KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
COURSE CODE: HDG 7203

COURSE TITLE: ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY

NAME: BASIIMIRE ENOCK

REG NUMBER: 24/U/GMAG/51814/PE

LECTURER: DR. TURYABANAWE.G. LOY

Coursework 1
Qn.1a) basing on the photograph provided, prepare a general classification of hillside slopes
1a). Convex Slopes (Waxing Slopes)

The upper parts of the hills in the background appear to curve outward. Convex slope profile is a
result of denudational process. These are typical of hill summits and are often shaped by
weathering and soil creep. They represent the initial stage in slope formation where materials
slowly move downhill. According to Penck and Wood, these are referred to as waxing slopes and
occur due to gradual accumulation and movement of soil at the crest.

Rectilinear Slopes (Constant Slopes)

Some mid-sections of the visible hills appear relatively straight and uniformly inclined. These
are known as constant slopes, often formed by processes like surface wash and mass wasting.
These parts are less curved and reflect a more balanced state between material erosion and
deposition. Wood refers to these as debris slopes, often lying below a free face or waxing slope.

Concave Slopes (Waning Slopes)

The lower segments of the hills gently curve inward, merging into the flatter valley floor. These
concave features, or waning slopes, typically occur where deposition exceeds erosion, such as by
rain-wash, forming a gentle slope near valley bottoms or river banks. Penck also relates these to
areas where erosion rates are decreasing.

Composite Slopes

The hillside seen in the image shows a combination of upper convexity, middle rectilinear
sections, and lower concavity. This fits the convex-rectilinear-concave composite slope profile,
which is common in many natural landscapes, especially where different rock types and erosion
processes interact over time.

In conclusion, the study of slope development is a complex field involving various approaches,
classifications, and influential models. Geomorphologists have long sought to understand the
interplay of structure, process, and time in shaping the diverse array of slope forms observed in
nature. While different models offer valuable insights, the evolution of any particular slope is
likely influenced by a combination of factors and processes, making it a continuous area of
investigation in geomorphology.
 KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
COURSE CODE: HDG 7203

COURSE TITLE: ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY

NAME: BASIIMIRE ENOCK

REG NUMBER: 24/U/GMAG/51814/PE

LECTURER: DR. TURYABANAWE.G. LOY

Coursework 2
Qn.1a) Prepare a descriptive classification of land scape classification portrayed in the
photograph provided

b). Explain the basis of classification in (a) above

The slope later becomes more straight and finally convex towards the lower slopes in the
foreground of the photograph. This has facilitated the growth of trees, banana plantation and has
enabled settlement construction

The eastern part of the photograph consists of a concave slope that gradually reduces into a
convex slope reducing towards the lower eastern parts of the photograph. This is covered by
grass and various tree spaces

The gently sloping u-shaped valley cuts across the central foreground intersecting through the
valley sides and gradually reduces into a plain/flat surface in the central background of the
photograph covered by tall grass and various trees.

The central part of the photograph with a u-shaped valley consists of depressions that are
covered by water

b) The description differentiates areas based on the variation in slope form—concave, convex,
straight, and hanging. These morphological terms refer to the profile curvature of the slope,
which significantly influences erosion, water movement, and suitability for vegetation and
human settlement.

Upper Left: Plateau with Hanging Free Face Slopes

The plateau represents an elevated, relatively flat surface. The presence of bare patches and
hanging slopes indicates active erosional processes or past tectonic uplift. The hanging free face
slopes suggest steep, possibly unstable terrain formed through mass wasting or fluvial
downcutting. The concave slope on the upper side of the plateau implies that water accumulates
and slows down, encouraging soil development and vegetation establishment. The transition to
straight and then convex slopes towards the foreground suggests a gradation in slope steepness
and runoff velocity. Convex lower slopes are more stable and less prone to erosion, making them
ideal for banana plantations, tree growth, and human settlement, as observed in the photograph.

Eastern Slope

The eastern part consists of a concave slope gradually reducing to a convex slope. This shows a
smooth transition in slope steepness, where concave upper slopes enhance water retention and
convex lower slopes shed water more efficiently. This type of slope is often less prone to erosion,
which supports the growth of grasses and tree spaces. The vegetation pattern confirms this,
indicating a balanced soil moisture regime conducive to plant growth.

Valley and Drainage Features

U-Shaped Valley

The central part of the photograph is dominated by a gently sloping u-shaped valley, which
typically forms due to glacial erosion or the widening action of a river over time.

The valley cuts across the landscape, intersecting valley sides, and gradually transitions into a
flat surface or plain. This transition suggests depositional processes, where sediments are laid
down in the valley bottom, creating fertile soils.

Flat Central Background (Valley Floor)

The valley floor is flat and covered by tall grass and trees, indicating a high-water table, good
drainage, and nutrient-rich alluvial soils. Such areas are often used for seasonal farming or
grazing.

Depressions Covered with Water

These are located in the central u-shaped valley and represent temporary or permanent wetlands.
They form due to poor drainage, subsidence, or past glacial activity.

The presence of standing water indicates depressions or basin-like features within the valley

Land Use and Vegetation Patterns

The distribution of trees, banana plantations, and settlements on the lower convex slopes shows a
direct relationship between slope stability, soil fertility, and human activity.
Grass and scattered trees on the eastern slopes reflect natural vegetation cover, possibly due to
less intensive land use or conservation of soil and vegetation.

Tall grasses and trees on the flat valley floor indicate an area of rich biodiversity, possibly used
for grazing, silviculture, or traditional agriculture.

Conclusion

The classification in the photograph is grounded in physical geography principles, particularly