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Geology and Soil Science

Course developers

Replaced course

LauZ2056 [GLAU2056] Geology and Soil Science

Course abstract

In the study course, students get acquainted with the basics of geology and soil science - the structure and formation of the Earth, geological processes, relief types and conditions of formation, formation processes of soils and their diversity, understand the relationship between the geological structure of the place and the composition of soil, and also see the connection between climate, terrain and soil characteristics. The importance of geological structure, relief and geological processes in the formation of water resources. Characterization of widespread minerals, rocks and parent rocks of soils, soil mechanical and hydrophysical properties. Importance of geological structure, relief and geological processes in forming processes of water resources. Ground water: genesis, classification, motion regularity, resources, exploitation, study methods and importance in national economy. Geological maps usage in ground water resources planning. Development and rational exploitation of mineral resources. Students get acquainted with soil formation factors, soil processes, their interaction, physical-mechanical properties of soil. In laboratory work in the classroom and on field, students learn to recognize and identify minerals and rocks, understand their diversity found in nature, get acquainted with geological field work methods, acquire practical skills and techniques in soil diagnostics in field conditions. Systematic observation and data collection for the preparation of geological sections, soil maps and land evaluation. Interpretation of the obtained measurement data in order to understand the relationships between the geological structure, relief and
sediments of the studied area, as well as soil diversity and changes in soil properties in a certain area.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knows the natural geological processes and their regional distribution.
2. Understand the history of the Earth, knows the geochronological scale and major geological events
3. Can recognize widespread rocks and minerals in the nature
4. Understands the regularities of relief formation
5. Understands the connection of groundwater with the geological environment
6. Competences in the interpretation of simple geological data.
7. Understands soil processes and their impact on soil formation, their impact on soil colour, formation of diagnostic horizons.
8. Able to classify soils using Latvian and WRB soil classification. Understands the principles of soil mapping.

Laboratory work:
Knowledge-based results. Understands soil and geological field research methods and knows how to apply them. Able to perform soil diagnostics in field conditions. Recognizes the processes of soil formation, is able to estimate the geological structure of a specific place, the peculiarities of the relief and hydrological conditions.
After getting to know the geological survey data in advance, they can describe the geological and geomorphological situation of a specific place, draw up a geological cross section. Can describe, classify and assess soils, perform the simplest analyzes in field conditions, prepare research reports and thematic maps.
Competence in making independent decisions in various issues related to geology and soil.
Rating:
The evaluation of the study course consists of the average rating for the test written in each section and the grade for the laboratory work report and its defense.
1st test - lecture topics 1-14. 2nd test - lecture topics 15-28.
The assessment for laboratory work is formed cumulatively:
• the quality of field and chamber works;
• work report on what has been done;
• the logic of conclusions and the ability to engage in discussion;
•ability to formulate answers in relation to the tasks performed and the report of submitted works.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time intramural studies Lectures:
1. Introduction, structure of the Earth (1h)
2. Endogenous processes (1h)
3. Hydrogeology (1h)
4. Underground waters (1h)
5. The Coast (1h)
6. Sufosis (1h)
7. Coastal processes (1h)
8. River morphology (1h)
9. Aeolian processes (1h)
10. Slope processes (1h)
11. Glacier formation (1h)
12. Impact of climate on the environment (1h)
13. Stages of the Baltic Sea (1h)
14. Geomorphology (1h)
15. Introduction to soil science. General scheme of soil formation (1h)
16. Factors affecting soil formation. Soil formation processes (1h)
17. Mineralogical and granulometric composition of soil and parent rock (1h)
18. The organic part of the soil (1h)
19. Chemical and colloidal properties of soil (1h)
20. Soil structure. Physical properties of the soil (1h)
21. Soil hydrophysical properties and water regime. Regulation of soil water regime. Irrigation (1h)
22. Aerophysical and thermophysical properties of soil, air and heat regime (1h)
23. Swamps, their formation (1h)
24. Soil genesis and evolution. Soil ecology (1h)
25. Soil fertility (1h)
26. Soil classification. Soil geography. Latvian soils (1h)
27. Soil mapping (1h)
28. Soil degradation (1h)
Laboratory work:
1.Get to know with the geological structure of a specific place, geological processes and diversity of soils (8h)
2. Research and evaluation of exogenous processes, construction of boreholes, research and survey of geological objects, preparation and description of graphic materials (8h)
3. Soil diagnosis, description, and mapping – creation and description of the soil profile, investigation of the probing range (8h)
4. Preparation of a report of laboratory work, performing additional necessary analyzes in the laboratory and defending the report (4h)
In part-time extramural studies:
All topics specified for full-time attendance are implemented, but the number of contact hours is 1/2 from the number of indicated hours, as well as the amount of field work is reduced, but all sections of laboratory work are implemented.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Examination type - assessment with a mark. Must have successfully written 2 tests and a defended report of laboratory work.
The topic of the first test covers the geology section, and the second covers the basics of soil science.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independently prepares answers to the questions raised by the lecturer in connection with the topics of the lectures, completes and submits laboratory work protocols.
Compilation of geological section.
Performs field and camera work assigned by the lecturer. At the end of the laboratory work, students summarize the acquired practical and theoretical knowledge in a report, which is designed according to the instructions given by the teacher.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

