Spaces and Risk Dynamics in Portugal

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in natural and exact sciences, social sciences or professional experience in risk sciences.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical presentation with discussion of the topics discussed.

Observation and collection of information in the field and in the office, with tutorial support.

Preparation of reports and oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

a) Provide students with access to general information on Geography of Portugal and its relations with Natural Risks.

b) To understand the spatialization and functioning of the main climatic, geomorphological and hydrological risks in Portugal.

c) Relate the mapping of natural risks in Portugal to the environmental systems.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The Geography of Portugal and the Natural Risks.

The climate and the risks in Portugal: droughts, hot and cold waves, storms, tornadoes, abundant snowfall.

Climatic and hydrological risks: Droughts. Floods.

Geomorphological risks in Portugal. Formation and evolution of ravines. Mass movements with different types of rocky materials.

The Portuguese coastline and the coastal risks.

A geographical perspective of the risk of forest fires in Portugal. Erosive consequences of forest fires.

Biogeographical consequences of forest fires.

The Portuguese population and the natural risks. Urban natural risks.

Geography and Cartography of Natural Risks.

Head Lecturer(s)

Lúcio José Sobral da Cunha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Synthesis work: 80.0%

Bibliography

1 - AYALA-CARCEDO, J. (2002). Riesgos naturales. Ed. Ariel Ciencia, Barcelona: 1512p.

2 - CUNHA, L. (2012) – “Riscos climáticos no Centro de Portugal. Uma leitura geográfica”.  Revista Geonorte, Edição Especial, Manaus, V.4, N.4, p. 105 – 115.

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

4 - REBELO, Fernando (2001) – Riscos Naturais e Acção Antrópica, Coimbra, Imprensa da Universidade,  274 p.; idem, 2ª edição, revista e aumentada, 2003, 286 p.

5 -SMITH, K. and PETLEY, D. (2009) Environmental Hazards. Assessing risk and reducing disaster. 5th edition. Routledge. 383p.