The course will provide basic knowledge of processes and mechanisms of brittle deformation of the Earth's crust in extensional, compressional and subordinate transcurrent contexts in the framework of global tectonics and of the main related lithogenetic processes, with special regard to the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins. Ability to macroscopically recognise and describe sedimentary rocks and to reconstruct sedimentary environments, to read and interpret litho-stratigraphic geological maps at various scales, to use basic tools for the processing of terrain data (use of compass, lens, stereographic projections).
teacher profile teaching materials
Module 1. INTRODUCTION
Plate tectonics and plate margins. The Wilson cycle. Composition and structure of crust and lithosphere: continental and oceanic (ophiolites). Main geological provinces that make up the plates. Distribution of rocks on the Earth's surface in the world and in Italy. The rock cycle. General concepts and principles of stratigraphy. The time scale. Stratigraphic units. Lithostratigraphy (units and relationships between units) and its applications (e.g., geological maps, sedimentary environments, correlations). Main sedimentary basins in divergent, convergent and transcurrent contexts: classification and controlling factors. Main deformation mechanisms in the crust.
Module 2. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF DIVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of divergent margins in the plate puzzle. Extensional brittle tectonics: normal faults, normal fault systems (geometry, kinematics). Extensional sedimentary basins and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: from continental rift to oceanic rift, development of passive margins. Anatomy and classification of passive margins. Salt tectonics. Oceanic rift (morphology, magmatism, metamorphism). Models of divergent margin evolution: pure-shear, simple shear.
Module 3. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF CONVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of convergent margins in the plate puzzle. Evolution of convergent margins: from subduction to collision (magmatism and metamorphism). Brittle compressive tectonics: reverse faults, thrusts, folds. Fold and thrust systems (geometry, kinematics). Anatomy and classification of orogens. Sedimentary basins in convergent contexts and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: oceanic trench basins, forearc and backarc basins, foredeeps and wedge-top basins.
IN-CLASS PRACTICALS (Laboratory)
Introduction to the study of sedimentary rocks; silicoclastic rocks; carbonate rocks and marine carbonate environments; evaporitic rocks; rocks of organic origin; residual rocks. Introduction to the Reading of Geological Maps. Reading and interpretation of small-scale geological map of the Grand Canyon, Spoleto sheet scale 50,000, use of stereographic projections to represent geological planes and lines, use of compass.
FIELD PRACTICALS (Interdisciplinary field)
Geological-regional excursion across central Italy, from the Tuscan-Lazio peri-Tyrrhenian extensional margin to the UmbrIa-Marche Apennine chain with folds and thrust belts, with the development of two main themes and thematic exercises for the collection and processing of field data.
Theme 1. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin (Tarquinia, Civitavecchia)
Aims and method: reconstruction of coastal uplift through morphological survey and micropalaeontological sampling of marine terraces (on the ground), microscopic analysis of significant microfauna by age and facies, analysis of aerial photographs, integration of analytical results (in the classroom), calculation of uplift and drafting of a descriptive report on the recent evolution of the margin.
Theme 2. Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution of the Apennine chain in the Umbria-Marches domain (Valnerina)
Aims and method: Reconstruction of survey excerpts and regional visible profiles for the framing of the deformation style and kinematics of Miocene compressional tectonics and Quaternary extensional tectonics. Collection and processing of mesoscale structural data. Reconstruction and recognition of the Umbro-Marchigiana Meso-Cenozoic stratigraphic succession. Pleistocene tectono-stratigraphic (travertine) evolution of the F. Nera Valley at the confluence with the F. Corno. Reading and interpretation of geological and topographical cartographic documents at various scales.
Programme
LECTURESModule 1. INTRODUCTION
Plate tectonics and plate margins. The Wilson cycle. Composition and structure of crust and lithosphere: continental and oceanic (ophiolites). Main geological provinces that make up the plates. Distribution of rocks on the Earth's surface in the world and in Italy. The rock cycle. General concepts and principles of stratigraphy. The time scale. Stratigraphic units. Lithostratigraphy (units and relationships between units) and its applications (e.g., geological maps, sedimentary environments, correlations). Main sedimentary basins in divergent, convergent and transcurrent contexts: classification and controlling factors. Main deformation mechanisms in the crust.
Module 2. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF DIVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of divergent margins in the plate puzzle. Extensional brittle tectonics: normal faults, normal fault systems (geometry, kinematics). Extensional sedimentary basins and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: from continental rift to oceanic rift, development of passive margins. Anatomy and classification of passive margins. Salt tectonics. Oceanic rift (morphology, magmatism, metamorphism). Models of divergent margin evolution: pure-shear, simple shear.
Module 3. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF CONVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of convergent margins in the plate puzzle. Evolution of convergent margins: from subduction to collision (magmatism and metamorphism). Brittle compressive tectonics: reverse faults, thrusts, folds. Fold and thrust systems (geometry, kinematics). Anatomy and classification of orogens. Sedimentary basins in convergent contexts and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: oceanic trench basins, forearc and backarc basins, foredeeps and wedge-top basins.
