69724 - Geology and Applied Geology M

Learning outcomes

Learning some basic concepts for the understanding of geologic bodies, and rocks that constitute them. Reading and interpreting the geologic elaborates. Learning some notions of applied geology, essential for the correct use of engineering techniques in the field of civil works, with particular reference to geologic hazards.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge.

A high-school level understanding of physics, inorganic chemistry and physical geography is required to attend with profit this course. In addition, the student who knows nothing about the dynamics of Earth is recommended to get acquainted with this topic on high-school textbooks. Fluent spoken and written Italian are necessary pre-requisites, since all lectures, tutorials and study material are in Italian.

Course Contents

The first module of this course gives the student basic information on the following subjects: (a) identifying rocks and soils in hand samples as well as outcrops; (b) reading and interpreting geologic maps, stratigraphic schemes and geologic cross-sections; (c) estimating the effects of the geodynamic processes on volcanic, seismic and alluvial hazards.

The second module of this course is mainly about hydrogeology and landslides, with emphasis on the interpretation of large-scale geomorphologic maps, the monitoring techniques and the hazard mitigation interventions.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to understand terminology and contents of the geologic elaborates required for the planning of engineering works.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

LANDUZZI A., Schemi e appunti per le esercitazioni di litologia e cartografia geologica (lecture notes). Text useful for the lessons and necessary for the exercises

GROTZINGER J.P., JORDAN T.H., Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2016. Text to consult, especially if you don't know what the Earth's dynamics is. Alternatively, other high-school level texts can be consulted, asking Alberto Landuzzi for an opinion on their geological contents.

Module 2

SCESI L., PAPINI M., GATTINONI P., Principi di geologia applicata per ingegneria civile-ambientale e scienze della terra, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2014. Text recommended to those who want to deepen the study of Applied Geology.

Teaching methods

The first half of the first module is dedicated to the following topics: identification of common minerals in hand samples; identification of common rocks and soils in hand samples and outcrops by means of texture, structure, composition and easy-to-assess physical-chemical properties; analysis of the lithogenetic cycle by studying the plutonic, volcanic, sedimentary, diagenetic and metamorphic processes; framing of the lithogenetic cycle in the internal and external dynamics of the Earth.

The second half of the first module is dedicated to the following topics: application of the principles of stratigraphy, tectonics and geomorphology to the interpretation of geologic maps, stratigraphic schemes and geologic cross-sections; examination of the geologic and geomorphologic data that contribute to the evaluation of volcanic, seismic and alluvial hazard.

The second module is dedicated to the following topics: interpretation of large-scale geomorphologic maps; elements of hydrogeology; classification, causes and modeling of landslides; monitoring techniques and interventions for the mitigation of landslide hazard.

For the duration of the course the lessons alternate with exercises, which are held in the classroom and are organized in two or more shifts by 25 students each. In November, students will have the opportunity to participate in educational trips in the Southern Alps and/or the Northern Apennines.

Assessment methods

The assessment procedure is composed of three partial tests, which the student chooses to face in one, two or three days. This choice has no influence either on the complexity or on the number of proposed questions.

For the first module two partial practical - oral tests are scheduled, lasting about 15 minutes each. The first test consists in identifying two rock/soil samples of different origin. The second test consists in identifying in a geological map two objects of different categories (between stratigraphy, tectonics and geomorphology). Both tests are supplemented by general questions on geological processes and their practical implications.

In order to get a passing grade, it is necessary to explain the origin of the sampled rocks/soils and the mapped objects. A higher grade is given to students who, by interpreting the details of the sampled rocks/soils and cartographic objects in question, are able to deduce technical implications. A failing grade in one or both tests can derive from the ignorance of basic concepts, sometimes worsened by a misuse of the technical language.

For the second module a partial written test is scheduled, to be performed in 120 minutes. The written test consists of three series of open questions (evaluated as 12/30, 12/30 and 6/30), related to the interpretation of a large-scale geomorphologic map. On demand from the student, the written test can undergo an oral revision.

In order to get a passing grade, it is necessary to explain the origin and the evolution of the mapped objects. A higher grade can be awarded to the student who demonstrates an organic understanding of the theoretical and practical contents of the module, writing about them in a clear technical language. A failing grade in the written test can derive from the ignorance of basic concepts, sometimes worsened by a misuse of the technical language.

When the student has achieved at least a passing grade for each partial test, the overall grade is calculated by the arithmetic average of the three partial votes. If necessary, the teachers of the two modules decide together about a positive or negative rounding of the average number.

Teaching tools

Video projector and personal computer are used for all lessons and some exercises. In the LARIG classroom (Viale del Risorgimento 2, ground floor) 270 rock samples and 14 geological maps of Italy at a 1/100000 scale are available. In the Latest news section of Alberto Landuzzi's website there are links to download two DVDs that contain the following educational material: (a) all computer presentations projected in class, with many additional explanations; (b) high resolution photos and complete descriptions of the 100 best samples in the collection; (c) high resolution copies of the 14 geological maps available in the classroom, with many examples of stratigraphic, tectonic and geomorphologic objects already identified and described; (d) the course lecture notes, which can also be purchased from the Photocopying Service of the Engineering Library. Students are required to get an 8x-10x lens, which is very useful for viewing fine-grained rock/soil samples.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Landuzzi

See the website of Lisa Borgatti