
help understand the history of geology, structure and
lithology of the area.
• Geomorphology can be used to solve common problems
found by geologists and engineers in various fields.
HYDROGEOLOGY
• The issue in hydrogeology
(surface water systems and
groundwater) in an area (eg
limestone, glaciers, deserts)
more understandable if the
geomorphology is known.
• Example: Secondary Limestone
porosity is influenced by the
joint and faults.
• Groundwater potential in
sandstones (confined and
unconfined aquifer).
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
Geomorphological features that
can assists in mineral exploration:
1. Mineral deposits can be seen
with an significant external
shape. (e.g. Pegmatite and
quartz vein ridge)
2. Landform/terrain of the area
indicate the existence of a
structure that allows
accumulation of certain
minerals (e.g. igneous
intrusion)
3. Geomorphic historical
understanding of an area that
could allow an appreciation of
the physical conditions in
which certain minerals may be
deposited (e.g. placer deposits
from river process and beach)
ENGINEERING PROJECT
Most engineering projects involve the
assessment of geological factors, such
as the characteristics of the land
surface and the profile of the parent
rock.
1. Road Construction
• Topography plays an
important role to find the
most appropriate route for
road construction (eg avoid
landslides)
• Landform, soil types, parent
rocks, different drainage
systems require different
engineering approaches.
2. Source of Sand and Gravel
• Deposits distribution of this
material is very useful in
engineering projects and
processes controlled by the
topography of the river and
the beach
MILITARY GEOLOGY
• Knowledge geomorphology
such as topography, vegetation
and drainage systems can help
in determining the strategy of
war
• The geological conditions of
the Normandy beaches for the
Invasion of Normandy were
investigated by the American
and British MGU
• For the invasion, large scale
maps, in three editions, of the
Normandy beach conditions of
1:5,000 were printed in great
secrecy, with each map
numbered for controlled use.
• Few copies of these maps
survived the war. Other maps
were prepared to show the
best areas suitable for building
airfields, and of water supply
locations.
HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION
• Understanding of lithology,
structures and landforms:
• Source rock – organic rich or
coal, with high pressure and
temperature of a period of
time, hydrocarbons form
• Migration
• Trap – hydrocarbon have to
be trapped within a
structural (e.g. anticline,
fault block) or stratigraphic
trapped
• Seal/Cap Rock -
Hydrocarbon has to be
covered by an impermeable
rock to avoid it from
escaping to the surface.
• Reservoir – Hydrocarbon are
contained in reservoir rock.
GEOTOURISM
• Geomorphological and
geological knowledge of a
feature or landscape can
increase the intrinsic value to
be a source of tourist
attraction
• Karst hills, igneous intrusion,
volcanic cones, coastal mud
volcanoes, hot springs, the
effects of erosion.