91536 - Integrated Stratigraphy of Quaternary Successions

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Geology and Territory (cod. 9073)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to practically apply the acquired knowledge and skills in Quaternary Stratigraphy for a critical analysis of outcropping and buried successions by means of an integrated approach. Specifically, students will be able to:

  • plan and develop a multivariate methodology aimed at the description and interpretation of Quaternary successions;
  • reconstruct the sedimentary-palaeoenvironmental dynamics of both natural and human-modified depositional systems by means of stratigraphic correlations;
  • identify and evaluate the main controlling factors influencing the depositional architecture and evolution of Quaternary successions for a sustainable exploitation and management of geological resources.

Course contents

The importance of Quaternary record; stratigraphic subdivision of the Quaternary period; dating methods; oxygen isotope stratigraphy; climate variability and sea-level changes; Milankovitch and sub-Milankovitch cycles; high-frequency climate and sea-level changes during the present interglacial (proxy data and current state of knowledge); integrated stratigraphic approaches and proxies (e.g., sedimentological features, ostracods and benthic foraminifers, pollen); basic concepts on depositional environments, facies and sequence stratigraphy; depositional architecture of Quaternary successions and controlling factors (case studies from the Mediterranean area); the anthropogenic forcing on depositional systems; the concept of Anthropocene.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and selected scientific articles will be provided during the course. The didactic material will be deposited in the Virtuale platform at the end of the lesson.

Teaching methods

Lectures, microscope laboratory and field work.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

Assessment methods

Practical exam (3-4 open questions including stratigraphic exercises) + short oral exam (1-2 questions). Time limit for the practical exam: 2 hours. The final score will be calculated considering a weight of 70% for the practical exam and 30% for the oral exam.

Teaching tools

LCD projector, microscopes.

Office hours

See the website of Veronica Rossi

SDGs

Responsible consumption and production Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.