Marine Geodynamics (250573) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
In this subject, fundamental aspects of geological oceanography will be addressed, reviewing the formation processes of the earth, atmosphere and the ocean. Aspects of surface and stratigraphic exploration of the seabed, magnetic and satellite explorations will be introduced; sedimentary processes and the study of paleo climate through the geological study of chemical and biological processes. Oceanic floor formation processes, underwater volcanism, and underwater slope stability will also be studied. Finally, topics related to marine resources will be reviewed. 1.- Concepts of internal Geodynamics: Understand the geosphere, its structure and composition. The energy balance of the earth. Internal Geodynamics as well as its effects on tectonics and seismic / volcanic phenomena. Hydrothermal vents and the production of mineral nodules. 2.- Understand the external Geodynamics more related to the sea. Underwater cartography. Techniques of recognition of the seabed. Geophysical prospecting. Sampling techniques, reliefs, orographic systems, turbidity currents. 3.- Understand the processes of production, erosion and sedimentation at the seabed. Understand the concepts of sedimentation, stratigraphy and paleoclimate. This subject is oriented to a high-level interdisciplinary training, by addressing in depth all the major areas of the Marine Sciences (Physical, Geological, Chemical and Biological Oceanography), as well as providing a solid foundation in programming and problem solving methods through the use of computer calculation programs that allow a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, its problems and the possible solutions to them.
Competencies
Especific
To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.
Evaluate the bio- and geo-diversity of the marine environment, identifying habitats and ecosystems with multidisciplinary criteria.
Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.
To set, evaluate and propose solutions to the different conflicts of use and exploitation in the marine and coastal environment resources based on scientific and technical criteria.
Carry out environmental impact, management and protection studies of the marine environment and adjacent coastal areas, including the corresponding infrastructures and their related impacts.
Apply spatial and cartographic representation techniques for different environments and scales.
Develop a conceptual framework to address the sustainability of the marine environment and the related socio-economic activities at different scales, explaining the effects of climate change.
Set, plan and execute basic and applied research in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.
Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.
Write technical reports and disseminate knowledge about the different components of the marine system, considering the applicable legal framework.
Apply the necessary tools to analyze the economic and legal aspects of human actions and the related impacts on the marine environment, including technical advice and representation of companies and administrations.
Generic
Develop a professional activity in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.
Apply state-of-the-art methods and techniques in oceanography and marine climate, jointly covering the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects.
Develop a conceptual framework that links the scientific-technological and management aspects for marine resources, explaining the interactions with marine infrastructures and management plans in coastal areas.
Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.
Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 52h | 86.67 % | |
| Medium group | 2h | 3.33 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 6h | 10.00 % | ||
| Self Study | 90h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The subject consists of 4 hours a week of face-to-face classes in a classroom. On average, 2.3 hours are devoted to theoretical classes in a large group, in which the teacher exposes the basic concepts and materials of the subject and presents examples. On average, 1.2 hours (medium group) are dedicated to solving problems with greater interaction with students. Practical exercises are carried out in order to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of the weekly hours are devoted to laboratory practices. Support material is used in the form of a detailed teaching plan through the ATENEA virtual campus: content, programming of evaluation and directed learning activities, and bibliography. Note: The language in which the course is taught will be Spanish minus the classes of Professor Albert Foch who will teach them in Catalan. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The final grade for the subject is obtained from: 1) Two partial exams (theory and problems), carried out during the course during class hours. These exams have a grade weight of 30% each. 2) Delivery of two laboratory practice reports (20%). 3) Preparation of practical exercises (20%). The practical exercises will consist of solving and submitting a report related to one of the subjects of the course. These reports will be handed in two weeks after being assigned. A total of 4 exercises will be carried out. All activities are compulsory. If any of them are not carried out, a "NOT PRESENTED" will be assigned. The weighting in the final grade of each of the three mentioned aspects will be as follows: Final grade = 0.7* Average grade for partial tests + 0.1* Lab report grade + 0.2* Class exercise grade. The course is passed as long as the final grade is equal to or greater than 5.0. The exams will take place on the days and times set by the School, and will last a maximum of 2 hours. In accordance with the Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Studies, a re-evaluation test is established for those students who fail the ordinary evaluation. Students who have already passed it or students qualified as not presented may not take the reassessment test of a subject. The maximum grade in the case of taking the reassessment exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student summoned to the reassessment test, held in the period set, may not lead to another test at a later date. The non-attendance of a student summoned to the re-evaluation test, held in the fixed period, may not give rise to the performance of another test at a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take any of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorised by the corresponding Head of Studies, at the request of the teacher responsible for the subject, and will be held within the corresponding teaching period.
Test Rules
The exams will consist of a series of short questions about what was explained in class and a problem.
Office Hours
Consultations will be arranged in advance via email
Bibliography
Basic
- Muir Wood, David. Soil behaviour and critical state soil mechanics. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1990. ISBN 0521337828.
- Micallef, Aaron.; Krastel, Sebastian.; Savini, Alessandra. Submarine geomorphology. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9783319578521.
- Knappett, J.; Craig, R.F. Craig's soil mechanics. 9th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2020. ISBN 9781138070066.
Complementary
- Magnus Wangen. Physical principles of sedimentary basin analysis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017. ISBN 9781108446969.
- Allen, Philip A.; Allen, John R. Basin analysis: principles and application to petroleum play assessment. Third Edition. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013. ISBN 9780470673775.
- Blasio, Fabio Vittorio. Introduction to the physics of landslides: lecture notes on the dynamics of mass wasting. Springer, 2011. ISBN 9789400711228.
- Muir Wood, David. Soil behaviour and critical state soil mechanics. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1990. ISBN 0521337828.