96039 - Geography (6 CFU)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have the basic knowledge on Cartography, the system Earth, Meteorology, Oceanography and Geography. In detail, the student will be able to: - Read and consult topographic maps and carry out longitudinal profiles; - explain the most important processes taking place on Earth; - Read photographic images from a geographical point of view.

Course contents

Students will be introduced to the World on which we all live, its position in the Universe and the characteristics of its lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. They will also acquire practice in the reading of maps in different scales and in recognising the main rock types.

The course is subdivided in 5 sections: astronomical geography, meteorology, oceanography, continental water and cartography.

The astronomical part has the aim of placing the Earth in its spatial environment and comprises the following lectures: introduction, optical instruments, astronomical observation, historical astronomy, the Sun, motion of the Earth, the Earth, the Moon and the notion of Time.

For what concerns Meteorology the lectures are: introduction, physical concepts, air motion, clouds and precipitation and climate with notions on Biogeography.

Oceanography consists in: Earth System, History of oceanography, Sea Floor, physical and chemical characteristics of the ocean water, waves, tides and ocean currents.

In the part regarding continental waters one will see: water cycle, surface waters and subterranean waters.

The lectures on Cartography will be dedicated mainly on the reading and the understanding of topographical maps in different scales, even though some theory on mapping will also be given.

Several hours will also be dedicated to the consultation of the world’s map, through Google Earth, to explore the most important geographical sites and understand their geographical and naturalistical context.

Readings/Bibliography

There are no Books that cover the entire contents of the Course. Therefore notes prepared by the lecturer will be given to the students. However, for who is interested, some good books that can be acquired are:

Bosellini Alfonso (1998) - Le Scienze della Terra e l'Universo intorno a noi. Volumi A e B. 628 p., Italo Bovolenta Editore

Casati Pompeo, Pace Francesco (2002) - Scienze della Terra. Volume 2. L'atmosfera, l'acqua, i climi, i suoli. 689 p., Città Studi Edizioni.

Lupia Palmieri Elvidio, Parotto Maurizio (2000) - Il globo terrestre e la sua evoluzione. Quinta edizione, 596 p., Zanichelli Editore

Marshak Stephen (2004) - La Terra. Ritratto di un Pianeta. 797 p. Zanichelli Editore.

McKnight T.L., Hess D. (2005) - Geografia fisica. Comprendere il paesaggio. 649 p. Piccin Nuova Libraria, Padova.

Press Frank, Siever Raymond, Gotzinger John, Jordan Thomas H. (2006) - Capire la Terra. 672 p. Zanichelli editore

Strahler Alan, Strahler Arthur (2006) - Introducing Physical Geography, 4th edition. 728 p., Wiley & Sons.

Teaching methods

The lectures on astronomy, meteorology, oceanography and the hydrosphere will take place using powerpoint presentations. The Cartography part will make extensively use of topographical maps in different scales.

Assessment methods

The exam is divided in two parts:

1: cartography, astronomy, geography (world map)

2: meteorology, oceanography, hydrosphere

.

All parts will have a written exam and/or practical part integrated with an oral interrogation.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint, youtube, excursions

Office hours

See the website of Jo Hilaire Agnes De Waele