Geomorphological and Hydrological Dynamics

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge on Geomorphology, Continental Hydrology and Physical Geography of Portugal.

Teaching Methods

The teaching of the theoretical contents will be supported by web tools for the illustration, analysis and critical discussion of specific situations. Some of these sessions will feature thematic discussions and students will conduct some practical exercises. During the semester, students will undertake a study trip and draw up, with tutorial supervision, a synthesis work focusing on the application of the acquired knowledge to the reality of spatial planning. This work will be presented and discussed at the end of the semester.

Learning Outcomes

General goals:

- obtain a deeper knowledge on the functioning of geomorphological and hydrological processes;

- understand the manifestations of geomorphological and hydrological dynamics, in order to integrate them in the policies and studies of spatial planning and management.

Specific goals (After the completion of the course, students should be able to):

- acknowledge the current dynamics of relief and water circulation at the surface and underground;

- understand the mechanisms responsible for extreme geomorphological and hydrological events.

- develop theoretical and practical knowledge and analysis tools in Geomorphology and Hydrology for the assessment and management of natural resources, natural hazards, environmental impacts and spatial planning;

- develop the ability to conduct a reasoned discussion of the current geomorphological and hydrological dynamics in a context of global natural and anthropic change.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Lithology, rock structures, climate, vegetation and human beings: their importance to morphogenesis and hydrological functioning. The close relationship between Geomorphology and Hydrology.

2. Geomorphological dynamics: physical and biochemical weathering processes. Types of regolith. Hillslope processes: types and mechanisms. Landforms: genesis and main types.

3. Actual and subactual geomorphological dynamics: resources, impacts and geomorphological hazards.

4. The aerial phase of the hydrologic cycle. Water balance.

5. Surface runoff. Streamflow analysis. River runoff.

6. Groundwater. The special case of karst hydro-systems.

7. Extreme hydrological events.

8. Actual geomorphological and hydrological dynamics, and spatial planning. Water basin management procedures.

9. Geomorphological and hydrological dynamics in a changing world.

Head Lecturer(s)

Lúcio José Sobral da Cunha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Research work: 70.0%

Bibliography

Allison, R. J. (2002). Applied Geomorphology. Wiley, Chichester.

Arnell, N.W. (2002). Hydrology and Global Environmental Change, Harlow, Pearson

Ford, D. & Williams, P. (2007). Karst hydrogeology and geomorphology. John Wiley & Sons, Reino Unido, 562 p.

Guerra, A. & Marçal, M. (2006). Geomorfologia ambiental. Ed. Bertrand Brasil, Rio de Janeiro

Panizza, M. (2005). Manuele di geomorfologia applicata. FracoAngeli, Milão.

Robinson, M. & Ward, R.C. (2017). Hydrology: Principles and Processes. IWA Publishing, London, 400p.

Shaw, E., Beven, K. J., Chappell, N.A. & Lamb, R. (2010). Hydrology in practice, 4th edition, Spon Press, Oxon, 546p.

Slaymaker, O. & Spencer, T. (1998). Physical Geography and Global Environmental Change, 1st edition, Longman Pub Group, 292p.