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Ε5207 - KARST GEOMORPHOLOGY-PRINCIPLES OF SPELAEOLOGY

INSTRUCTORS

Lectures:

E. Vassilakis, Assoc. Prof.

Lab. Training:

E. Vassilakis, Assoc. Prof.

eClass Webpage

COURSE KEY ELEMENTS

LEVEL / SEMESTER:

EQF level 6; NQF of Greece level 6 / 5th

TYPE:

Specific background, Skills development

TEACHING ACTIVITIES - HOURS/WEEK  - ECTS:

Lectures, Laboratory exercises
2 hours of lecturing,
1 hour of practical exercises per week,
4 ECTS credit

Prerequisites:

None

Language of instruction and Assessment:

Greek(V.S.1 English)

Availability to Erasmus+ Students:

YES in English

COURSE CONTENT:

Α. Lectures

  • Introduction: covers the concept of karst, pseudokarst, karstification, along with an exploration of karst rocks.
  • Karst processes: examines the conditions, effects, and factors affecting the creation and formation of karst, including lithology, stratigraphy, tectonics, eustatic movement, climate, paleogeography, and human activities.
  • Karst types: explores exokarst, endokarst, paleokarst, pseudokarst, and more, along with discussions on karst relief and hydrography.
  • Karst Geomorphs: addresses both surface and underground karst forms, considering their correlation with climatic zones. Discusses the global distribution of karst highlighting major karst regions worldwide and in Greece.
  • Applied Karstic Geomorphology: focuses on basic and applied karst research methods. Examines the use, exploitation, and economic significance of karst in various sectors such as water resources, agriculture, mining, tourism, etc. Environmental impact on karst. “Karst ecology”.
  • Principles of Speleology: explores the concept of caves, different cave types, cave formation, morphology, deposits, climate, exploration and survey methods. Management and commercial value of Caves in the frame of geotourism and geoethics, highlighting significant caves worldwide and in Greece.

B. Practical Exercises and Laboratory Sessions:

Laboratory exercises involve the use of analogue and digital maps, aerial photographs, satellite images, literature, and questionnaires.

Exercises cover:

  • Karst areas and karst relief
  • Geomorphological mapping of karstic forms
  • Surface karst formations
  • Karst types
  • Karst and hydrographic network
  • Karst forms and tectonic discontinuities
  • Underground karst systems
  • Caves – Formation
  • Morphology of caves

LEARNING ACTIVITIES - TEACHING METHODS:

PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Activity Student’s effort
Lectures26 hours
Practical exercises26 hours
Fieldwork8 hours
Literature Review10 hours
Unguided Study30 hours
Total student effort100 hours

ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA

The assessment process is conducted in Greek (there is the possibility of examination in English for Erasmus students).

I. LECTURES (65%)

  • Written Exam with Short Answer Questions and Multiple Choice Test

II. PRACTICE EXERCISES (35%)

  • Delivery of individual written assignments that include completing the laboratory exercises

RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Bibliography:

  • Miliana Goloubovic-Deligianni, 2019, Environmental Karst Geomorphology, [EVDOXOS: 77120352]

Additional Learning Material

  • Bogli, A., 1980. Karst hydrology and physical speleology. Springer-Verlag, p. 284.
  • Derek, F. & Williams, P., 2007. Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology, John Wiley & Sons, p. 562.
  • Gillieson, D., 1996. Caves: Processes development and management, Blackwell Oxford, p. 324p
  • Gunn, J., 2004. Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science, Taylor and Francis, p. 928.

Additional literature sources and lecture contents are available to students participating in the specific course through the relevant website of the course (e-class).

Related scientific Journals:

1 V.S.: Visitor Students (e.g. ERASMUS)

STUDY: