74695 - Geography and Geology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the basic concepts on the main geological exogenous and endogenous processes that lead to the formation of rocks and the main Earth’s environments and has an overview of the development of the course of study in Geological Sciences. The student is able: - to know the multiple aspects of the planet Earth system and their interactions; - to know the main geographical environments and the processes leading to their evolution; - to recognize the main sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic rocks; - to read topographic maps and to have basic skill in numerical cartography and geological mapping; - to know the main fields of professional application of the geologists.

Course contents

Module 1:

Introduction to the course:
Different time scales of geological processes. The concept of geological time. The principle of actualism. The Earth as a system of interacting components.

The origin of our planetary system. The primitive Earth. Formation of continents, oceans, and Earth's atmosphere. Earth through geological time.

The Earth's interior: the concentric shell structure – crust, mantle, and core. Heat flow. The Earth's magnetic field.

Plate tectonics: a unifying theory. The discovery of plate tectonics, evidence and hypotheses. The mosaic of tectonic plates. Divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries. Plate velocities. Convective movements in the mantle and other hypotheses about the driving force of plate tectonics.

Melting processes and magma formation: volcanism at plate boundaries. Hot spots. What magma is and how it forms. Magmatic differentiation. Intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.

The ocean floor: physiography of continental margins and ocean basins. Geological distribution and differences between oceans and continents.

Rocks as evidence of geological processes. Weathering, erosion, and the rock cycle. Chemical and physical weathering processes.

Sediments and sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks and their environments. Burial and diagenesis. Clastic, chemical, and biochemical sediments and corresponding sedimentary rocks. Marine sedimentation. The role of environment in the formation of carbonates and evaporites.

Metamorphic rocks. Types of metamorphism. Metamorphic structures. Regional metamorphism and metamorphic grade. Plate tectonics and metamorphism.

Orogeny. Growth and exhumation of orogenic belts. Evidence of ancient orogens. The evolution of continents, with particular focus on Pangaea and the Alpine-Himalayan orogeny.

Rock records and the geological time scale. Stratigraphy and its principles. Elements for constructing Earth's chronology. Relative and absolute dating. Radiometric dating: adding data to the chronostratigraphic scale.

Folds, faults, and other deformation structures in rocks. How rocks deform. How rocks fracture: joints and faults and their relation to stress regimes. Folds of different geometries, anticlines and synclines.

Earthquakes. What is an earthquake? Types of seismic waves. Studying earthquakes, location and intensity. Seismic and tsunamigenic hazard.

Volcanism and volcano structure. Volcanic products and deposits. Types of eruptions and volcanic edifices. Volcanic risk elements: explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, caldera collapses, lahars, flank collapses, and tsunamis.

Past climates of the Earth, global changes, and human impact. Glaciations and sea-level changes, with focus on the Quaternary. Surface and deep ocean currents and their role in heat exchange. Current sea-level rise estimates. Natural climate variability. Human activity and global changes. 21st-century warming. Energy: renewable and non-renewable resources.

Lithology Lab

Definition of mineral, major rock-forming minerals. Classification of rocks based on origin (structures and composition).

Igneous rocks: intrusive and extrusive rocks. Structures and constituent minerals. Composition of igneous rocks (acidic, intermediate, mafic, ultramafic). Classification criteria.

Sedimentary rocks: origin and classification. Clastic rocks: grain size and texture classification. Chemical and biochemical (biogenic) rocks. Carbonate rocks and related classification. Dolostones. Marls. Cherts and siliceous rocks. Evaporite rocks.

Metamorphic rocks: typical metamorphic minerals. Classification based on structure and texture. Metamorphic grade.

Module 2:

Cartography and Digital Mapping Lab; Exercises, including fieldwork, in applied geological mapping. Use of traditional cartography and applications in digital mapping.

Readings/Bibliography

CAPIRE LA TERRA Terza edizione italiana condotta sulla settima edizione americana, GROTZINGER John P., JORDAN Thomas H, 2016, Zanichelli, ISBN 978-8808-82123-2

Elvio Lavagna, Guido Locarno (2014), GEOCARTOGRAFIA - Guida alla lettura delle carte geotopografiche, Zanichelli, 170 pagine. ISBN 978-8808-15789-8.

Mario Boffi (2004), Scienza dell'informazione geografica. Introduzione ai GIS, 192p., Zanichelli, ISBN 88-08-07525-7

EARTH'S DYNAMIC SYSTEMS - Hamblin W.K., Christiansen E.H., Tenth edition. Prentice Hall, Pearson Education.

Supplemental reading: https://www.geological-digressions.com/ 

by Brian Ricketts

Teaching methods

Lectures, laboratory sessions for rock classification and identification, GIS cartography laboratory, and fieldwork laboratories.

Given the types of activities and teaching methods used, attendance in this course requires that all students complete Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-places ], as well as Module 3, which involves specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information about the dates and participation procedures for Module 3 can be found in the relevant section of the degree program’s website.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed through a final examination that verifies the expected knowledge and skills. The exam includes:

• A written test related to the lithology lab (involving the identification and description of three rock samples) (3 ECTS),

• A cartography component based on fieldwork activities (3 ECTS),

• An oral examination consisting of three questions. These will cover in-depth topics from the written test and field labs, as well as other subjects addressed during the course (5 ECTS).

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or Temporary/Permanent Disabilities
Students are strongly encouraged to contact the university’s dedicated office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). This office will work with the student to suggest any necessary accommodations. Proposed adjustments must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated based on their compatibility with the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, hands-on identification of lithological samples both in the lab and in the field, and practical GIS exercises conducted in the laboratory and during fieldwork. Teaching materials, including lecture and exercise slides, will be provided in digital format.

The end-of-course field laboratory will last three days, and students will be asked to contribute to the cost of meals and accommodation.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Capozzi

See the website of Lorenzo Gemignani