91585 - MINERAL DEPOSITS IN THE FIELD

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

The rationale of this course is to illustrate and provide an overview of the role deformation plays in both the genesis and spatial distribution of ore deposits. This will be done by combining traditional class lectures and lab style exercises with seminar-style classes based on reading and student presentations and a few days directly at the outcrop. This combined approach will allow students to develop theoretical and practical skills related to asking and assessing scientific questions as well as summarizing and presenting the results of scientific studies dealing with the role exerted by rock deformation and fluid/rock interaction in deformed contexts. The course will review the concepts, theoretical knowledge and techniques of Structural Geology that are relevant to understanding ore genesis and exploration of ore deposits. It will also provide hands-on field work to help strengthen the theoretical knowledge and provide the students with a solid understanding of the involved mechanisms and processes. Students will thereby learn the simple principles of “Structural Control” and how to elaborate the best practices for structural data collection and analysis in mineral exploration and mining.

Contenuti

The course will elaborate on the main following topics:

- Summary of fundamentals: deformation, stress and strain, porosity and permeability, brittle and ductile regimes, kinematic and dynamic approach to deformation. Structural geology mapping, data collection and observations, structural data analysis and interpretation; unravelling the 3D geometry of structures;

- Faults and fault-related structures; fault core vs. damage zone; permeability changes along and across fault zones; basic elements of discrete fracture modelling.

- Shear zones and ductile deformation;

- Folds and related structures;

- Structurally-controlled fluid flow and mineralizations.

Field lab activities will permit to apply the theoretical knowledge to specific real-case scenarios. 

Testi/Bibliografia

Scientific papers and references to parts of specific textbooks will be indicated to the students during the course.

There is no such thing as a single tetxbook to recommend and prescribe.

Metodi didattici

Frontal lectures will be kept to the minimum, with students being involved in seminarial activities, hands-on practical exercises and fieldwork. A one-day excursion will be held in the greater Bologna area to observe, study and characterise the relationships between fracturing and fluid ingress. A 4-day field trip to the Island of Elba and southern Tuscany will expose students to outstanding examples of hydrothermal Fe deposits. Fieldwork will be used to unravel and constrain the genetic relationships between brittle deformation, fluid ingress and flow and ore genesis.

Given that students will be spending a significant amount of their time out in the field, it is compulsory for them to attend the e-learning modules 1 and 2 on safety matters (https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio) as well as module 3, which is specific on safety in the specific environments wherein the course field laboratories will be held. Information as to where and when module 3 will be held can be obtained from the coordinator of the Curriculum.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

Different assessment methods will be used to evaluate the students: content-based, competence-based and impact-based assessments. Content-based assessment refers to assessment tasks that mainly ask the learner about facts. Competence-based assessment refers to assessment of intended learning outcomes that ask the student to show ability to also use these facts. Impact-based assessments take the assessment of competencies one step further and ask the student to use these competencies in a real-life situation to create a change or solve a challenge. Grades in the Italian university system are expressed out of thirty. The passing grade is 18/30. In case of full grade (30/30) the professor(s) may also decide to award honours (lode).

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Giulio Viola

Consulta il sito web di Francesco Giuntoli