C9407 - RICOSTRUZIONI PALEOAMBIENTALI

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical tools to evaluate the chemico–physical characteristics of depositional environments through integrated paleoecological analyses. Thanks to field and laboratory activities, students will develop the ability to reconstruct paleoenvironments and to analyze the paleoenvironmental evolution of sedimentary successions, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates micropaleontology, malacology, and lithology.

Course contents

Role of fossils in paleoenvironmental reconstruction: potential and limitations. Integrated use of micropaleontology, malacology and sedimentology in the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Quaternary sedimentary successions. Fundamentals of the taxonomy and morphology of mollusks and foraminifera. Physical and chemical factors controlling the distribution of mollusks and foraminifera in modern environments.

Laboratory activities cover the complete analytical workflow, from field sampling to paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on fossil assemblages and key species, with particular emphasis on: 1) preparation of samples for micropaleontological analyses; 2) microscopic analysis of foraminiferal assemblages and mollusk taxa indicative of lagoonal, coastal, deltaic, continental shelf, continental slope and deep-sea environments; 3) analysis of case studies focused on the reconstruction of the physicochemical characteristics of depositional environments based on the abundance of key species.

Field activities include the sampling and paleontological investigation of a Quaternary sedimentary succession, preliminary reconstruction of its paleoenvironmental evolution based on fossil assemblages observed in the field, and subsequent laboratory preparation and micropaleontological analysis of the collected samples

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials, including identification plates for microfossils, will be provided during the course. The following references are recommended for further study:

Murray, J.W. (2006). Ecology and Applications of Benthic Foraminifera. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Manuale di Paleontologia. Fondamenti – Applicazioni, 2nd edition. Idelson-Gnocchi.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, practical laboratory sessions and field activities.

A one-day field excursion is planned, during which students will apply field sampling techniques and methods for paleoenvironmental interpretation, with particular emphasis on key mollusk species. Practical information on the field excursion will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Assessment methods

The final assessment consists of a practical examination and an oral examination.

The practical examination requires students to analyze a benthic foraminiferal assemblage and mollusk specimens that represent environmental and climatic indicators, in order to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic setting of the sampled deposits.

The oral examination assesses the student's knowledge of the theoretical topics covered during the course, with particular emphasis on paleoclimatology, paleoenvironments, and the ecology and distribution of the foraminiferal and mollusk taxa examined during the laboratory sessions.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's competent office sufficiently in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities are supported by classrooms equipped with personal computers, multimedia projectors and video cameras; PowerPoint presentations; macro- and micropaleontological teaching collections; sample holders and microscopy equipment; and microscopes equipped with digital cameras.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Claudio Vaiani

See the website of Daniele Scarponi