B5952 - VULCANOLOGIA FISICA

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired the ability to carry out a geological study of a volcanic area in order to interpret the processes that control where and how volcanic eruptions occur. Multidisciplinary skills are provided that bring together aspects of geology, sedimentology and volcano-tectonics, petrology and physics (i.e. fluid dynamics) in order to understand how to define the eruptive dynamics, transport and emplacement mechanisms of volcanogenic flows, and the processes of erosion and post-depositional alteration of volcanic deposits, based on the study of volcanic successions and morphologies and volcano-tectonic collapses. In particular, the student is able to obtain the main eruptive parameters and define the temporal development of eruptive activity in recent and/or ancient volcanoes and the recurrence of eruptions for the purposes of volcanic hazard assessment.

Course contents

The course is organized into thematic modules focusing on the analysis of the main eruptive processes, volcanic landforms, and collapse structures, with the aim of providing students with the tools required to derive the principal eruptive parameters from the study of volcanic deposits. These concepts are applied to volcanic hazard assessment, the exploration of geological resources, and land-use planning. The course covers the fundamental principles of volcanism and the physical and chemical properties of magmas, together with the petrological and geophysical methods used to reconstruct the internal structure of volcanic edifices and identify magma chambers. Particular attention is devoted to the relationships between volcanism and tectonics at both local and regional scales, including the recognition of dykes, volcanic conduits, and collapse structures such as calderas and sector collapses, as well as the mechanisms linking these processes to the evolution of volcanic activity. The course examines the main eruptive styles and their associated products. The characteristics and emplacement dynamics of both mafic and silicic lava flows, as well as volcanic domes, are discussed, with particular emphasis on their formation, fracturing processes, and associated secondary explosive activity. For explosive volcanism, the course addresses eruptive columns and tephra-fall deposits, including the construction and interpretation of isopach and isopleth maps, the determination of dense rock equivalent (DRE) erupted volume, eruption column height, eruption intensity, and the critical mass loading of fallout deposits, together with the delineation of areas affected by ballistic ejecta. The course also examines pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and their deposits, with particular emphasis on reconstructing their spatial distribution and estimating flow temperature, velocity, density, and dynamic pressure from the characteristics of the associated deposits. Within the framework of volcano-tectonics, the course investigates caldera-forming processes, the subsurface structure of calderas, and the mechanisms of lateral collapse of volcanic edifices, with particular emphasis on the processes responsible for edifice instability and the generation of debris avalanches. Finally, the course addresses lahars as secondary gravity-driven processes, focusing on their triggering mechanisms, flow dynamics, and the delineation of their potential inundation areas.

 

Course Coordinator: Ph.D. Matteo Roverato

The course consists of 24 hours of lectures (3 CFU) and 24 hours of field laboratory activities (2 CFU).

An additional component of the course (1 CFU = 8 hours) is based on a flipped learning approach. During these sessions, the instructor will present case studies that students, working in small groups, will analyse and interpret by identifying key geological features and developing possible interpretations. Each group will then present its findings to the instructor and the rest of the class, followed by a discussion of the main results and their scientific implications.

The course also includes a field excursion to Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), during which students will apply in the field the concepts and methodologies introduced during the lectures.

Readings/Bibliography

- PowerPoint lecture slides

 

- Scientific papers on selected topics covered during the course

 

- Textbook: Sigurdsson, H. (Ed.) (2015). The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes (2nd ed.). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, USA.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be delivered entirely using PowerPoint presentations.

The course also includes student presentations and group discussions based on selected topics from the scientific literature. This activity is part of the University's educational innovation framework and follows a blended learning approach.

A field trip is included to assess students' understanding and application of the theoretical concepts covered during the course.

Given the nature of the teaching activities and methods adopted, all students are required to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the University online health and safety training (e-learning) before participating in field activities: https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-well-being/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-places . Students are also required to attend Module 3, which provides specific health and safety training for study activities. Information on the schedule and attendance procedures for Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the degree programme website.

The field excursion to Tenerife requires each student to cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, and meals during the multi-day stay in the field. As a general indication, based on the costs of previous field excursions, the total expense is expected to amount to a few hundred euros.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination or, by prior agreement with the instructor, a written examination.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the instructor at least 15 days before the examination date. The instructor will evaluate the request, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a support tool for individual study, including for in-depth learning, summarization, and self-assessment activities. However, the use of AI is strictly prohibited during all forms of course assessment, including both written and oral examinations. Accordingly, the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any other electronic devices is not permitted during the examination. Such devices must either be handed to the instructor or switched off and kept offline for the entire duration of the examination. Any use of AI or unauthorized electronic devices during an assessment constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

- PowerPoint presentations

 

- Scientific publications

 

- Rock samples

 

- Geological maps

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Roverato

See the website of Federico Lucchi