Geology and Climatology

Academic course 2024-25.

General information:

• ECTS credits: 6.00
• Theoretical classes: 24.00 h
• Interactive classes: 24.00 h
• Tutorials: 3.00 h
• Exam: 4.00
• Student work: 95h
• Total: 150 h

COURSE OBJECTIVES

DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING:
The main objective is that the students acquire basic knowledge regarding the geological and climatological bases in the field of Agricultural and Agro-alimentary Engineering.

DEGREE IN FOREST AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING:
The main objective is that the students acquire basic knowledge regarding the geological and climatological bases in the field of forest engineering.

Overall contents are:
- Structure and dynamics of the Earth.
- Minerals and Rocks.
- Sediments, strata and geological time.
- Geological structures.
- Magmatism and metamorphism.
- Earth-surface modeling.
- Geological maps. Geology of Galicia.
- Basic concepts regarding soil mechanics.
- Concepts and measurements of climatic parameters.
- Climatic classifications.
- Climatic study of a geographical area.
These overall contents will be presented as follows:

Block I. GEOLOGY

1. INTRODUCTION. 1.1 Geology. Geological time. 1.2 Internal Structure of the Earth. 1.3.- Basics on tectonic plates. Orogens and continental accretion. Isostasy. Seismicity. 1.4.- Petrogenic cycle. 3h
Lectures: 3h
Study time: 6h

2. MINERALOGY. 2.1. Definition and composition of minerals. 2.2. Mineral classification. 2.3. Physical properties and identification of minerals. 2.4. The most important silicates and non-silicate minerals. 2.5. Crystallography: Basic concepts.
Lectures: 3h
Study time: 10h

3. PETROLOGY. 3.1. Magmatism and igneous rocks. Plutonism and vulcanism. 3.2. Sediments and sedimentary rocks: weathering, erosion, transport and deposition. Alterites. Lithification. Mineral deposits and geological resources. 3.3. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. 3.4. Mechanical behavior of soils.
Lectures: 6h
Study time: 20h

4. STRATIGRAPHY. Sedimentary environments and structures. Relative dating. Fossils, chronology and geological record. Numerical dating. Stratigraphic series. Discrepancies.
Lectures: 1.5h
Study time: 4.5h

5. CRUSTAL DEFORMATIONS. Stress and strain. Folds: Geometry and classification. Association of folds. Fractures. Joints and faults. Association of fractures. Large tectonic structures.
Lectures: 1.5h
Study time: 4.5h

6. SURFACE FORMATIONS. Lithological modeling. Fluvial modeling. Periglacial and glacial modeling. Coast modeling. Wind modeling. Climate modeling.
Lectures: 4h
Study time:10h


Block II. CLIMATE

7. ATMOSPHERE AND CLIMATIC PARAMETERS. The atmosphere: composition and structure. Solar radiation. Air temperature. Atmospheric pressure. Wind. Humidity and precipitation.
Lectures: 2h
Study time:3h

8. EVAPORATION AND WATER BALANCE. Evaporation and evapotranspiration. Water Balance. Lectures: 1h
Study time: 1h

9. ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION. WEATHER FORECASTING AND ANALYSIS. Air masses and fronts. Synoptic situations. Network of weather stations. Weather forecasting.
Lectures: 1h
Study time: 1h

10. CLIMATE CLASSIFICATIONS. Classification of climates. Climatic indices.
Lectures: 1h
Study time: 1h


SEMINARS AND PRACTICAL CLASSES

SEMINARS:

Seminar 1: Interpreting topographic maps. 2h.
Interactive classes: 2h

Seminar 2: The Earth (I). 0.5 h.
Interactive classes: 0.5h

Seminar 3: Earth (II).
Interactive classes: 0.5h

Seminar 4: Geological history of Galicia and of the NW of the Iberian Peninsula.
Interactive classes: 2h

Seminar 5: Interpretation of geological maps I.
Interactive classes: 2h

Seminar 6: Interpretation of geological maps II.
Interactive classes: 2h

Seminar 7: Geology and Landscape.
Interactive classes: 2h

Study time:
Seminars 1, 5 y 6: 9 h
Seminars 2 y 3: 0,5 h
Seminars 4 y 7: 2 h


PRACTICAL CLASSES:
Practice 1. Identification of minerals (visu).
Interactive classes: 2h

