74697 - CAMPO GEOLOGICO

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Moduli: Giulio Viola (Modulo 1) Gianluca Vignaroli (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Geological Sciences (cod. 8015)

Learning outcomes

The creation of scientfically sound geological maps is still a fundamental skill in geology. The main objective of this course is for students to learn geological mapping techniques in an area of lithological and structural diversity and complexity, to create a geological map and meaningful geological sections and to interpret and discuss the results in a regional  context. The chosen field area is on the Island of Elba, the westernmost outcropping portion of the Northern Apennines. Students will be working in the Eastern Elbs Cappe Complex, part of the Apennine orogenic wedge where a wide range of rock units derived from different paleogeograpchic domains are tectonically juxtaposed. Within a relatively small area students will have the possibility to map fragments of an ophiolite complex in addition to a variety of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks as well as ore mineralisations.

Course contents

The mapping course, supported by an introductory excursion aiming at familiarizing the participants with the local lithological and structural framework, will have the students map an assigned area in small groups. Each student, though, will have to hand in their own map, cross sections and geoological report.

Students will be exposed to all units forming the tectonistratigraphy of the Eastern Elbsa Nappe Complex (Complesso di Monte Calamita, Unità tettonica Porto Azzurro, Brecce tettoniche tra le Unità Ortano-Lacona e Porto Azzurro, Unità tettonica Ortano, Brecce tettoniche tra le Unità Acuadolce-Ortano, Unità tettonica Acquadolce, Unità tettonica Monticiano-Roccastrada, Brecce tettoniche tra la Falda Toscana e l’Unità Monticiano-Roccastrada, Unità tettonica Falda Toscana, Unità tettonica Gràssera, Unità tettonica Monte Strega, Brecce tettoniche tra le Unità Lacona e Monte Strega, Unità tettonica Lacona, Unità tettonica Ripanera). Additionally, they will study the igneous bodies of the Miocene-Pliocene Tuscan Archipelago and the geodynamics of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea.

The tectonic framework of the build-up and subsequent extensional tearing down of the orogen will be discussed in great detail and connected to the present-day seismotectonic signature of the belt.

In addition, students will work with the metallogenetic province of eastern Elba, focussing on its famous and spectacular Fe and skarn deposits.

Readings/Bibliography

Carta Geologica d'Italia, 1: 50.000: Geological Sheet 328, Isola d’Elba. ISPRA – Servizio Geologico d’Italia.

Explanatory notes of the Carta Geologica d'Italia at the 1: 50.000 scale: Geological Sheet 328 Isola d’Elba. ISPRA – Servizio Geologico d’Italia.

Selected scientific literature on the geology of the Island of Elba.

Teaching methods

10 obligatory days in the field.

Assessment methods

Students will be regularly evaluated in the field by the lecturers. Evaluation of their field notes and of their maps will be continuously carried out. The final report will also be evaluated.

The final grade, expressed as pass or fail as a function of a numerical mark up to 2, will reflect the assessment of both the map/cross section and the report by each lecturer. If the average mark is negative, the student will have to repear the course the following academic year. If positive, that mark will be added up to the final graduation score.

Teaching tools

Geology as exposed in the field!

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Viola

See the website of Gianluca Vignaroli