Elements of Geology

Code:

G112

Acronym:

G112

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2011/2012 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Landscape Architecture

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:AP	28	Planos de estudos a partir 2009	1	-	5	56	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Understanding of the main geological phenomena through a global approach that involves the genesis, composition and evolution of our Planet assuming Earth as a dynamic system where processes occur as an interactive cycle involving both the Earth interior and their external effects in the atmosphere, biosphere and oceans. To be aware of the importance of Geology in the assessment and management of natural resources as well as in the prevention of natural hazards.

Program

1- Geology as a science. The historical evolution of Geology. The problem of spatial and time observation scale of the geological phenomena
2- The Earth Planet: from the continental drift to Plate Tectonics. The geological and tectonic cycles. The continental drift and the Plate Tectonics theory. Arguments in favour of the seafloor spreading. The Wilson cycle. Distribution of the continental and ocean forms and of volcanic and seismic activities: their relation with the plate boundary movements. Primary geochemical differentiation of the Earth. Average composition of the crust and the mantle.
3- Geology and the geological time. Relative chronology: the principles of Stratigraphy. Absolute age: the most common isotope geochronology methods.
4 – The evolution of fossils and their importance as recorders of geologic time
5- Chemical and physical features of the Earth. Seismology: the behaviour of seismic waves and the Earth interior structure. Gravity anomalies. Pratt and Airy Isostasy models.
6- From minerals to rocks. Most common minerals as building blocks of rocks. Magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks: their description in terms of structure, mineralogical composition, chemistry and genesis
7- Rock deformation.: folds and faults
8- Landforms. The geological history of a region reflected on the landscape
9- Earth beneath the oceans: topography of the seafloor: a profile of the ocean floor from the continental margins to the deep ocean floor. Physical and chemical sedimentation in the ocean. The edge of the sea: waves and tides.
10- The main geological features of the Continental Portuguese territory

Bibliography:
Cattermole, P., 2000. Building Planet Earth. Cambridge University Press.
Chernicoff, S. & Venkatakrishnan, R., 1995. Geology. An introduction to Physical Geology. Worth Publishers.
Dercourt, J. & Paquet, J., 1981. Geologia. Objecto e Métodos. Livraria Almedina.
Gass, I.J., Smith, P.J. & Wilson, R.C.L., 1978. Vamos Compreender a Terra. Livraria Almedina.
Grotzinger, J., Jordan, T.H., Press, F., Siever, R., 2007. Understanding Earth. 5th edition. W.H. Freeman and Company.
Plummer, C.C. & McGeary, D. 1996. Physical Geology. Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
Redfern, M. 2003. The Earth: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Rhodes, F. H. T. 1991. Geology. A golden guide . St Martin’s Press.
Ribeiro, A., Antunes, M.T., Ferreira, M.P., Rocha, R.B., Soares, A.F., Zbyszewski, G., Almeida, F.M., Carvalho, D. & Monteiro, J.H., 1979. Introduction à la Géologie du Portugal. Serviços Geológicos de Portugal.
Robinson, E.S. 1982. Basic Physical Geology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Skinner, B.J. & Porter, S.C., 1987. Physical Geology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Willey, P.J., 1976. A Terra. Nova Geologia Global. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes supported by videoprojection. Practical classes involve the observation of geological materials and the resolution of geological map sections.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Eligibility for exams

According to FCUP rules

Calculation formula of final grade

Weighed average: three times the theoretical exam result plus two times the practical exam result, divided by three. The final result is improved by one value, according to the presentation of one of the practical exercises correctly solved.