Physical Geography

Objectives

1. Understanding the interdependence of natural phenomena with global and regional scales

2. Provide an integrated vision of Earth System

3. Understanding the origins, evolution and dynamics of the atmosphere

4. Understanding the origins, evolution and dynamics of the lithosphere

5. Understanding the origins, evolution and dynamics of the hydrosphere

6. Knowledge of the physical characteristics of Portugal

7. Develop skills in analyzing physical-natural landscapes

Program

1 - Planet Earth
The formation of the universe
The Earth and the Solar System
The earth movement
The terrestrial geosystems
2. The atmosphere and the climate system
Structure and composition of the atmosphere
Weather and Climate
Factors and elements of climate
Earth Thermal Balance
General Atmospheric Circulation
Humidity and precipitation
Bioclimatic Regions
3 - The lithosphere and the Earth Relief
Structure of the earth
Dynamics of the Earth's crust
Internal Relief Agents
External relief agents
Landforms Characterization
4 - The hydrosphere and the hydrological cycle
Origin and distribution of water
Hydrological cycle and water balance
Analysis of the hydrographic network
Standards and flow regimes
Dynamics of lakes and watercourses
5 - Global change and the biophysical system
Natural origin changes
Anthropogenic Changes
Impacts of global change on the biosphere
6 - Landscape Biophysical Analysis

Teaching Methodologies

Theoretical classes are based in expository methods with the support of texts and audio-visual materials (PowerPoint, maps, videos and interpretive models). Use of the Moodle platform for disseminating lessons, text and PowerPoint presentations. In practical classes, students perform exercises to consolidate the theoretical contents based on the natural physical territory-regional (thematic mapping, climate series analysis, interpretation of landforms). Conducting visits to a weather station and the Azores Volcanic Earthquake Monitoring and Information Centre (CIVISA). Field trips for direct observation of the landscape.

Bibliography

Arthur Newell Strahler, Alan H. Strahler, 2010. Introducing Physical Geography. John Wiley & Sons.

Robert W. Christopherso, 2005. Geosystems: an introduction to physical geography. Pearson Prentice Hall.

Michael A. Summerfield, 1991. Global geomorphology: an introduction to the study of landforms. Long-man Scientific & Technical.

IGE, 2008. Manual de Leitura de Cartas. Instituto Geográfico do Exército. 7ª Edição. Lisboa.

Daveau, S., 1999. O Ambiente geográfico natural. Edições João Sá da Costa, 4ª ed., Lisboa.

Santos, F.D., 2012. Humans on Earth. From origins to possible futures. Springer, XVIII, 410p.

IPPC, 2013. Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.

Maidment, D.R., 1993. Handbook of Hydrology. McGraw-Hill, Inc, 1424p.