Syllabus Information

5.1. Methodological overview

Learning methodology is based on a close relationship between the teachers and students. The teacher will explain the basic principles of geology and edaphology taking into account the level of students participation in the lecture. When participation is lower than required, the teacher will encourage it asking the students.

5.2. Learning tasks

Learning activities are divided into the following ones:

1. Theorical lectures. The teacher will explain the basics of geology, edaphology and climatology. 

2. Practical sessions related with the theorical lectures and with the aim of consolidate the explained content. 

3. Fieldwork in the surroundings of Huesca to put into practice the acquired knowdlege to solve case studies.

4. Own working reports and learning 

5. Cooperative learning by the development of a group report.

5.3. Syllabus

The subject is divided into two clearly thematic blocks: (1) Geology and (2) Edaphology/Climatology. The subject programme follows this division.

THEORICAL PROGRAMME

Geology

UNIT I. - INTRODUCTION

1. The Earth sciences.

2. The importance of geology to Food and Agricultural Engineering.

3. Geology as a science.

4. Stratigraphy (strata, fossils, evolution, historical geology).

5. Geological time.

UNIT 2. - INTERNAL GEODYNAMICS AND PLATE TECTONICS

1. Geochemical structure and the composition of the Earth.

2. Plate tectonics.

3. Deformation of the crust: folds, faults, joints.

 UNIT 3. - MINERALOGY.

1. Concepts of mineral and crystal.

2. Properties of minerals.

3. Classification of minerals.

4. Descriptive mineralogy.

UNIT 4. - PETROLOGY.

1. Concept of rock. Processes of rock formation.

2. Igneous rocks. Bowen’s series. The most important igneous rocks.

3. Metamorphic rock. Metamorphic facies The most important metamorphic rocks.

4. Sedimentary rocks and their classification. The most important sedimentary rocks.

 UNIT 5. - HYDROGEOLOGY

1. The water cycle.

2. Surface waters.

3. Underground waters.

4. Aquifers, Types. Hydraulic Conductivity. Transmissivity. 

5. Darcy's law.
6. Water extraction methods.

Edaphology

UNIT 1. – Introduction to Edaphology

1. The soil: concept and definition

2. Components of the soil

3. Factors of formation

4. Concern of the study of the soil

5. Edaphology as a science

UNIT 2. – The soil profile

1. Basic concepts: profile, horizon, pedión , polipedión

2. The pedion and the genetic horizons

3. Nomenclature of the genetic horizons.

UNIT 3. – Mineral components of the soil

1. The mineral fraction

2. Minerals of the soil

3. Silicated minerals

1. Phylosilicates:  the clays

4. Non-silicated minerals

5. Stability of the minerals in the soil

1. Factors which affect stability

6. Origin of the minerals

7. Granulometric fractions

UNIT 4. – ORGANIC COMPONENTS OF THE SOIL

1. The organic matter of the soil: components

2. Organic content of the soil

3. Evolution of the organic matter in the soil

4. Properties of the organic matter in the soil

5. Humic substances

6. Types of humus

7. Organ-mineral compounds

UNIT 5. – PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOIL

1. Texture

2. Structure

3. Porosity

4. Density

5. Consistency

6. Colour

7. Depth of soil

8. Water retention capacity

9. Movement of water in the soil

UNIT 6. – SOIL CHEMICAL PROPRIETIES

         1. Soil chemistry

         2. Ion exchange capacity

         3. Ions in soil solution.  Base saturation theory

         4. Soil reaction

Climatology

UNIT 1. – Fundamentals of climatology

1. The Earth in space

2. Reception and emission of radiant energy

3. Distribution of the energy

4. The atmosphere 

PRACTICAL PROGRAMME

Geology practicals

Practical 1. - Visual recognition of minerals.

Practical 2. - Visual recognition of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Practical 3. - Geological mapping. Dip and strike. Thickness.

Practical 4-8. - Development of geological cross-sections in horizontal, dipping and folded strata.

Edaphology Practicals

Practical 1: Taking field samples.

Practical 2: Sample preparation. Sieved, calculation of fine and thick fractions.

Practical 3: Effects of the structure of the soil.

Practical 4: Soli colour.

Practical 5: Soil texture

Practical 6: Soil chemical test on structural stability

Practical 7-8: Open laboratory for group work in the examination and determination of soil core samples

Climatology Practical

• Practical 1: Consequences of atmospheric dynamics, information and prediction.

FIELDWORK 

During the first or second week of December, it si  compulsory to attend to a full-day fieldtrip in the surroundings of Huesca. The final date of fieldtrip will be communicated to the students during the theorical lectures and in the digital Moodle Platform. The first part deals with hydrogeological problems that may arise on farming activities while the second part is focused on the identification, description and classification of soils. 

ONLINE COURSE

During October, the student is asked to carry out a Bibliography search online course in collaboration with the library staff. 

GROUP REPORT

The students in groups of two/three people must study a soil cut, describing its main properties and identifying horizons.

5.4. Course planning and calendar

5.5. Bibliography and recommended resources

The updated recommended bibliography can be consulted in: http://psfunizar7.unizar.es/br13/egAsignaturas.php?id=2217