Practice 2. Identification of rocks (visu) -I.
Interactive classes: 2h

Practice 3. Identification of rocks (visu) -II.
Interactive classes: 1h

Practice 4. Climatology-1: Sources of climatic data and adjustment. Evapotranspiration and water balance calculation using specific software.
Interactive classes: 2h

Practice 5.Climatology-2: Climate classification and climate indices obtained by means of specific software and other tools.
Interactive classes: 2h

Practice 6. Field trip (it is a must): Geological trip focusing on the recognition of geological materials, geological structures and surface modeling.
Interactive classes: 4h

Study time:
Practises 1, 2 y 3: 6,5 h
Practises 4 y 5: 3 h
Practises 6: 1 h

GEOLOGY BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
De Pedraza Gilsanz, J. (1996). Geomorfología. Principios, Métodos y Aplicaciones. Ed. Rueda. Madrid.

Monroe J.S., Wicander, R., Pozo, M. (2008). Geología. Dinámica y evolución de la Tierra. Ed. Paraninfo. Madrid.

Pozo, M., González, J., Giner, J. (2003). Geología Práctica. Prentice Hall, Madrid.

Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens, F.K. (2005). Ciencias de la Tierra. Una introducción a la Geología Física. 6ª Ed. Prentice Hall, Madrid.

Okrusch, M., Frimmel, HE. (2020) Mineralogy: An Introduction to Minerals, Rocks, and Mineral Deposits. Springer, 1st ed. 981pp.
Parriaux, A.(2009). Geology basics for engenieers. CRC Press/Balkema. The Netherlands



CLIMATOLOGY BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY


Elías F., Castellví F. (2001). Agrometeorología. MundiPrensa. Madrid.
Hartmann D.L. (2016). Global Physical Climatology. Elservier 2ª Edition. WA, USA 472pp.



GEOLOGY COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY

González de Vallejo, L.I., Ferrer, M., Ortuño, L., Oteo, C. (2002). Ingeniería Geológica. Pearson Education. Madrid.

Gutiérrez Elorza. M. (2008). Geomorfología. Prentice Hall, Madrid.

I.T.G.E. (1987). Riesgos Geológicos.

I.T.G.E./I.G.M.E. Mapas xeolóxicos, xeotécnicos e de riscos xeolóxicos.

Klein, C., Hurlbut, C.S.Jr (1996). Manual de Mineralogía. 4ª Ed Reverté. Barcelona.

Lambe T.W., Whitman R.V. (1993). Mecánica de Suelos. Ed. Limusa. México, D.F.

Maltaman. (1990). Geological Maps: An introduction.Open University Press.


CLIMATOLOGY COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY

Carballeira A. et al. (1983). Bioclimatología de Galicia. Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza.
Martínez Cortizas A., Pérez Alberti et al. (1999). Atlas Climático de Galicia. Xunta de Galicia.

DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING:

Basic and general competence

CG1 - Knowledge in basic subjects, scientific and technological that allow a continuous learning, as well as a capacity of adaptation to new situations or changing situations.

CG5 - Capacity to develop its activities, assuming a social, ethical and environmental commitment in harmony with the reality of the human and natural environment.

CB2 – The aim is that students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study

CB3 - The aim is that students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their own field of study) to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.

Transversal competence

CT2 - Capacity for reasoning and argumentation

CT1 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.

CT3 - Ability to work individually with self-criticism.

CT5 - Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse and updated information

CT8 - Commitment to accuracy regarding the information provided to other people.

CT9 - Ability to use technologies of information and communication (TIC).

CT10 - Use of bibliographic information and the Internet.

Specific competence

FB6 - Basic knowledge of geology and surface land morphology, and its application to engineering problems. Climatology.

DEGREE IN FOREST AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING:

Basic and general competence

CB2 – The aim is that students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments and solving problems within their field of study

CB3 - The aim is that students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their own field of study) to inform judgments that include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.

CG1 - The aim is that students acquire the ability to understand the biological, chemical, physical and mathematical fundamentals of the subject, as well as to understand the systems of representation necessary to carry out their professional activities. They could also identify the different biotic and physical elements of the forest environment, and renewable natural resources susceptible of protection, conservation and use in the field of forestry.

