Module Objectives

The main objective of the course is to introduce students to basic concepts of Geology, Climatology, Hydrology and Geomorphology. Explores planet earth and the main factors and processes responsible for its evolution and configuration.

The aim of the Laboratory tutorial is the assimilation of the theoretical knowledge. Additionally, students become familiar with original data processing in order to draw conclusions about natural processes.

Course Contents

Lecture: Origin of the earth, evolution of the earth, earth’ s structure, the age of the earth. Continents, ocean basins. Plates and plate tectonics. Rocks and minerals. Internal processes, volcanism, types of volcanic eruptions. Earthquakes. Geological structures, faults, folds. Surface processes, weathering, erosion, deposition. Karst processes, karst topography and karst lendforms. Introduction to Climatology, climate elements, climate types. Drainage networks, stream characteristics, stream erosion, channel deposits. Glaciers, formation of glaciers, glacial movement, glacial landforms. Geomorphological features of Greece.

Laboratory: Study of topographic map, topographic section (profile) construction (cross section), estimation of relief gradient, study of geological map and construction of geological cross section, study of rainfall characteristics of the broader area of Sterea Hellas, study of the Santorini island volcano.

Teaching and Assessment

Duration: 13 weeks, lectures 1 hours/week and laboratory tutorials 2 hours/week, including five laboratory works, handed out during the class (usually every week). The attendance of the laboratory tutorials is compulsory.

A two-day field trip at regions of great physico-geographical interest is organized. The aim of the field trip is the assimilation of the theoretical knowledge.

Assessment method is a final written exam at the end of the term. Prerequisite for participation at the final exam is the implementation of the 5 laboratory works.