65933 - Geology and Lithology

Learning outcomes

The course provides theoretical and technical knowledge for classification of rocks, forming the planet Earth. Insights on the processes leading to the formation and evolution of landforms will be presented. Students will be able to recognize different types of rocks, read and use topographic and geologic maps.

Course contents

Geology - Origin of the solar system and the planet Earth.
The Earth's interior (structure and heat propagation).
The revolutionary theory of Plate Tectonics.
Elements of stratigraphy and geochronology (absolute age and relative age of rocks and sediments). Main subaerial and submarine sedimentary environments (fluvial, coastal, and marine environments). Examples from the subsurface of the Po Plain and of the Romagna coast: sedimentary cycles, main deposits, and groundwater reserves.
Elements of structural geology (faults, folds, and earthquakes). The formation of the Alps and Apennines.
The concept of Risk (volcanic, seismic, and hydrogeological) and potential applications of geology in the 21st century.

Lithology - Rock-forming minerals: structural aspects, genesis, properties, and classification. The rock cycle and main rock types. Methods for the identification and classification of the main lithotypes.

1. Igneous rocks: magma genesis and formation environments. Intrusive and effusive igneous rocks.
2. Sedimentary rocks: types, classification, and genetic environments.
3. Metamorphic rocks: metamorphic environments and types of metamorphism.

Geomorphology - Types of weathering, erosion, transport, and deposition.
Mass wasting (gravity-driven movements of rock and soil on slopes).
Study of surface waters and landforms shaped by river systems. Description of the different factors contributing to the formation of diverse coastal landscapes.
Elements of cartography and interpretation of topographic and geological maps.

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended Textbook

- CAPIRE LA TERRA Terza edizione italiana condotta sulla settima edizione americana, GROTZINGER John P., JORDAN Thomas H, 2016, Zanichelli, ISBN 978-8808-82123-2
https://www.zanichelli.it/ricerca/prodotti/capire-la-terra-grotzinger-jordan

Additional textbooks:

- Hamblin W.K., Christiansen E.H., Earth's Dynamic System (Tenth Edition), Prentice Hall.

- Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K., Tozzi M., Scienze della Terra. Casa Editrice Principato.

- D'Argenio B., Innocenti F., Sassi F.P. (1981) INTRODUZIONE ALLO STUDIO DELLE ROCCE. UTET Torino

- Aruta L., Marescalchi P. CARTOGRAFIA - LETTURA DELLE CARTE. Flaccovio ed.

- Mike Leeder and Marta Pérez-Arlucea, (2006), PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford , 318p.

Teaching methods

The course offers a first theoretical and practical introduction to the processes that have shaped (and continue to model) the planet Earth, as well as to the geological record, of which rocks and sediments are the most representative constituents.

Furthermore, it provides the tools to understand, at different scales, landscape evolution over time and space.

This involves:

(1) acquiring the ability to understand the spatial and temporal dimensions of Earth processes;

(2) the ability to integrate theory with field and laboratory evidence in a sequence that progresses from observation and identification to synthesis and the development of models, within a multidimensional perspective and through the application of the scientific method.

The course will consist of a series of lectures (theory) and laboratory sessions (practice) to provide all the required knowledge and key elements for passing the exam.

A field trip is scheduled to integrate the theory covered during lectures.

Assessment methods

Oral examination to assess the knowledge acquired at the end of the course.

Possibility of a mid-term exam for attending students.

Potential bonus points from laboratory/practical activities and class presentations will be taken into consideration.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

• LCD projector
  
• Geological and topographic maps.
• Field geology equipment: field notebook, hammer, hand lens, camera, etc. (field trip).

Office hours

See the website of Bruno Campo