91438 - Advanced Geological Survey

Learning outcomes

The course aims at providing students with the tools to understand the three-dimensional distribution of the geologic bodies, their genesis and their relationships with the tectonic structures. The sedimentary processes, as transport and the deposition, in different terrestrial and marine environments. To understand the physical processes at different space and time scales. The recent geomorphological evolution, which have a direct impact on human infrastructure and activities, on environmental impact and on the exploration and exploitation of resources. The cartographic representation of geological bodies in the field and in cross-section reconstructions together with three-dimensional reconstructions, also through the integration between surface and subsurface data.

Course contents

Module 2
Module 1 (R. Capozzi)

Description and analysis of the processes that lead to the genesis of sedimentary successions. In particular, attention will be paid to the illustration of the criteria for distinguishing erosional, transport and depositional processes. Analysis of the stratigraphic record with focus on the steps for the reconstruction of past paleogeographic, climate and tectonic scenarios. Analysis of surficial processes and of their variable temporal and spatial scales, and of the geomorphic elements on land and under the sea.

Characterization in the field of the three dimensional geometry of geological bodies formed in continental, shallow- and deep-water environments. Evolution of geological bodies in relationships with the structural setting and with the surficial morphogenetic agents. Cartographic representation, both in maps and sections, of geological bodies through integration of field, subsurface data and eventual other information comprehensive of bibliographic dataset. Use of geological field work as a basic information for the fulfillment of applied tasks, such as mining exploration, hydrologic researches, and environmental, engineering and natural sciences studies.

Module 2 (F. Gamberi)

Character of geological bodies formed in carbonatic and siliciclastic
deep-marine environments, in relation to their genetic processes.
Interpretation of the characteristics of geological bodies in outcrop,
both through direct observations and analysis of photomosaics. Description
and hierarchy of depositional bodies as a function of their representation
in geological maps of different scale. Criteria for the subdivision of
sedimentary successions in mappable unit. Detailed cartography of
torbiditic units.

Module 3 (P. Severi)

Geology of alluvial and marine deposits of the Po Plain and of the Apennine foothills and of their valleys. Description of the stratigraphic units, of the structural setting and of the field-work techniques through the analysis of existing geological cartography, with particular attention to the products of the CARG project (CARtografia Geologica). Use of cores and geological and geophysical data base for the geological cartography in plain areas, both on the surface and in the subsurface. Techniques and tools auxiliary to the reconnaissance of surficial deposits. Illustration of thematic maps representing the geometry of buried acquifers.

Readings/Bibliography

Earth Surface Processes, Landforms and Sediment Deposits.

John S. Bridge and Robert V. Demicco

Cambridge University Press

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/earth-surface-processes-landforms-and-sediment-deposits/5F34E4BF005FC9C58E39CC92B54F2DD8

Rilevamento Geologico, realizzazione e interpretazione delle carte geologiche

Giorgio Cremonini

Pitagora editrice, Bologna

Teaching methods

Lectures with power point presentations, laboratories on geologic maps and cross sections., field trips.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment aims at complete and balanced evaluation of the degree of achievement of the objectives defined in the learning outcomes. The final grade is a weighted average of the grade allocated to the written report (including original field survey and cross sections) and in a oral examination related to the contents of the course and of the field trips.

Teaching tools

PPT slides, geologic maps, scientific papers

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Capozzi

See the website of Fabiano Gamberi

See the website of Paolo Severi