91449 - Geomorphology (8 CFU)

Learning outcomes

Students gain basic knowledge on the mechanisms of weathering, on the geomorphic processes that shape (or shaped) the Earth's surface, and the relevant derived landforms. Specifically, students are able to: - map the main landforms in the landscape and classify them according to the formative geomorphic processes; - perform quantitative field data collection and subsequent data analysis on the morphology, geometry and the surficial materials that compose hillslopes and stream channels; - establish basic causal linkages between hydro-meteorological forcing and geomorphic response; - recognize active and relict landforms in a given setting and put them in the wider context of landscape history; - evaluate the main impacts of (past and current) anthropogenic activities on present geomorphic dynamics.

Course contents

LECTURES:

1. Introduction to Geomorphology; 2. Basics of cartography and the main topographic variables; 3. Feedback mechnisms between climate, tectonics and earth surface processes; 4. Physical weathering; 5. Chemical weathering; 6. Introduction to Hydrology; 7. Hillslope forms and processes (part 1); 8. Hillslope forms and processes (part 2); 9. Fluvial forms and processes (part 1); 10. Fluvial forms and processes (part 2); 11. Glacial forms and processes (part 1); 12: Glacial forms and processes (part 2). 13. Permaforst and periglacial environments; 14. Geomorphology of the Anthropocene: humans as dominant geomorphic agents.

FIELD EXCURSIONS:

Excursion 1 - OPTIONAL (8 hours)

Friday October 17, 2025

Sillaro River valley (Bologna Metropolitan Area): hillslope and fluvial forms and processes in a drainage basin characterized by clay-rich lithologies. The excursion will focus on the identification and description of hillslope and fluvial morphologies. Emphasis will be placed on the effects of historical mining in the channel bed and the conditioning driven by the construction of man made hydraulic structures.

Excursion 2 - MANDATORY (8 hours)

Friday October 24, 2025

Sillaro River valley (Bologna Metropolitan Area): hillslope and fluvial forms and processes in a drainage basin characterized by clay-rich lithologies. The excursion will entail field data collection and analysis. Students will work in groups of three. Subsequently, each group will prepare an oral presentation and a short written report.

Field Excursion 3 - OPTIONAL: date and location to be determined based on the meteorological conditions during the upcoming fall. Stay tuned!

CARTOGRAPHY & GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING:

Aerial photo and Google Earth image interpretation and mapping exercises (labs - 16 hours):

1. Introduction to basic operations; 2. Extraction of river long profiles and valley cross sections; 3. Image interpretation and mapping of two study areas: glaciated (Alps) vs. unglaciated (Apennines) settings; 4. Data export into QGIS; 5. In class exercise on mapping subjectivity followed by class discussion and the drafting of mapping guidelines.

QGIS labs (8 hours):

1. Introducing QGIS, plug-ins e main commands; 2. Digital mapping of hillslope and fluvial forms; 3. Automated extraction of fluvial long profiles and valley cross sections.

Readings/Bibliography

Readings and presentations posted online

Teaching methods

Lectures, Field excursions and Lab sessions

Assessment methods

Cartographic and Google Earth-based image interpretation assignments and oral discussion (30%)

Group report linked to field excursion 2 (20%)

Written final exam on topics dealt with in class and in the mandatory field excursion (50%)

HEALTH & SAFETY MODULES

To join the field excursions, the attendance of modules 1, 2 and 3 is mandatory.

Italian and English versions of the online modules ( 1 & 2) may be found at the following link:

https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio

POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS:

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

PC-based video projections

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Brardinoni