Specific competence

CEFB6 - Basic knowledge of geology and surface land morphology, and its application to engineering problems. Climatology.

CECF3 - Sciences of the Physical Environment: Geology, Climatology and Edaphology (Soil Science).

Transversal competence

CT1 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis

CT2 - Capacity for reasoning and argumentation

CT3 - Ability to work individually with self-criticism.

CT5 - Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse and updated information

CT8 - Commitment to accuracy regarding the information provided to other people

CT9 - Ability to use technologies of information and communication (TIC).

CT10 - Use of bibliographic information and the Internet.

For certain activities, it will be promoted the voluntary use (without impact on the qualification) of resources in languages other than Galician and Spanish, such as English and French. As specific examples, access to websites with interesting resources on Geology in those languages will be recommended, as well as the use of the English (or French) version of the Cropwat software used in practices of Climatology, and also access to websites with weather and climate information in English, French or other languages. These activities are related to the CT11 competence.



DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING:

Class activities will be structured in lectures and interactive classes (practices, seminars, preparation of course work and tutorials). In support of these activities, students will be provided with printed material, or it will be available through the Virtual Classroom.

Lectures:

Lectures (simultaneously stimulating some participation of students). The teacher will present the theoretical concepts facilitating the study and understanding of the subject. Audiovisual media will be used as a complement to support the teaching/learning activities. Critical participation of students will be promoted.
Competences: CG1, FB6, CB3, CT2, CT1.

Interactive classes:

Interactive classes are a complement to the contents presented in the lectures. They will be held as:

1.Lab and field practices: In the laboratory, teaching methodology to identify (visu) different minerals and rocks. In the field, the petrological study will be completed, also visiting and identifying different geological modeling examples.
Competences: CG1, FB6, CG5, CB2, CB3.

2. Practices in computer classroom, using specific software to conduct climate studies.
Competences: CT9, CT10.

3. Seminars: Two types of seminars (with different objectives) will be conducted. a) Interpretation of topographic and geological maps of different areas. b) Reinforce certain theoretical aspects that are more relevant in Galicia, using audiovisual media.
Competences: CG1, FB6, CT2, CT1.

4. Preparation of coursework: Students will perform a coursework consisting in a climate study of a particular area.
Competences: CB2, CB3, CT2, CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9, CT10.

5. Tutorials: To be carried out in very small groups, to track the knowledge gained by the students and, where appropriate, to resolve the issues formulated. There will be also individualized tutorials where students can ask questions relating to any activities related to the subject.
Competences: CG1, FB6, CT2, CT1.

DEGREE IN FOREST AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING:

Class activities will be structured in lectures and interactive classes (practices, seminars, preparation of course work and tutorials). In support of these activities, students will be provided with printed material, or it will be available through the Virtual Classroom.

Lectures:
Lectures (simultaneously stimulating some participation of students). The teacher will present the theoretical concepts facilitating the study and understanding of the subject. Audiovisual media will be used as a complement to support the teaching/learning activities. Critical participation of students will be promoted.
Competences: CG1,CB3, CEFB6, CECF3, CT2, CT1.

Interactive classes:

Interactive classes are a complement to the contents presented in the lectures. They will be held as:

1.Lab and field practices: In the laboratory, teaching methodology to identify (visu) different minerals and rocks. In the field, the petrological study will be completed, also visiting and identifying different geological modeling examples.
Competences: CG1, CEFB6, CECF3, CB2, CB3

2. Practices in computer classroom, using specific software to conduct climate studies.
Competences: CT9, CT10.

3. Seminars: Two types of seminars (with different objectives) will be conducted. a) Interpretation of topographic and geological maps of different areas. b) Reinforce certain theoretical aspects that are more relevant in Galicia, using audiovisual media.
Competences: CG1, CEFB6, CECF3, CT2, CT1.

4. Preparation of coursework: Students will perform a coursework consisting in a climate study of a particular area.
Competences: CB2, CB3, CT2, CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9, CT10.

5. Tutorials: To be carried out in very small groups, to track the knowledge gained by the students and, where appropriate, to resolve the issues formulated. There will be also individualized tutorials where students can ask questions relating to any activities related to the subject.
Competences: CG1, CEFB6, CECF3, CT2, CT1.

