Physical Geography of Portugal
Code
711041026
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Geografia e Planeamento Regional
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Pedro Cortesão Casimiro
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) To know the summary geological evolution of the Iberian Peninsula, Continental Portugal and Islands;
b) To characterise mopho-structural units, their genesis, evolution and individuality;
c) To understand the climatic characteristics of the country, atmospheric general circulation, weather and specificities;
d) To identify natural resources and physical restraints of the country’s regions;
e) To distinguish the morpho-structural units and the morpho-climatic mosaic of the country, through interpretation and analysis of thematic mapping (photos, bloc diagrams, satellite images);
f) To distinguish landform types and slope dynamics in the various units through the analysis and interpretation of their physical elements interaction;
g) To analyse the integration and interaction of physical elements in the landscape through the completion of a research work – case study.
Prerequisites
Not Applicable.
Subject matter
The analysis of the physical characteristics of Portugal, Continent and Islands, is the main objective of this curricular unit. On a first phase the goal is to discuss the position of the country, in relation to the Iberian Peninsula, Europe and the Mediterranean Region, having as common denominator the evolution and dynamics of the natural conditions. The climatic and geomorphological diversity will be related to water resources, land cover and land use, as well as the problems and situations inherent to the use of other natural resources. Policies related to the environment will also be approached.
1) Geomorphology
Iberian Peninsula. Summary scheme of geological evolution
Portugal. Fundamental units. Geological evolution
2) Climatology
Climate factors and atmospheric dynamics
Weather types, rhythm and variability
Climatic and hydrological extreme situations
Regional climatic diversity
Water resources, soils and natural vegetation
Bibliography
Medeiros, C. A. (coord.) (2005). Geografia de Portugal. vol 1 - O Ambiente Físico. Lisboa: Círculo de Leitores.
Medeiros, C. A. (2000). Geografia de Portugal – Ambiente Natural e Ocupação Humana. Uma Introdução (5ªed.). Lisboa: Editorial Estampa.
Ribeiro, O. (1986). Portugal o Mediterrâneo e o Atlântico (4ª ed.). Lisboa: Sá da Costa.
Ribeiro, O., Lautensach, H., Daveau, S, (1987). Geografia de Portugal. vol. I - A posição geográfica e o território. vol. II - O ritmo climático e a paisagem. Lisboa: Sá da Costa.
Teaching method
Theory expositive classes, where the program topics are presented, and debated with the students.
Practical classes to prepare and support the research work (Physical Geography of a territorial unit)
Evaluation method
Research work. Exam.
A four day filed trip is organized, towards the second half of the semester, to the Central Massif and Lower Beira, where all the aspects of the unit content are approached, debated and analysed.
(According to the FCSH Assessment Standards, the proposed evaluation elements to introduce students in the first class may suffer readjustments, particularly in the percentage of each element).