31426 - Geology T (A-K)

Learning outcomes

This course gives the student basic information on the following subjects: (a) identifying rocks and soils in hand samples as well as outcrops; (b) interpreting geologic maps, stratigraphic schemes and geologic cross-sections; (c) estimating the effects of the geodynamic processes on volcanic, seismic and hydrogeologic hazards; (d) assessing from a geologic point of view the construction problems and the environmental impact of civil engineering works. At the end of the course, once passed the final assessment, the student is able to understand terminology and contents of the geologic elaborates required for the planning of civil engineering works.

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

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; (d) acquire elementary concepts of hydrogeology and slope stability.

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

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 geologic contents.

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 module is dedicated to the following topics: identification of common minerals; identification of common rocks and soils 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 the lithogenetic cycle in the internal and external dynamics of the Earth.

The second 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; search in the geologic maps of qualitative information on hydrogeology, subsidence and slope stability.

The entire teaching activity of the course is presented on the computer and can be delivered both in the classroom and online. The lessons alternate with exercises, which students can carry out only on the computer due to the limitations imposed by the COVID emergency. Any educational trips in the southern Alps and / or in the northern Apennines will be organized only if compatible with the same limitations.

Assessment methods

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

The partial oral tests, which last about 30 minutes each, are entirely managed on the computer and optimized to be delivered online. The first test is conducted on HD photos of samples of rocks or soils, and consists in the identification of two samples of different origins. The second test is conducted on HD scans of geological maps, and consists in the identification of two stratigraphic, tectonic or geomorphological objects. 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 the mapped objects, 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.

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 two partial votes, rounded up or down at the discretion of the teacher.

Teaching tools

Projector and computer are used for all lessons and exercises. From the Alberto Landuzzi website and from IOL you can access two DVDs, which contain the following teaching material: (a) all the presentations screened in class, with many additional explanations; (b) HD photos and complete descriptions of the samples used for the exam; (c) HD scans of the 14 geological maps used for the exam, with many examples of stratigraphic, tectonic and geomorphological objects already identified and described; (d) the course lecture notes, which can also be purchased from the Photocopy Service of the Engineering Library. Also available in IOL is the material necessary to carry out all the exercises of the course. Each exercise has results to achieve and a mind map that helps you achieve them. The correct path to achieve these results will be published on IOL in real time, at the end of each single exercise.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Landuzzi