Upon completion of the course, the learner is expected to:

• Understand basic knowledge on physical geography concepts including lithosphere structure and earth processes that form landscapes and landforms
• Perceive the abiotic component on earth at temporal and spatial scale
• Understand the dynamics of the physical geography, geomorphology and hydrology systems and formations in relationship with the evolution of our planet, since its creation, the evolution of life on Earth, and the human impact on the abiotic environment

This course examines the lithosphere and the causes of landforms.  In particular,  it examines the creation and dynamics of geo-physical, geomorphological, soil, hydrological systems and formations on earth within the historical frame of reference since the creation of planet earth, the appearance of life and the related human induced changes on earth’s surface.

INTRODUCTION. The earth system and its processes. Earth’s structure andal geologic time. Earth’s interior, Earth’s crust and  Plate Tectonics. Composition of the crust - Rocks and Minerals

GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES. Internal and external geomorphic processes. The geomorphic cycle.

LANDFORMS and TECTONIC PROCESSES. Orogenesis. Volcanoes, Crust deformation, Earthquakes.

WEATHERING, MASS MOVEMENT and EROSION. Physical  and Chemical Weathering.

WATER and LANDSCAPES. Hydrologic cycle. Water distribution. Surface and underground water. Stream system, Fluvial landforms, Fluvial deposition,

KARST GEOMORPHOLOGY

Solution processes and karstic landforms

GLACIAL SYSTEMS. Glacier formation. Types of Glaciers. Glaciation features - erosional and depositional.

EOLIAN LANDFORMS. Wind erosion . Wind deposition.

ΤECTONIC GEOMORPHOLOGY

VOLCANOES AND VOLCANIC STRUCTURES

THE GLOBAL OCEAN. Introduction to the Oceans – Ocean margins – the Ocean floor – Tides and Waves

COSTAL PROCESSES and LANDFORMS. Coastal erosion landforms – Coastal deposition . Types of coasts.

GEOSITES Geomorphological heritage