Academic Year: 2015/2016
Course: Introduction to Physical Geography
Coordinator: Gonçalo Vieira
Teachers: Gonçalo Vieira, Carla Mora and Raquel Melo.
ECTS: 6
Weekly Hours: 4h
Typology: Theoretical and Practical Classes
Contents
1. Introduction: Themes and objectives of Physical Geography studies. The dynamics of natural
systems. Physical Geography applied to evaluation and management of natural resources and
risks in the framework of spatial planning.
2. The Earth System and its sub-systems.
3. Global tectonics: Plate tectonics, types of plate boundaries and their geodynamical
implications.
4. The geological cycle and the rock cycle. The main rock types and their organization in the
lithosphere. Geological structures.
5. Solar radiation and the Global climate system: illumination of the globe and distribution of
solar radiation in the Earth surface. The Earth-Atmosphere energy budget.
6. Environmental changes and their impacts on natural systems.
Objectives and skills
Objectives:
- Understanding the diversity and complexity of the Earth System.
- Identifying the main processes of external and internal geodynamics and their distribution on
Earth.
- Identifying the characteristics of the main rock types and structures and their
geomorphological, hydrological and biogeographical significance.
- Understanding the characteristics and role of solar radiation and of the energy budget in the
climate system.
- Identifying the main processes and actions causing environmental change, as well as their
consequences on Earth’s surface.
Skills:
- Hability to identify and discuss key concepts in Physical Geography, which are of significance
to spatial management.
- Hability to identify and understand the significance of the elements and processes of the subsystems of the Earth system.
- Understanding the concepts of change and evolution and identifying the possible impacts of
environmental changes in the territory.
References
- Blij, H.J.; Muller, P. (1993). Physical Geography of the Global Environment. John Wiley
& Sons, NY.
- Hamblin, W.K.; Christiansen, E.H. (2004). Earth's dynamic systems. New Jersey,
Prentice Hall.
- Inkpen, R. (2005). Science, Philosophy and Physical Geography. Routledge, London.
- Oke, T.R (1996). Boundary layer Climates. Methuen, London.
- Pidwirny, M. (2006). Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition.
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/contents.html
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Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território ▪ Edifício IGOT - Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 LISBOA ▪ tel.: 21 044 3000
- Ritter, M. (2006). The Physical Environment: An Introduction to Physical Geography.
http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/title_page.html
Knowledge evaluation methods and their partial grades
Normal regime:
- 2 Practical exams (20% + 20%)
- 1 Theoretical exam (60%)
Special regime
- 2 Practical exams (20% + 20%)
- 1 Theoretical exam (60%)
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Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território ▪ Edifício IGOT - Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 LISBOA ▪ tel.: 21 044 3000