75516 - Vulcanology and Volcanic Sensing

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to recognize and describe the main volcanic deposits and associated morphologies, and to interpret eruptive phenomena and classify volcanic eruptions. The student has acquired the skills necessary to carry on stratigraphic analysis and geological survey in volcanic areas, with particular reference to the elaboration of detailed stratigraphic sections and their correlation, and to the study and sampling of simple and complex depositional units aimed at grain size, sedimentological and petrochemical analyses.

Course contents

The course is divided into several sections designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure and evolution of volcanic systems, from deep magmatic sources to volcanic edifices at the Earth’s surface. Particular emphasis is placed on the main eruptive styles, volcanic products, and the methodologies used for geological mapping, field surveying, and stratigraphic analysis in volcanic areas.

I – MAGMA

• Geodynamics and global distribution of volcanoes.
• Magma genesis, composition, ascent, and physicochemical evolution.
• Magma chambers.
• Dykes and volcanic conduits.
• Physical properties of magmas.

II – EFFUSIVE VOLCANISM

• Characteristics and flow dynamics of mafic lava flows (pāhoehoe and ʻāʻā).
• Characteristics and flow dynamics of silicic lavas: blocky lava flows, rhyolitic lava flows (coulees), and lava domes.
• Secondary explosive activity.
• Submarine volcanism.
• Submarine explosive activity.
• Evolution of volcanic islands.
• Subglacial volcanism.

III – EXPLOSIVE VOLCANISM

• Classification of volcanic activity.
• Mechanisms of magma fragmentation (volatile exsolution, magma-water interaction, and phreatic/hydrothermal explosions).
• Eruptive columns and fallout deposits.
• Pyroclastic density currents and their deposits.
• Eruptive styles.
• Morphology of volcanic edifices.

IV – VOLCANO-TECTONICS

• Volcano-tectonic collapse structures (calderas and sector collapses).
• Gravity-driven mass flows (debris avalanches and lahars).

V – VOLCANIC FIELD MAPPING

• Principles of stratigraphy in volcanic areas (unconformity-bounded units, lithostratigraphic units, and lithosomes).
• Geological mapping methodologies in volcanic areas and the specific characteristics of recent or active volcanic environments.
• Description of volcanic deposits and their lithological, mineralogical, and petrographic characteristics.
• Principles of tephrostratigraphy.
• The role of geomorphology and the relationships between volcanic activity, volcano-tectonics, and regional tectonics.
• Recognition of discontinuity surfaces and stratigraphic correlations.
• Reconstruction of the eruptive history of a volcano.

Course Coordinator: Prof. Federico Lucchi
Co-Teacher: Prof. Claudio Antonio Tranne

The course consists of:

• 32 hours of lectures (4 CFU);
• 12 hours of practical sessions involving the observation and description of rocks and hand specimens;
• 24 hours of field laboratory activities;

for a total of 68 hours of teaching activities.

Readings/Bibliography

PowerPoint lecture notes and presentations provided by the teachers.

The following textbooks are recommended for further reading and for students wishing to deepen their understanding of specific topics covered in the course:

• Cas, R.A.F., & Wright, J.V., 1987. Volcanic Successions: Modern and Ancient. Unwin Hyman, London.
• Branney, M.J., & Kokelaar, P., 2002. Pyroclastic Density Currents and the Sedimentation of Ignimbrites. Geological Society of London, Memoir 27.
• Schminke, H.U., 2004. Volcanism. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg.
• Fisher, R.V., & Schminke, H.U., 1984. Pyroclastic Rocks. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg.
• Sigurdsson, H. (Ed.), 2015. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes (2nd ed.). Academic Press, San Diego, USA.
• Cas, R.A.F., Giordano, G., & Wright, J.V., 2024. Volcanology: Processes, Deposits, Geology and Resources. Springer.

Teaching methods

• PowerPoint and/or Keynote presentations.
• Recognition and description of volcanic rocks and deposits through hand specimens and photographic material.
• A field excursion to Italian volcanic areas (Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna, and Vesuvius) aimed at consolidating concepts introduced during lectures and carrying out geological mapping and stratigraphic analysis activities in the field.

Due to the nature of the planned activities, all students are required to complete Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the University health and safety training programme through e-learning. Information regarding attendance procedures is available on the degree programme website.

Participation in field excursions may require students to contribute, at least partially, to transportation and/or accommodation costs associated with multi-day field activities.

Assessment methods

The assessment is designed to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the main topics in volcanology and geological mapping in volcanic areas, as well as their ability to recognize volcanic rocks and deposits and to integrate theoretical concepts with observations and data collected in the field.

Assessment is based on a written or oral examination (to be agreed upon with the teacher) covering the theoretical aspects of the course, together with the evaluation of field mapping activities carried out during the field excursion.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University support services as early as possible in order to discuss appropriate accommodations. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the teacher at least 15 days before the examination date.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support individual study activities, including in-depth learning, summarisation, and self-assessment. However, the use of AI tools during any form of assessment, whether written or oral, is strictly prohibited. Consequently, the use of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices is not permitted during examinations. Such devices must be handed in or switched off and stored away for the entire duration of the assessment. Any unauthorized use during an examination will be considered a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

• Multimedia projector connected to a computer.
• Hand specimens of volcanic rocks and deposits.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Lucchi

See the website of Claudio Antonio Tranne