Marine Geology

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Geology; Introduction to Mapping and GIS; Structural Geology; Stratigraphy .

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes will be essentially expository and centered on discussion with students. In Theoretical-Practical classes, geological and geophysical data acquired in oceanographic campaigns of scientific projects are analyzed and interpreted.

In the theoretical classes the main concepts and topics are discussed in presentations supported by illustrated materials.

In Theoretical-Practical classes real data are used for the autonomous application, discussion and interpretation of data by the students. Students receive training in some equipment used in Marine Geology.

Learning Outcomes

This discipline aims that the students:

1) Acquire basic knowledge of physical, chemical and biological oceanography.

2) Understand the origin and tectonic framework of ocean basins.

3) Are able to correlate concepts such as subduction, mantle plumes, hotstops, volcanic arcs and oceanic islands.

4) Recognize the different forms and the sub-division of ocean morphology.

5) Apply the main geological and geophysical methodologies used in the observation and sampling of geological materials from the seabed.

6) Interpret sedimentary and geophysical data retrieved in geological archives.

7) Perceive aspects related to sea-level variations.

8) Acquire knowledge about fundamentals of paleoclimatology and paleoceanography.

9) Understand the importance of the oceans from an environmental point of view and as a source of geological resources.

10) Acquire the minimum skills necessary to participate in Marine Geology campaigns.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Physical properties of sea water.

2. The chemistry of the ocean.

3. Aspects of global and regional ocean circulation.

4. Tides and waves.

5. Oceans and the influence of biologicy, atmosphere, the cryosphere, the continents and the mantle.

6. The formation of ocean basins within the scope of plate tectonics theory and its cycles.

7. Mantle plumes, hot spots and volcanism.

8. Oceanic islands.

9. Geological morphologies (platform, slope, pits, medium ridges, etc.).

10. Sedimentological and stratigraphic characteristics of the different areas of the ocean floor.

11. Provenance and sediment transport.

12. Coastal-marine transition environments.

13. Marine sediments as archives for paleoclimate and sea-level variations.

14. Geological and geophysical data analysis methodologies used in marine geology research (e.g. vibracorers, box-corers, dredges, lateral sonar, seismic etc.).

15. Resources from sea-floor.

16. The future of Oceans.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro José Miranda da Costa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 25.0%
Resolution Problems: 25.0%
Frequency: 25.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 25.0%

Bibliography

- Seibold, E. and Berger, W.H. (2017). The sea floor: an introduction to Marine Geology. Fourth edition. Springer. 268 pp.

- Robert, C.M. (2008). Global Sedimentology of the Ocean: An Interplay between Geodynamics and Paleoenvironment (Volume 3). Elsevier, The Netherlands. 487 pp.

- Wright, J. and Rothery, D.A. (2001). The Ocean Basins: their structure and evolution. Ed: Open University, UK. 192 pp.

- Kennett, J.P. (1982). Marine Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA. 813 pp.