Following the recommendations of the authorities, and with the specific means indicated for it, if applicable, it will be promoted to avoid plagiarism, or to reduce it as much as possible. Specifically: "For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the evaluation of students' academic performance and the review of qualifications will apply."



DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING:

Learning assessment will take into account theoretical tests, practical tests, individual work and assistance and involvement in the different activities planned. The percentage of each part on the final grade will be as follows:

1. Theoretical tests (includes all contents explained in lectures and seminars): 55%. With these test the following skills are assessed: CG1, CB2, CB3, CT2, CT1 e FB6.

2. Practical tests:

2.1. Identification of minerals and rocks (visu) (15%). These tests will be used to evaluate the following competences: CG1, CB2, CB3 e FB6.

2.2. Interpretation of topographic and geological maps (10%) and field trip (5%). These tests will be used to evaluate the following competences: CG1, CB2, CB3, CT2 e FB6.

3. Work corresponding to Climatology (15%)

With the practical tests and the practical coursework corresponding to Climatology, the following skills will be assessed: CB2, CB3, CT2, CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9 CT10, FB6.

During the course, just one partial test will be carried out, liberating the evaluated contents when a score of at least 5 (over 10) was reached. Only those students that have assisted to a minimum of 75% of theoretical classes and practices could be admitted to this partial test. For repeaters, this percentage would 50%.

At the first opportunity (June session), students will carry out tests corresponding to the whole subject (when the partial test was not successfully passed), or will be examined of just the second part of the contents of the subject (if the previous partial test was successfully passed). Not successfully passed parties of the whole subject could be compensated only when a minimum score of 4.5 is reached in each test (theory, laboratory practices and practical work of Climatology).

Regarding the second time tests, students must carry out examination of each of the unsurpassed parts (theory, laboratory practices and/or practical work of Climatology). To calculate the final score, the same criteria used in the first opportunity will be maintained (i.e., reaching a minimum score of 4.5 in each part is needed).

Students with dispensation from class attendance will be evaluated by examining each of the parts theoretical and practical) in addition to the works of Maps and of Climatology. They can do partial tests.

DEGREE IN FOREST AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING:

Learning assessment will take into account theoretical tests, practical tests, individual work and assistance and involvement in the different activities planned. The percentage of each part on the final grade will be as follows:

1. Theoretical tests (includes all contents explained in lectures and seminars): 55%. With these test the following skills are assessed: CB2, CB3, CG1, CEFB6, CECF3, CT1, CT2.

2. Practical tests:
2.1. Identification of minerals and rocks (visu) (15%). These tests will be used to evaluate the following competences: CB2, CG1, CEFB6 and CECF3.

2.2. Interpretation of geological maps (10%) and field practices. To be allowed to carry out the test corresponding to geological maps, students must have successfully passed a previous test on topographical maps. These tests will be used to evaluate the following competences: CB2, CG1, CEFB6, and CECF3.

3. Work corresponding to Climatology (15%). This test will be used to evaluate the following competences: CB2, CB3, CG1, CEFB6, CECF3, CT1, CT2, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9, CT10.

During the course, just one partial test will be carried out, liberating the evaluated contents when a score of at least 5 was reached. Only those students that have assisted to a minimum of 75% of theoretical classes and practices could be admitted to this partial test. For repeaters, this percentage would 50%.

At the first opportunity (June session), students will carry out tests corresponding to the whole subject (when the partial test was not successfully passed), or will be examined of just the second part of the contents of the subject (if the previous partial test was successfully passed). Not successfully passed parties of the whole subject could be compensated only when a minimum score of 4.5 is reached in each test (theory, laboratory practices and practical work of Climatology).

Regarding the second time tests, students must carry out examination of each of the unsurpassed parts (theory, laboratory practices and/or practical work of Climatology). To calculate the final score, the same criteria used in the first opportunity will be maintained (i.e., reaching a minimum score of 4.5 in each part is needed).

Students with dispensation from class attendance will be evaluated by examining each of the parts (theoretical and practical) in addition to the works of Maps and of Climatology. They can do partial tests.

Preparation of course works: 12 h (group or individual)
Reading and preparation of topics, practices and evaluation tests: 83 h
TOTAL: 95 h

Studying steadily and progressively the subject materials. Also, reading of the recommended bibliography.