Dynamic Geomorphology

Code:

GEOGR041

Acronym:

GEODIN

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geography

Instance: 2025/2026 - 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
GEOGR	16	study plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

• Understand the diversity of the most relevant morphogenetic systems for Spatial Planning;


• Characterize the physical processes of terrestrial dynamics and their conditioning and triggering factors


• Learn data collection, analysis and field survey techniques in Geomorphology


• Understand the importance of knowing the natural dynamics of the territory in order to understand the mechanisms of geomorphological processes.

Learning outcomes and competences

• This curricular unit is structured to develop the ability to analyze cartographic and graphic documents in solving Dynamic Geomorphology problems.


• Develop scientific rigor in Dynamic Geomorphology studies


• At the end of the course, students should be able to characterize different geomorphological dynamics and develop the ability to resolve geomorphological challenges in spatial planning.


• Students must correctly use the concepts of geomorphology and apply the methods and techniques used to describe the dynamics of different geomorphological processes.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Nature and methods of Dynamic Geomorphology in the context of Physical Geography. Geomorphological processes and agents. Applications of Dynamic Geomorphology

2. Seismicity

2.1 Origin and types of earthquakes.

2.2 Seismic waves, intensity, magnitude and seismic acceleration.

2.3 The consequences of earthquakes and the amplification of the effects of earthquakes.

2.4 Seismic hazard assessment.

3. Fluvial dynamics

3.1 Watershed, base level, longitudinal profile and transversal profile.

3.2 Floodplains and floods.

3.3 River terraces and sediment load.

3.4 Assessment of the danger of river flooding.

4. Soil water erosion

4.1 Water in the soil

4.2 Water erosion factors and processes. Runoff models and flow processes; morphogenetic consequences of runoff.

4.3 Assessment of the danger of water erosion.

5. Slope dynamics

5.1 Types of movements, activity and morphometry.

5.2 Preparatory, conditioning and triggering factors for slope movements.

5.3 Assessment of the danger of slope movements.

6. Coastal dynamics

6.1 Types of coast

6.2 Accretion-erosion balance on beaches, cliff retreat.

6.3 Assessment of the danger of coastal erosion.

Assessment of hazards and geomorphological risks (case studies with fieldwork)

Mandatory literature

Arbogast, A.F. ; Discovering Physical Geography, Wiley, Danvers, MA., 2007
Clarke, L.E. & Nield, J.M. (Eds.) ; Geomorphological Techniques (Online Edition)., British Society for Geomorphology. ISBN: 2047-0371 (https://www.geomorphology.org.uk/publications/)
na; Guía para la elaboración de estudios del medio físico: contenido y metodología. Ministerio del Medio Ambiente, Secretaría General para la Prevención de la Contaminación y del Cambio Climático, 2004
Hamblin, W.K.; Christiansen, E.H.; Earth's dynamic systems. , New Jersey, Prentice Hall, 2004
Huggett, R. ; Fundamentals of Geomorphology, Taylor & Francis, 2016
Pidwirny,M. ; Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2006 (http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/contents.html)
Strahler, A. H., & Strahler, A. ; Introducing physical geography, Wiley, 2013

Teaching methods and learning activities

Diversified methods will be used in order to allow the students the apprehension and fulfilment of the objectives and skills previously related.

Software

Arcgis Pro

keywords

Natural sciences > Environmental science > Earth science > Physical geography
Natural sciences

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	50,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	61,00
Frequência das aulas	41,00
Trabalho de investigação	60,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance in 75% of classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Theoretical component test – 50% (10 points).

Report(s) of practical work(s) - 40% (8 points)

Presentation and oral discussion of practical work - 10% (2 points)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The students who are in special regime and cannot attend the course will have to take the final exam of the theoretical component and a final exam of the practical component with questions related to the practical work developed in classes.
The calculation of the final classification will correspond the following weighting:

Exam of the theoretical component - 50% (10 values)
Exam of the practical component - 50% (10 values)

Classification improvement

In the recourse period, the student will have to do, necessarily, the exam of the theoretical component, getting to the consideration of the Professor the need to make an improvement of the prepared practical work, according to the quality of that work. In this sense, the student should contact in advance the professor, in order to be informed of such a need.