Physical Geography of Portugal

Year
0
Academic year
2021-2022
Code
01013952
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The lectures will always be accompanied by observation of geological and geomorphological map extracts, as well as panoramic photos on a regional level and in specific cases, a local level.

Practical classes correspond to the reading and interpretation of geological maps, with elaboration of geological cuts.

If possible, a study trip that crosses various geomorphological areas and allows for the drilling down to the detail of local observation of actual cases studied in class.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the semester, the students in Physical Geography of Portugal should have sufficient knowledge about the general outlines of the relief of mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of Madeira and the Azores, as well as the comprehension of climate, hydrology and biogeography of Portuguese territory, understood on a set scale (outline) and a regional scale, and in some cases, on a local scale.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

INTRODUCTION

1. Continental Portugal, Azores and Madeira. Location, dimensions and physical surroundings.

2. Portugal and large morphostructural units of the Iberian Peninsula.

3. Integration of Portuguese territory in all the major morphoclimatic areas.

I - NORTH PORTUGAL

1. Plateaus of Tras-os-Montes.

2. Alto Douro

3. Minho range.

I - CENTRAL PORTUGAL

1. Central Range

    A case study: Glaciation of the Serra da Estrela.

2. The Plateau south of the Douro and the Nave Plateau.

3. Beira Alta Plateau.

4. The lowlands of Beira Litoral.

5. Beira Baixa.

III – LISBON AND TAGUS VALLEY

1. Mountains and plateaus of Extremadura.

2. The Tagus and Sado basin.

IV – ALENTEJO

1. The Alentejo relief

V – ALGARVE

1. Unity and diversity of the Algarve

VI – THE AUTONOMOUS REGIONS OF MADEIRA AND THE AZORES

1. Volcanic relief and insularity.

CONCLUSION

Portugal, an Atlantic country with strong ties to the Mediterranean.

Head Lecturer(s)

José Gomes dos Santos

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Report of a seminar or field trip: 30.0%
Frequency: 70.0%

Bibliography

DAVEAU, Suzanne (1986)  – Les bassins de Lousã et d’Arganil.

Vol. I - Le bassin sédimentaire. Lisboa, CEG, 1985.

Vol. II - L’évolution du relief. Lisboa, CEG, 450 p.

FEIO, Mariano e DAVEAU, Suzanne (Organizadores) (2004) – O Relevo de Portugal. Grandes Unidades Regionais. Coimbra, Associação Portuguesa de Geomorfólogos,  151 p.

FERREIRA, António de Brum (1978) – Planaltos e Montanhas do Norte da Beira. Lisboa, CEG, 374 p.

LEMA, Paula Bordalo e REBELO, Fernando (1997) – Geografia de Portugal. Meio Físico e Recursos Naturais. Lisboa, Universidade Aberta,  447 p. Ver p. 57-84 e 115-146.

MARTINS, Alfredo Fernandes – Maciço Calcário Estremenho. Coimbra, Ed. Autor, 1949, 248 p. Reimpressão: 1999.

MEDEIROS, Carlos Alberto (dir. 2005) – Geografia de Portugal. O Ambiente Físico. Círculo de Leitores.

REBELO, Fernando (1975) – Serras de Valongo. Estudo de Geomorfologia. Coimbra, Suplementos de Biblos, 9, 194 p.