Oceanography
Áreas Científicas |
Classificação |
Área Científica |
OFICIAL |
Controlo e Processos |
Ocorrência: 2023/2024 - 1S
Ciclos de Estudo/Cursos
Sigla |
Nº de Estudantes |
Plano de Estudos |
Anos Curriculares |
Créditos UCN |
Créditos ECTS |
Horas de Contacto |
Horas Totais |
LTAM |
44 |
Plano de Estudos 2016/17 |
1 |
- |
6 |
60 |
162 |
Docência - Responsabilidades
Língua de trabalho
Portuguese
Objetivos
To know and understand the major geological, physical, and chemical processes that characterize the oceans. Namely, to acquire knowledge in the following topics:
. Ocean seafloor, its physiography, evolution processes and implications in ocean dynamics.
. Physical and chemical properties of seawater; understand the phenomena of stratification and stability in the ocean; and gain skills in the characterization and thermohaline analysis of water masses.
. Ocean dynamics and the main forcing elements and phenomena; understand ocean circulation patterns, wave generation and propagation, tidal distribution and characteristics, and sea level change phenomena.
. Contents and distribution of ocean sedimentary environments, their dynamics and implications.
. Dynamics of coastal zones and the various types of coastlines; understand the oceanographic mechanisms forcing coastal dynamics; implications on coastal hazard.
. National oceanic domain in terms of characteristics, dynamics, and legislative framework.
. Implications of climate change in the oceans.
Complementary, to acquire tools for the acquisition, processing and analysis of oceanographic data, using the platforms and portals available at national, European and global level.
Resultados de aprendizagem e competências
At the end of the semester, the student will have acquired the following skills
(1) ability to experiment and apply the scientific method;
(2) 'know how' skills associated with the acquisition of technical laboratory knowledge;
(3) exploration of scientific data platforms and ocean monitoring;
(4) data manipulation, visualization, and interpretation;
(5) teamwork; and
(6) development of critical thinking and interpretation of experimental results.
Modo de trabalho
Presencial
Pré-requisitos (conhecimentos prévios) e co-requisitos (conhecimentos simultâneos)
N/A
Programa
1. Seafloor physiography:
Concept of plate tectonics and description of seafloor physiography. Geographical distribution and characterization of the main geomorphological and geodynamic units of the oceans; characterization of the different environments and particular elements of deep ocean basins, such as hydrothermal vents, "cold seeps" and other important environments for chemosynthesis.
2.Properties of seawater:
Physical properties of seawater. Concept of stratification and stability in the ocean. Geographic and depth distribution of temperature, salinity and density and implications for ocean dynamics. Concept of thermocline, halocline and pycnocline. T-S diagrams. Characterization and identification of water masses.
3. Ocean dynamics:
. Surface and deep ocean circulation: wind-induced circulation (notions of Coriolis effect, Ekman theory, geostrophic motion) and characterization and geographical distribution of the various types of currents generated. Particular currents, such as coastal upwelling and downwelling.
. Waves: wave generation and propagation in the oceans. Wave theories. Wave types and propagation mechanisms. Wave parameters and their transformation from deep water to the coast. Phenomena of interference, refraction and diffraction. Wave induced sediment transport. Special waves (e.g. tsunamis).
. Tides and mean sea level: tidal forcing mechanisms, lunar and solar components, and their variation. Tidal types and amplitudes. Sea level and its evolution. Concept of sea level rise.
4. Sedimentary dynamics:
Oceanic sedimentary environments. Terrigenous, biogenic and chemogenic sediments, their origin, transport mechanisms, deposition and spatial occurrence. Sediment dynamics in the oceans.
5. Coastal dynamics:
Accumulation coastlines and erosion coastlines: their main characteristics, description of geomorphological contents and dynamics. Beaches, cliffs, barrier island systems, estuaries, deltas and marshes. Concept of sediment cell and sediment balance, and coastal drift (potential and effective). Seasonal and long term variations and implications in coastal risk.
6. The sea and the coast in Portugal:
Characterization of the main physiographic units of the Portuguese margin and coastline and their dynamics. Characterization of the oceanographic forcing (currents, waves, tide, sea level). Legislative framework and main tools for maritime and coastal spatial planning in Portugal. The Mission Structure for the Extension of the Continental Shelf.
7. Climate Change:
Sea Level rise, ocean overheating, changes in ocean circulation pattern, acidification of the marine environment, increased occurrence of extreme events.
Practical component:
1. Seafloor morphology
2. Properties of sea water
3. Waves and tides
4. Sediments
5. Coastline evolution
Bibliografia Obrigatória
Tom S. Garrison; Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science , Cengage Learning, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-305-10516-4
Open University Course Team; Open University Book series on Oceanography , Open University, 2001
Bibliografia Complementar
Alan P. Trujillo, Harold V. Thurman; Essentials of Oceanography , Pearson, 2017. ISBN: 978-0134073545
Observações Bibliográficas
Supporting bibliography will be made available throughout the semester.
Métodos de ensino e atividades de aprendizagem
Participative expositive method, being privileged the interactive training even in the introduction of theoretical concepts and through the resolution of exercises in practical classes.
The aim is to lead the students to conclusions, guiding them in this process both in lecture and laboratory classes.
In laboratory classes, students perform practical work, applied to real-life situations, according to protocols provided, and then prepare their report or presentation.
All class material and supporting bibliography is provided on the Moodle platform. The way the teaching methodology of the curricular unit of oceanography is developed enables students to obtain great success in the curricular unit.
Software
Google Earth Pro
Microsoft Excel – Software de Folha de Cálculo
Tipo de avaliação
Distributed evaluation without final exam
Componentes de Avaliação
Designation |
Peso (%) |
Teste |
60,00 |
Trabalho escrito |
40,00 |
Total: |
100,00 |
Componentes de Ocupação
Designation |
Tempo (Horas) |
Estudo autónomo |
60,00 |
Frequência das aulas |
60,00 |
Trabalho escrito |
42,00 |
Total: |
162,00 |
Obtenção de frequência
The evaluation of the theoretical component is done by continuous assessment through two tests or final exam on the dates set in the examination calendar.
The laboratory evaluation is based on the completion of the laboratory work in class, as well as through the evaluation of the reports and presentations made throughout the semester.
Fórmula de cálculo da classificação final
The final score (FS) is obtained by weighting:
FS = 60% (theory-practice) of the continuous assessment in test or exam + 40% for the laboratory work development component. Each assignment is weighted 10% for the practical component.
Both evaluation components must be positive, i.e. with grades higher than 9.5.
Melhoria de classificação
Possibility of grade improvement in the Exams season.