Michael P. Lamb
Professor of Geology
B.S., University of Minnesota, 2001; M.S., University of Washington, 2004; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2008. Assistant Professor, Caltech, 2009-14; Professor, 2014-.
Research Summary
Sedimentary and geomorphic processes that shape the surfaces of Earth, Mars and Titan. Current topics include waterfall erosion, sediment transport in steep mountain streams, river terrace formation, river mouth dynamics, and hyperpycnal flows.
Research Options
Geology;
Research Areas
Geomorphology;
Planetary Surfaces;
Sedimentology;
Publications
Please see Mike Lamb's publications page:
Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology.
12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2023-24.
Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. For Ge 121a (Lamb): Ge 125 or instructor approval.
Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Lamb (a), Grotzinger (b), Stock (c)
Instructors: Lamb (a), Grotzinger (b), Stock (c)
Ge 126. Topics in Earth Surface Processes.
6 units (2-0-4); second term, 2023-24.
A seminar-style course focusing on a specific theme within geomorphology and sedimentology depending on student interest. Potential themes could include river response to climate change, bedrock erosion in tectonically active mountain belts, or delta evolution on Earth and Mars. The course will consist of student-led discussions centered on readings from peer-reviewed literature.
Instructor: Lamb
Instructor: Lamb
Ge 125. Geomorphology.
12 units (3-5-4); first term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 a or instructor's permission.
A quantitative examination of landforms, runoff generation, river hydraulics, sediment transport, erosion and deposition, hillslope creep, landslides and debris flows, glacial processes, and submarine and Martian landscapes. Field and laboratory exercises are designed to facilitate quantitative measurements and analyses of geomorphic processes.
Given in alternate years; offered 2022-23.
Instructor: Lamb
Instructor: Lamb
Ge 126. Topics in Earth Surface Processes.
6 units (2-0-4); second term, 2022-23.
A seminar-style course focusing on a specific theme within geomorphology and sedimentology depending on student interest. Potential themes could include river response to climate change, bedrock erosion in tectonically active mountain belts, or delta evolution on Earth and Mars. The course will consist of student-led discussions centered on readings from peer-reviewed literature.
Instructor: Lamb
Instructor: Lamb
Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology.
12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2021-22.
Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission.
Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Lamb (a), Stock (b), Grotzinger (c)
Instructors: Lamb (a), Stock (b), Grotzinger (c)
Ge 125. Geomorphology.
12 units (3-5-4); first term, 2021-22.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 a or instructor's permission.
A quantitative examination of landforms, runoff generation, river hydraulics, sediment transport, erosion and deposition, hillslope creep, landslides and debris flows, glacial processes, and submarine and Martian landscapes. Field and laboratory exercises are designed to facilitate quantitative measurements and analyses of geomorphic processes. Given in alternate years; not offered 2021-2022.
Instructor: Lamb
Instructor: Lamb
Ge 126. Topics in Earth Surface Processes.
6 units (2-0-4); second term, 2021-22.
A seminar-style course focusing on a specific theme within geomorphology and sedimentology depending on student interest. Potential themes could include river response to climate change, bedrock erosion in tectonically active mountain belts, or delta evolution on Earth and Mars. The course will consist of student-led discussions centered on readings from peer-reviewed literature.
Instructor: Lamb
Instructor: Lamb