| CODE | GSC2105 | |||||||||
| TITLE | The Geology of the Maltese Islands | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides a comprehensive exploration of the geological evolution of the Maltese Islands within the context of Earth's dynamic crust and landscapes. Students will learn about the Earth's structure, plate tectonics, and the geological history of the Mediterranean region, with a focus on the lithology, stratigraphy, and structural geology of the Maltese Islands. Through lectures, digital tools and case study analyses, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the processes that shaped the islands and the physical characteristics of their geological formations. Study-Unit Aims: The aims of this study-unit are to: - Describe the geological history and structure of the Maltese Islands in relation to broader Mediterranean tectonics. - Introduce students to the lithology and stratigraphy of the islands, highlighting the characteristics of key rock formations. - Develop skills to identify and analyze geological features, including faults and landforms, in a digital environment. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify the main rock types and formations found in the Maltese Islands. - Describe the tectonic and geological processes that have shaped the islands and the Mediterranean region. - Recognize the different types of faults in the context of the islands’ structural geology. - Interpret the lithological and geomorphological characteristics of key strata and landforms. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Conduct geological investigations using virtual tools and class-based methods. - Analyze and interpret local rock specimens and geological data. - Evaluate key geological sites through case studies and remote analysis techniques. - Apply geological principles to interpret the physical and structural features of rocks and faults. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Landscapes and Landforms of the Maltese Islands. New York, NY: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2019. Print. - Pedley, M., Hughes-Clarke, M. and Galea, P. (2002) Limestone Isles in a Crystal Sea: the geology of the Maltese Islands. PEG Malta. Supplementary Readings: - The Field Description of Sedimentary Rocks (Rock Classes) by Maurice E. Tucker, R. Thorpe, G BROWN, N. Fry, November 4, 1993,John Wiley & Sons Ltd. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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