2023
Geomorphology
Name: Geomorphology
Code: GEO02376L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Geography
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
After cursing this curricular unit the students should be able to identify elementary landforms and to understand the geomorphologic processes forming them. The students should be recognize the natural hazards that may be related with the geomorphologic processes. The students should be able to use the geomorphologic knowledge in territory management.
-The students should be able to apply the geomorphologic knowledge regarding a better understanding earth sciences and related disciplines. The students should be able to elaborate an elementary geomorphologic map.
-The students should be able to apply the geomorphologic knowledge regarding a better understanding earth sciences and related disciplines. The students should be able to elaborate an elementary geomorphologic map.
Contents
INTRODUCTION: Geomorphology (structural, dynamic and climatic).
Main geomorphological features on Earth.
ROCK WEATHERING: Lithological, climatic and structural control.
FROM THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE TO THE FLUVIAL MODELING: Areolar versus linear erosion. Erosion and accumulation forms related with fluvial processes. Planation surfaces and river terraces.
SLOPE FORMS: From the slope evolution to its shape.
FROM COASTAL DYNAMICS TO COASTAL MODELING: Forms of coastal erosion and accumulation. Sea level variations and marine terraces.
GLACIAL EROSION SYSTEMS: Forms of modeling glacial and periglacial regions.
AEOLIAN EROSION: From wind environments to forms of wind accumulation and erosion.
STRUCTURAL RELIEF: The influence of lithology and geological structure.
PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
Geomorphological interpretation of topographic maps: surface and profile analysis; planation surfaces characterization.
Introduction to photo interpretation and to MDT.
Main geomorphological features on Earth.
ROCK WEATHERING: Lithological, climatic and structural control.
FROM THE HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE TO THE FLUVIAL MODELING: Areolar versus linear erosion. Erosion and accumulation forms related with fluvial processes. Planation surfaces and river terraces.
SLOPE FORMS: From the slope evolution to its shape.
FROM COASTAL DYNAMICS TO COASTAL MODELING: Forms of coastal erosion and accumulation. Sea level variations and marine terraces.
GLACIAL EROSION SYSTEMS: Forms of modeling glacial and periglacial regions.
AEOLIAN EROSION: From wind environments to forms of wind accumulation and erosion.
STRUCTURAL RELIEF: The influence of lithology and geological structure.
PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES
Geomorphological interpretation of topographic maps: surface and profile analysis; planation surfaces characterization.
Introduction to photo interpretation and to MDT.
Teaching Methods
Theoretical component
Fundamental concepts of Geomorphology are presented by oral presentations. Other methodologies, such as Power Point presentations, web pages, or various texts, focusing the contents of Geomorphology are available on the Moodle platform.
Practical component
Resolution of individual exercises regarding the topics of geomorphology. Preparation of geomorphologic sketches using topographic maps, digital elevation models, aerial photography, stereoscope and geological maps.
Practical also include the elaboration of a geomorphological map and one day of field work.
ASSESSMENT:
The evaluation will be carried out according to one of two alternatives:
Option 1: Two partial tests involving the taught components, each weighting 50% of the final grade
Option 2: Final assessment exam of the taught components.
Fundamental concepts of Geomorphology are presented by oral presentations. Other methodologies, such as Power Point presentations, web pages, or various texts, focusing the contents of Geomorphology are available on the Moodle platform.
Practical component
Resolution of individual exercises regarding the topics of geomorphology. Preparation of geomorphologic sketches using topographic maps, digital elevation models, aerial photography, stereoscope and geological maps.
Practical also include the elaboration of a geomorphological map and one day of field work.
ASSESSMENT:
The evaluation will be carried out according to one of two alternatives:
Option 1: Two partial tests involving the taught components, each weighting 50% of the final grade
Option 2: Final assessment exam of the taught components.
Teaching Staff
- Diogo André Pinho da Costa [responsible]
- Marcelo Vieira Fernandes
