68932 - INTRODUZIONE ALLA GEOLOGIA

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know 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 will be 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 know the main fields of professional application of the geologists. In the field, the student will be able to: - describe and interpret the rocky outcrops; - measure with the compass the spatial orientation of geological elements, either of primary or tectonic origin.

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

1. Introduction to fieldwork: field equipment for geological mapping; the field notebook.
2. Outcrop analysis: using the scientific method (from observation to interpretation of the geological structures directly at the outcrop)
3. Measuring planar and linear geological structures. The use of compass-clinometer to measure (i) the orientation of geological planes and lineations with respect to north, and (ii) the dip of geological features with respect to the horizontal (dip-direction vs. Right Hand Rule). Standard graphical representation of main geological structures.
4. Outcrop maps and geological symbology: practical mapping applications and implementation of standard geological symbols during single-day and multi-day field excursions.

 

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

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

C. VENTURINI, 2023 - Rilevamento geologico. Zanichelli Ed.

A.L. COE, 2010 - Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Teaching methods

The teaching methods include:

• frontal teaching;
• rock Identification and classification Laboratory
• classroom exercises;
• daily (or multi-day) field activity.

In consideration of the adopted activities and teaching methods, the attendance at field activities requires all students to complete general and specific training modules on safety in the field laboratories [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio]. Please contact the responsible for the safety modules.

Attending the field activities might require each student to cover the costs of food and accommodation during multi-day stays in the survey areas.

Assessment methods

MODULE 1

Assessment is based on a final oral examination designed to evaluate the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the course. The examination includes a written test related to the lithology laboratories, consisting of the identification and description of three rock samples.

MODULE 2

The submission of cartographic materials is required to access the oral exam sessions.

The assessment consists of an oral exam combined with technical and practical tasks. The oral exam aims to verify that the student has achieved the learning objectives regarding the content covered during lectures, classroom practicals, and field excursions.

The technical component will assess the student's proficiency in taking measurements with a geological compass and using standard symbology to represent geological structures.

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

Teaching activities include lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, laboratory and field identification of rock samples, and geological mapping exercises conducted both in the laboratory and in the field. Course materials, including lecture slides and practical exercise documents, will be made available to students in digital format.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Capozzi

See the website of Gianluca Vignaroli