65933 - Geology and Lithology

Learning outcomes

The course provides theory and technical knowledge for classification of rocks, forming the planet Earth. Insights on the processes leading to the evolution and visible features of landforms. Students will be able to recognize different types of rocks, read and use topographic and geologic maps.

Course contents

Rock forming minerals: structure, genesis, properties, classification
The earth in the solar system. The structure of the Earth. Plate tectonics.
Lithology: the rock cycle and the most important rock types. Igneous rocks: magma genesis and geologic settings. intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks: types, classification and environment of formation. Metamorphic rocks: metamorphic types and conditions. Field and laboratory obervation to classify the most important rock types.
Geology: principles of stratigraphy and geochronology, absolute and relative age, chronostratigraphy. Basis of structural geology: faults, folds, thrust. Description of the major sedimentary environments subaerial and submarine (fluvial, glacial, desertic, coastal and deep marine)Geomorphology: study the upper layer of the Earth's crust, which provides rock materials that can be shaped into landforms by running water, wind, waves and ice. Types of weathering. Erosion, transport, and deposition.Mass wasting, downslope movement of rock and soil under the influence of gravity. Study of surface water and landforms shaped by streams. Drainage system, divide, drainage basin, patterns, and base level. Describe rock structure as a landform control. Describe the factors that combine to create the variety of coastal landscapes. The work of waves and winds. Describe glacial landforms and glaciation cycles.
Basic knowledge in cartography and excercises in reading and interpretation of topographic and geological maps.

Readings/Bibliography

Press F., Siever R.., Grotzinger J., Jordan T.H. (2010) CAPIRE LA TERRA (Edizione italiana a cura di E.Lupia Palmieri e M. Parotto). Zanichelli ed. Bologna

further recommended readings:

D'Argenio B., Innocenti F., Sassi F.P. (1981) INTRODUZIONE ALLO STUDIO DELLE ROCCE. UTET Torino

Aruta L., Marescalchi P.. CARTOGRAFIA - LETTURA DELLE CARTE. Flaccovio ed.

Mike Leeder and Marta Pérez-Arlucea, (2006), PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford , 318p.

Teaching methods

The course will give to students in Environmental Science background knowledge of Earth Sciences processes and earth materials.
This involves:
- abilities to understand the time/scale dimensions of earth processes
- ability to integrate field/laboratory observation with theoretical concepts

In the framework of the course some basic knowledge of cartography will be provided

The students will be involved in different ways, including report writing, laboratory work, ongoing tests developing a more critical consciousness

Assessment methods

Oral examination

Teaching tools

LCD projector
Wooden crystal models. Rocks and minerals specimen.
Topographic and geologic maps.
usual equipment for field work: maps. hammer, lens, camera, ecc

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Capozzi

See the website of Enrico Dinelli