Marine Geology

Objectives

1. Grasp the main mechanisms of the internal dynamics of the planet and its implications in the oceans;
2. Recognize the interactions between geological processes and the environment;
3. Understand the geodiversity and identify the different materials in the geological cycle;
4. Understand the meaning of the landforms on the seafloor with regard to the processes that led to its genesis and its evolution over time;
5. Seize the time scale of geological phenomena;
6. Develop independent study on topics taught in lectures;
7. Identify the main geological resources.

Program

1 PLANET EARTH AS A DYNAMIC SYSTEM
- Evolution and differentiation
- Internal structure and composition
- Formation of the atmosphere and oceans

2 PLATE TECTONICS
- Continental Drift
- Theory of Plate Tectonics
- Major plates
- Limits of plates
- Hot Spots

3 GEOLOGICAL CYCLE
- The concept of rock recycling
- Magmatism and volcanism
- Metamorphism
- Minerals and Rocks

4 EXTERNAL GEODYNAMICS
- The hydrological cycle
- Formation and evolution of terrestrial relief
- Weathering, erosion, sedimentation and diagenesis
- Sedimentary Rocks

5 GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE OCEAN FLOOR
- Methods to study the seafloor (SF)
- Factors controlling morphology of the SF
- Landforms and structures of the SF
- Sedimentation

6.THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD
- Time in Geology
- Relative and absolute dating
- Stratigraphy and geo-history
- Geological mapping

7 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
- Concept of resource
- Mineral resources and energy
- Exploitation of resources

Teaching Methodologies

Lectures - Based on the presentation of sketches / illustrative photographs of the objects, concepts and processes being analysed.

Theory and Practical classers - Observation and characterization of rocks and minerals. Solving exercises with models and diagrams.

The unit may also benefit from the use of learning management available at the University of the Azores platform, thus enhancing the execution of asynchronous activities.

Assessment - Final Exam, with a theoretical component and a practical component.

Bibliography

- SKINNER, B.J., PORTER S.C. e PARK, J. (2004). The dynamic Earth. An introduction to physical geology 5ªed. Wiley & Sons Ed. 584p.
- MONROE, J.S., WICANDER, R. e HAZLETT R., (2007). Physical geology: exploring the earth. Thomson Brooks/Cole. 690p.
- LAGABRIELLE, Y. e LEROY, S. (eds) (2008) Le visage sous-marin de la Terre: Eléments de géodynamique océanique. CCGM Ed. 49p.
- JAMES P. KENNETT (1982) Marine geology. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.,  813 pp.