Physical Geography

Course Description

Objectives

The course in Physical Geography serves as an introduction to one of the two main fields of Geography. It focuses on the natural processes occurring both within the Earth and on its surface. The course emphasizes specific areas of study such as Geology, Climatology, Hydrology, and Geomorphology. It provides students with an initial engagement with planet Earth and the factors that have shaped it and continue to influence it.

The primary objective is for the student to understand the natural processes occurring both on the Earth's surface and within its interior. The course combines theoretical lectures with laboratory exercises. These exercises assist in better familiarization with the concepts taught in theory and help the student acquire skills such as reading topographic, geological, and climatic maps, processing and interpreting primary data, and drawing conclusions regarding natural processes.

Content

Theory: Introduction to Physical Geography. Genesis and Structure of the Earth: An overview of Earth's origin and internal composition. Continents and Ocean Basins: Study of the major landmasses and oceanic depressions. Plate Tectonics Theory: Understanding the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and their impact on the relief. Minerals and Rocks: Examination of Earth's building materials, including their formation and classification. Endogenous Processes: Internal Earth processes such as volcanism, types of volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Tectonic Features: Analysis of structural formations like faults and folds resulting from tectonic movements. Exogenous Processes: External processes including weathering, erosion, sediment transport, and deposition. Karst Processes: Study of landscape features formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, leading to karst topography and landforms. Hydrographic Networks: Exploration of river systems and drainage patterns. Introduction to Climatology: Basics of climate science, including climatic elements and classification of climate types.

Laboratory: Methods of Analysis in Physical Geography. Reading a Topographic Map: Understanding and interpreting contour lines and symbols to analyze terrain features. Drawing a Topographic Profile: Creating cross-sectional views of the terrain to visualize elevation changes. Calculating Morphological Slopes: Determining the steepness or incline of land surfaces. Reading a Geological Map and Constructing a Geological Cross-Section: Interpreting geological formations and structures, and representing them in cross-sectional diagrams. Studying the Rainfall Characteristics of Central Greece: Analyzing precipitation patterns and their geographical distribution in Central Greece. Studying the Volcano of Santorini: Examining the geological features, eruption history, and impact of the Santorini volcano.

Teaching & Assessment

The Physical Geography course spans 13 weeks, featuring 1 hour of theoretical instruction and 2 hours of laboratory work each week. Students complete five laboratory exercises throughout the semester to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop practical skills. Attendance in laboratory sessions is mandatory, with absences recorded. Completed exercises are typically submitted weekly, following their respective sessions. Additionally, the course includes a field trip to a region in Greece of notable physical-geographical interest, contingent upon funding availability. Assessment is based on a written examination at the end of the semester, and submission of all five laboratory exercises is a prerequisite for exam participation.