Geodynamics

Code:

G113

Acronym:

G113

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

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

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:AST	0	Plano de Estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	7,5	70	202,5
L:B	5	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	3	-	7,5	70	202,5
L:CC	0	Plano de estudos de 2008 até 2013/14	3	-	7,5	70	202,5
L:F	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2008	2	-	7,5	70	202,5
L:M	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2009	3	-	7,5	70	202,5
L:Q	0	Plano de estudos Oficial	3	-	7,5	70	202,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To acquire basic and fundamental concepts of Earth internal and external dynamic processes, to understand their relationship and consequences.

To provide  skills on the reading and interpretation of topographic and geological maps; to perform geological and topographical profiles, to identify and orientate geological structures; and, handling the compass.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is intended that students can understand and interpret:
- The internal and external geodynamic processes;
- The interdependence of these processes in the genesis of the rock sand the global dynamics of the planet;
- The effects of these processes on the genesis of the relief / landscape.

To provide  skills on the:

- reading and interpretation of topographic and geological maps;

- performing of geological and topographical profiles;

- identification and orientation geological structures;

- handling the compass.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Theoretical

1. Introduction and basic concepts
1.1. Geology as a Science
1.2. The planet Earth: a first look of earth’s structure.
1.3. The lithological cycle.
1.4. From minerals to rocks: the more usual minerals.
2. Earth internal structure
2.2. Earthquakes, seismology and earth interior: behavior of the seismic waves
2.2. The Earth’s structure: crust, mantle and core.
2.3. Earth’s composition.
3. Earth’s dynamic
3.1. From continental drift to plate tectonics
3.2. Paleomagnetism and sea-floor spreading
3.3. Plate tectonics and consequences
4. Internal geodynamic processes
4.1. Introduction of igneous processes and igneous rocks.
4.2. Volcanism: Types, products and associated landforms.
4.3. Introduction to metamorphic processes and associated rocks. 
5. External geodynamic processes
5.1.Introduction to sedimentary processes and sedimentary rocks.
5.2. Slope processes: slope stability, erosion and slope evolution. Mass wasting.
5.3. Stream processes: stream dynamic and erosion processes. Fluvial morphology, and concept of longitudinal and equilibrium profile. Drainage basins and drainage networks. Erosion cycle and landscape evolution.
5.4. Coastal processes: dynamic of waves and marine streams. Erosion and deposition in coastal environments.
5.5. Glacial processes. Glaciations and climatic changes. Mechanisms of glacial flow. Glacial landscapes.
5.6. Eolian processes. Wind mechanisms of erosion and deposition. Landscapes in arid environments.
5.7. Karst processes: Structural, lithologic and climatic constrains in karsts. Morphology of karsts.

Practical

Reading and interpreting maps, identifying structures and handling the compass.

Mandatory literature

Grotzinger John; Understanding earth. ISBN: 0-7167-6682-5
Chernicoff Stanley; Geology. ISBN: 0-87901-451-2
Hamblin W. Kenneth 1928-; Earth.s dynamic systems. ISBN: 0-13-745373-6
Wyllie Peter J.; A Terra. ISBN: 972-31-0648-5

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures with PowerPoint presentations (after offered on web site).
 
Reading and interpreting topographic and geological maps, identification of geological  structures and handling the compass.

Chernicoff,S. & Venkatakrishnan,R., 1995. Geology. An introduction to Physical Geology. Worth publishers. New York.
Dercout, J. & Paquet, J., 1981. Geologia. Objectos e métodos. Livraria Almedina. Coimbra.
Grotzinger,J., Jordan,T.H. & Siever, R., 2005. Understanding Earth (5 th edition) W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
Wyllie, P. J., 1976. A Terra. Nova geologia global. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. Lisboa.


http://www.geopor.pt/index.html

http://www.apgeologos.pt/index.html


http://earthquake.usgs.gov/


http://www.meteo.pt/pt/sismologia/actividade/
.

http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/


http://www.usgs.gov/science/science.php?term=639


http://medinaswcd.org/streams.htm

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	143,00
Total:	143,00

Eligibility for exams

According FCUP rules

Calculation formula of final grade

Formula Evaluation: Theoretical componente 2/3 and practical component 1/3.