Geomorphology & Quaternary geology

obligatory courses

Lecture presents the major concepts of the common geology and geomorphology. The issues regarding relations between landscape and geology of Poland are especially emphasized.

Position of geomorphology among the other Earth sciences. Range and methodology of geomorphologial analyses. Chosen earth-modeling processes and the development of the lowland relief with special focus on the morphogenesis of the morainic upland and river valley. Geomorphological forms in highlands and mountains – formation of plateaus, crests, slopes and valleys. Principles of the structural geomorphology and paleogeomorphology. Relation between geomorphology and the geological composition, neotectonics and climatic conditions.

Quaternary in the light of the Cenozoic climatic changes – the Neogene/Quaternary boundary in the marine and terrestrail deposits. Stratigraphic subdivision of Quaternary in high, middle and low latitudes. Overview of the most significant methodology regarding the Quaternary deposits. Characteristic of the major types of glacial, fluvial, lacustrine, aeolian deposits in relations to the environment of their deposition and their significance for paleogegraphic reconstructions in Poland during glacials and interglacials. Stratigraphic subdivision of Quaternary in western, central and eastern Europe with special emphasis on the number and extent of glacial cycles in the lowlands and mountains. Development of the river system and extent of the seas during the Quaternary. Causes of glaciation. Sea-level changes durin the Qyaternary. Glacial-interglacial and loess-soil cycles and their relations to the global climate changes recorded in deep-sea and lacustrine cores.

Students can use the methodology of geomorphological analysis. Students recognize the precesses of morphogenesis and forms characteristic for the lowland with special emphasis on the morphogenesis of the morainic upland and river valley. Students can characterize the relation between relief and geology, neotectonics and climatic conditions. Students know the stratigraphic subdivision of Quaternary in high, middle and low latitudes. Students can characterize the main types of glacial, fluvial, lacustrine, aeolian deposits in relations to the environment of their deposition and their significance for paleogegraphic reconstructions in Poland during glacials and interglacials. Students know the stratigraphic subdivision of Quaternary in western, central and eastern Europe with special emphasis on the number and extent of glacial cycles in the lowlands and mountains. They know also course of development of the river system and extent of the seas during the Quaternary. Students can introduce the causes of glaciation. Students can relate the glacial-interglacial and loess-soil cycles to the global climate changes recorded in deep-sea and lacustrine cores.

Participation in lectures is optional but recommended. Writing exam that relates to the all issues presented during lectures and classes. It consists the test part, short open questions, few figures for explanation and test of reading the topographic and geomorphological maps.

Student is entitled to resit. In case of excused absence student is entitled to additional exam on date agreed with the lecturer.