Programme

The course introduces the fundamental principles of Physical Geography and the basic tools of cartography and topography, with particular emphasis on processes involving the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere, and on their representation and interpretation in geographical space.

Fundamentals of Physical Geography and representation of the Earth
Introduction to Physical Geography and the Earth system. Shape and dimensions of the Earth. Sphere, ellipsoid and geoid. Gravitational field and reference surfaces. Main elements of astronomical geography. Earth’s rotation and revolution, axial tilt and seasons. Geographic grid, latitude and longitude.

Cartography and reference systems
Principles of cartographic representation. Map scales. Map projections and associated distortions. Geodetic reference systems. Geographic coordinates and metric coordinates. UTM and Gauss-Boaga systems. Principles of triangulation and positioning. Elements of IGM cartography and technical cartography. Cartographic symbols and interpretation of topographic maps. The course also addresses the intrinsic limitations of cartographic representations and the consequences of choosing different map projections, including both projection-related distortions and the critical interpretation of different ways of representing the Earth’s surface.

Cartographic laboratory
Use of map scales. Interpretation of contour lines and topography. Determination of elevations and distances. Calculation of geographic, UTM and Gauss-Boaga coordinates. Construction and interpretation of topographic profiles. Calculation of percentage and angular slope. Interpretation of drainage networks and delineation of drainage basins. Elements of orientation, the Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic declination. Exercises are presented with progressively increasing complexity and require the integration of multiple operations on the same topographic map.

Atmosphere and meteorology
Composition and vertical structure of the atmosphere. Main atmospheric constituents, ozone and aerosols. Solar radiation and energy balance. Spatial and seasonal distribution of temperature. Atmospheric humidity. Atmospheric stability and instability. Condensation, cloud formation and precipitation. Atmospheric pressure and wind. General atmospheric circulation and major circulation systems. Monsoons, weather disturbances and major meteorological phenomena. The vertical structure of the atmosphere is examined in terms of variations in temperature, pressure and composition, and its subdivision into the main atmospheric layers.

Climate and climate variability
Distinction between weather and climate. Elements and controls of climate. Geographical distribution of climates. Köppen climate classification. Relationships among climate, atmospheric circulation and ocean circulation. Climate variability at different timescales. Modes of climate variability and teleconnections, with reference to major examples including ENSO and NAO.

Hydrosphere and cryosphere
Main characteristics of ocean circulation and the role of the oceans in heat redistribution. Components of the cryosphere: snow, sea ice, glaciers, ice sheets, ice shelves and permafrost. Dynamics and mass balance of glaciers and ice masses. Relationships between the cryosphere and climate.

Sea-level changes
Main processes responsible for sea-level changes. Contributions from ocean thermal expansion and land ice masses. Eustatic and relative sea-level changes. Role of isostatic processes and mass redistribution. Evidence of past sea-level changes, recent observations and the main consequences of ongoing changes.

Core Documentation

McKnight T.H. & Hess D.H., Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation, Piccin, Padua.

Lupia Palmieri E. & Parotto M., The Earth and Its Evolution, Zanichelli, Bologna.

Sauro U., Meneghel M., Bondesan A. & Castiglioni B., From the Topographic Map to the Landscape. A Reasoned Atlas, ZetaBeta Editrice, Vicenza.

Mori A., Geographical Maps and Their Reading and Interpretation, Libreria Goliardica, Pisa.

Additional teaching materials, including the presentations used during lectures and the cartographic materials used in practical exercises, are provided by the instructor through the platform used for the course.

Reference Bibliography

MCKNIGHT T.H. & HESS D.H., GEOGRAFIA FISICA. COMPRENDERE IL PAESAGGIO. PICCIN, PADOVA LUPIA PALMIERI E. & PAROTTO M., IL GLOBO TERRESTRE E LA SUA EVOLUZIONE, ZANICHELLI, BOLOGNA SAURO U., MENEGHEL M., BONDESAN A. & CASTIGLIONI B. – DALLA CARTA TOPOGRAFICA AL PAESAGGIO. ATLANTE RAGIONATO. – ZETABETA EDITRICE SRL, VICENZA MORI A. – LE CARTE GEOGRAFICHE E LA LORO LETTURA E INTERPRETAZIONE. – LIBRERIA GOLIARDICA, PISA

Attendance

Attendance is compulsory. In order to be admitted to the examination, students are required to attend at least 50% of the overall teaching activities included in the course. The methods used to monitor attendance will be communicated by the instructor at the beginning of the course. Any exceptions or exemptions are governed by the Degree Programme regulations and by the competent academic bodies.

Type of evaluation

Assessment consists of a written examination lasting a total of 3 hours, divided into a theoretical component and a practical cartography component. The two components are assessed separately on a 30-point scale. Theoretical component The theoretical component is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered during the course, as well as their ability to relate the different processes that characterize the Earth’s physical system. The examination includes: - 20 multiple-choice questions, worth 1 point each, for a maximum total of 20 points; - 3 open-ended questions, worth a maximum total of 10 points. In addition to assessing knowledge of the course content, the open-ended questions are designed to evaluate students’ ability to describe and interpret physical-geographical processes, establish relationships among different phenomena, and use appropriate scientific terminology. Practical cartography component The practical component is designed to assess students’ ability to independently apply the methods acquired during the practical classes to a topographic map not previously examined. The examination includes: - determination of geographic and/or metric coordinates: maximum 10 points; - construction of a topographic profile: maximum 10 points; - delineation of a drainage basin: maximum 10 points; - an optional exercise involving the calculation of slope or magnetic declination: 1 bonus point. Assessment criteria and determination of the final grade To pass the examination, students must achieve a passing grade of at least 18/30 in both the theoretical and the practical components. The final grade is calculated as a weighted average in which: - the theoretical component accounts for 2/3 of the final grade; - the practical component accounts for 1/3 of the final grade. Assessment takes into account the accuracy of students’ knowledge, their ability to understand and relate physical-geographical processes, their ability to correctly apply cartographic analysis methods, the degree of independence demonstrated when analysing previously unseen topographic maps, and the clarity and appropriateness of the language used. The theoretical component primarily assesses knowledge and understanding, the ability to apply and relate knowledge, and communication skills. The practical component primarily assesses the ability to apply knowledge and methods, independent judgement in cartographic analysis, and the ability to use acquired knowledge and skills in new situations.