Geomorphological Processes

Code:

GEOGR057

Acronym:

PGEOM

Instance: 2010/2011 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Geography

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
ARQU	18	Study plan since 2008/2009	2	-	6	-
GEOGR	169	Study Plan - Geo. Minor in History (2008-2011)	1	-	6	-
		Study Plan (2008/2009 - 2011/2012)	1	-	6	-
HISTO	4	Study Plan - Hist. w/ Minor in Geography	2	-	6	-
			3

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Understand the evolution of the earth system;
Understand the natural dynamics of the earth system;
Understand the dynamics of the earth system, namely with respect to the geological, tectonic, geomorphological, hydrological and climate systems and processes;
Develop the concept of geomorphological evolution;
Be aware of the importance of knowing the natural dynamics of the territory in order to understand the mechanisms of morphogenetic processes;
Learn the different forms of relief and their morphogenetic framework;
Know and understand the interaction between Man and the environment;
Acquire the technical/scientific jargon of the earth sciences;
Acquire the basics in this subject area in order to understand the natural processes that act on the territory;
Identify the morphogenetic processes and its related factors;
Interpret the role and interaction of natural and anthropogenic factors in the dynamics of the physical environment;

Program

1 - The earth system.
1.1 The concept of system
1.2 Systemic functioning

2 - Internal geodynamics
2.1 Geology
- Geological structure of the Earth
- Geological formation and evolution
- Volcanism
- Lithology
2.2 Tectonics
- Tectonic models
- The different types of tectonic faults
- Neotectonics and associated seismic activity

3 - External geodynamics
3.1 - The dynamics of slopes
- Basic geomorphological concepts
- A complex geomorphological system
- Typology of landslides
- Systematisation of factors involved in landslides
- The unpredictability of the system
3.2 River dynamics
- The basic concepts of river geomorphology: watershed, river system, hydrological regime, flow, flow speed, carrying capacity, flood plains, drainage, seepage, infiltration and waterproofing, water circulation, concentration time, hydrograph and histogram;
- The waterways as agents shaping the earth’s surface
- The watershed as an open system
- River systems and geo-dynamic implications
- The importance of floods to planning
3.3 Wind dynamics
- General atmospheric dynamics and the wind system
- The wind as agent shaping the territory and landscapes
- The wind as a transfer system

4 - The morphogenetic processes: the interaction of several factors /agents
4.1 The complexity of natural systems
4.2 Diversity of actors involved
4.3 The multi-combination of several factors

5 - The dynamics of the territory and anthropogenic activity
5.1 Man as a factor
5.2 Man as an agent
5.3 From passiveness to anthropogenic activity
5.4 Man as the “manager” of the territory.
Complementary literature

Mandatory literature

SLAYMAKER, Olav ; Geomorphology, human activity, and global environmental change, John Wiley & Sons, 2000
STODDART, D. R.; Process and form in geomorphology, Routledge, New York., 1997
THOMAS, D.S.G.; ALLISON, R. J. ; Landscape sensitivity, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1993
WISNER, Benjamin, et al.,; At risk: natural hazards, people's vulnerability and disasters, 2.ª edição, Routledge, Londres, 2004
COQUE, Roger ; Geomorphologie, Armand Colin, Paris, 1977
DERRUAU, M. ; Précis de Géomorphologie. 6ª ed. , Masson, Paris, 1974
STRAHLER, Arthur ; Geografia Física, Ómega, Barcelona, 1979
COATES, D. R: ; Environmental Geology, Jonh Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981
GILSANZ, Javier Pedraza ; Geomorfología – principios, métodos y aplicaciones, Ed. Rueda, Madrid, 1996
GREORY, K.; WALLING, D. ; Drainge Basin. Form and Process: a geomorfological approach, Fletcher & Son Itd, Norwich, 1973
OOLIER, C. D; Tectonics and Landforms, Longman, London, 1981
PECH, P.; REGNAULD; H; Géographie physique, PUF, coll. “Premier Cycle”, Paris, 1992
SELBY, M. J. ; Hillslope materials and processes, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1982
WEBER, W.J. et al.; Process Dynamics in Environmental Systems, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1996

Complementary Bibliography

HANSEN, M. ; Strategies for classification of landslides, Brunsden & Prior (eds.), , 1984
PEDROSA, António et. al. ; Metodologias de Estudo de Processos de Erosão , FLUP, Porto, 2001
RIBEIRO, A. et al ; Introduction à la géologie général du Portugal, Publ. Serv. Geol. Lisboa, 1979
REBELO, Fernando ; Riscos Naturais e Actuação Antrópica, Imprensa da Universidade, Coimbra, 2001
LOWE, J. & WALKER, M. ; Reconstruction quaternary environments, Longman, New York , 1984
FLAGEOLLET, Jean-Claude ; Les mouvements de terrain et leur prévention, Masson, Paris, 1989
LADURIE,E. Le Roy ; Histoire du climat depois l’an mil, Flammarion, Paris, 1983
PEDROSA, A. S. ; Geografia Física, Ambiente e Ordenamento do Território, que perspectivas?, Cadernos ESAP,1 p. 7-13, ESAP, Porto, 1997
TENHUNEN, J. D. et al. ; Integrating Hydrology, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Biogeochemistry in Complex Landscapes, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York, 1999

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expository theory classes and follow-up of practical exercises during classes.
Field trips with the aim of understanding the phenomena related to the dynamics of the territory

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science > Physical geography

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Attendance (estimated)	Participação presencial	60,00
	Teste	30,00		2011-06-10
	Participação presencial	30,00		2011-06-10
	Exame	6,00		2011-06-10
	Total:	-	0,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Description	Type	Time (hours)	End date
Tempo de Estudo do Aluno	Estudo autónomo	34	2011-06-10
	Total:	34,00

Eligibility for exams

Not applicable

Calculation formula of final grade

The theory component counts for 2/3 of total assessment.
The practical component counts for 1/3 of total assessment.
Special exams and assignments

Examinations or Special Assignments

Practical exercises throughout the semester.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to FLUP regulation

Classification improvement

Final