By successfully passing the two tests provided for in the study course with a successful average grade, it is possible to receive an accumulative grade. The obtained points do not exclude the possibility of taking the final test to improve the grade. But if the average grade of the tests is lower than 4, taking the final test is obligatory.
Assessment of laboratory works:
1. Quality of field and chamber work, logic of conclusions, student's ability to engage in discussions.
2. Report and defense of laboratory work, in which the student must be able to formulate answers related to the work report, which includes the above-mentioned knowledge, skills and competences.

Compulsory reading

1. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Sast. A. Kārkliņš. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 336 lpp.
2. Augsnes ilgtspējīga izmantošana un aizsardzība. O. Nikodemus, A. Kārkliņš, M. Kļaviņš, V.Meleckis. Rīga: LU akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 254 lpp.
3. Bambergs K. Ģeoloģija un hidroģeoloģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1993. 328 lpp.
4. Ģeoloģija, augsne, agroķīmija: Metodiskie norādījumi mācību praksei. Prof. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 88 lpp.
5. Karpovičs A., Mešķis S., Vircava I. Praktiskie darbi inženierģeoloģijā. Rēzekne: Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2019. 111 lpp. ISBN 978-9984-44-230-3.
6. Kārkliņš A. Zeme, augsne, mēslojums: Terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca. Jelgava: LLU. 2012. 477 lpp.
7. Latvijas augšņu noteicējs A. Kārkliņš, I. Gemste, H. Mežals, O. Nikodemus, R. Skujāns. Jelgava: LLU, 2009. 240 lpp. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Sast.
A. Kārkliņš. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 336 lpp.

Further reading

1. Bell F.G. Engineering geology and construction. London; New York: Spon Press, 2004. 797 p.
2. Blum W. E.H., Schad P., Nortcliff S. Essentials of soil science: soil formation, functions, use and classification (World reference Base, WRB), Stuttgart: Borntraeger Science Publishers, 2018. 171 p.
3. Carter M., Bentley S.P. Soil properties and their correlations; Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley, 2016. 222 p.
4. Filipenkovs V., Tūna M., Grabis J. Ģeotehnikas
pamatkurss. Lekcijas un praktiskās nodarbības. Rīga, RTU, 2006.166 lpp.
5. Indāns A., Ošiņa J., Zobena A. Inženierģeoloģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1986. 280 lpp.
6. IUSS Working Group WRB. 2015. World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2014, update 2015 International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. World Soil Resources Reports No. 106. FAO, Rome. Pieejams: https://www.fao.org/3/i3794en/I3794en.pdf
7. Latvija - Zeme, Daba, Tauta, Valsts. 2018.
Monogrāfija. Latvijas Universitāte. 752 lpp., ISBN10: 9934182976
8. Mitchell J. K., Soga K. Fundamentals of soil behavior. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2005. 575 p.
9. Soil Atlas of Europe. European Soil Bureau Network, European Commission. 2005. 128 p.

Notes

The study course is compulsory for professional Bachelor study program „Land Management and Surveying” for full-time and part time studies.