6029 Physical Geography and Environment

Lecture topics focus on the following subject areas:  Introduction on Physical Geography  Basic concepts of geomorphology, Geological processes- Weathering, Erosion,  Mineral resources, Rock classification, Karst geomorphology (development-forms)  Basic concepts of atmospheric physics (composition, stratification/boundary layer, Atmospheric Phenomena – temperature inversion- Greenhouse- Acid Rain, Ozone layer depletion), Atmospheric Pollution (Pollutants-Sources-Sinks)  Climate and weather shaping factors, Climatic parameters (Temperature-Atmospheric precipitation- Humidity-Wind-Radiation), Microclimate  Origin of soil material – Soil nature, Soil material composition, Physical-Chemical-Mechanical- Biological soil properties  Soil classification- Granular analysis, Mechanical analysis- Soil composition triangle, Soil mapping- Soil maps, Basic causes of soil resource degradation, Soil protection measures  Geopolitical character of water, Origin of Water, Water uses and Availability, Water Cycle, Factors affecting water potential  Water balance, Basic concepts of sustainable water management (Watershed, Hydrographic network), Basic water resources problems – Water pollution/pollution  Basic Concepts of Ecology (Ecosystem, Populations, Endemic Species), Population Interactions (Symbiosis, Competition, Law of Tolerance, etc.)  Biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Oxygen), Causes of disturbance, Flora, Vegetation zones, Fauna-Wildlife, Landscape  Climate Change, Protected Areas – NATURA, Risks of biodiversity loss
ECTS : 5
Language : el
Learning Outcomes : Upon successful completion of the course, the student develops skills and is able to: - understand the characteristics, properties, and problems of the basic variables of the natural environment with emphasis on the processes and interactions between the elements of the natural environment such as soil, water, biodiversity, topography, landscape, etc. - measure and calculate the basic properties and parameters of each variable of the natural environment in the field and in the laboratory - evaluate, based on field data, laboratory measurements and analyses, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the corresponding natural variable - create maps and diagrams based on measured parameters and be able to draw technical conclusions.