IN-CLASS PRACTICALS (Laboratory)
Introduction to the study of sedimentary rocks; silicoclastic rocks; carbonate rocks and marine carbonate environments; evaporitic rocks; rocks of organic origin; residual rocks. Introduction to the Reading of Geological Maps. Reading and interpretation of small-scale geological map of the Grand Canyon, Spoleto sheet scale 50,000, use of stereographic projections to represent geological planes and lines, use of compass.
FIELD PRACTICALS (Interdisciplinary field)
Geological-regional excursion across central Italy, from the Tuscan-Lazio peri-Tyrrhenian extensional margin to the UmbrIa-Marche Apennine chain with folds and thrust belts, with the development of two main themes and thematic exercises for the collection and processing of field data.
Theme 1. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin (Tarquinia, Civitavecchia)
Aims and method: reconstruction of coastal uplift through morphological survey and micropalaeontological sampling of marine terraces (on the ground), microscopic analysis of significant microfauna by age and facies, analysis of aerial photographs, integration of analytical results (in the classroom), calculation of uplift and drafting of a descriptive report on the recent evolution of the margin.
Theme 2. Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution of the Apennine chain in the Umbria-Marches domain (Valnerina)
Aims and method: Reconstruction of survey excerpts and regional visible profiles for the framing of the deformation style and kinematics of Miocene compressional tectonics and Quaternary extensional tectonics. Collection and processing of mesoscale structural data. Reconstruction and recognition of the Umbro-Marchigiana Meso-Cenozoic stratigraphic succession. Pleistocene tectono-stratigraphic (travertine) evolution of the F. Nera Valley at the confluence with the F. Corno. Reading and interpretation of geological and topographical cartographic documents at various scales.
Core Documentation
Articoli scientifici distribuiti dal docenteAttendance
At least 75% lectures At least 75% classroom exercises Compulsory participation in interdisciplinary field workType of evaluation
On the first day of the exam: written practical test of recognition, classification and description of possible genetic environments of sedimentary rocks, construction of a geological section and description of the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the area Oral exam on the days following the written test (detailed calendar defined after the written test) with a test of the programme and presentation of the works produced during the interdisciplinary field teacher profile teaching materials
Plate tectonics and plate margins. The Wilson cycle. Composition and structure of the crust and lithosphere: continental and oceanic (ophiolites). Main provinces composing the plates. Distribution of rocks on the Earth's surface in the world and in Italy. The rock cycle. General concepts and principles of stratigraphy. The time scale. Stratigraphic units. Lithostratigraphy (units and relationships between units) and its applications (e.g., geological maps, sedimentary environments, correlations). Main sedimentary basins in divergent, convergent and transcurrent contexts: classification and controlling factors. Main deformation mechanisms in the crust.
Module 2. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF DIVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of divergent margins in the plate puzzle. Brittle extensional tectonics: normal faults, normal fault systems (geometry, kinematics). Extensional sedimentary basins and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: from continental rift to oceanic rift, development of passive margins. Anatomy and classification of passive margins. Salt tectonics. Oceanic rift (morphology, magmatism, metamorphism). Models of divergent margin evolution: pure shear, simple shear.
Module 3. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF CONVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of convergent margins in the plate puzzle. Evolution of convergent margins: from subduction to collision (magmatism and metamorphism). Brittle compressional tectonics: reverse faults, overthrusts, folds. Fold and overthrust systems (geometry, kinematics). Sedimentary basins in convergent contexts and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: oceanic trench basins, forearc and retroarc basins, foredeep and thrust-top basins. Anatomy and classification of orogens.
Module 4. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF TRANSFORM MARGINS
Distribution of transform margins in the plate puzzle. Brittle transcurrent tectonics: transcurrent faults and strike-slip deformation systems (geometry, kinematics). Sedimentary basins in transcurrent contexts.
IN-DOOR LABORATORY
Introduction to the study of sedimentary rocks; siliciclastic rocks; carbonate rocks and marine carbonate environments; evaporitic rocks; rocks of organic origin; residual rocks. Introduction to Geological Map Reading. Reading and interpretation of the geological map of the Grand Canyon on a small scale, Sora sheet on a 100,000 scale, Spoleto sheet on a 50,000 scale, use of stereographic projections to represent geological planes and lines, use of the compass.
FIELD TRIP (Interdisciplinary field work)
Geological-regional Excursion through the central Italy, from the Tuscan-Lazio peri-Tyrrhenian extensional margin to the Umbria-Marche Apennine fold and thrust belt, with the development of three main themes and five thematic exercises for the collection and processing of field data.
Theme 1. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin (Tarquinia, Civitavecchia)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of coastal uplift through morphological survey and micropaleontological sampling of marine terraces (in the field), microscopic analysis of microfauna meaning for age and facies assessment, analysis of aerial photographs, integration of analytical results (in the classroom), calculation of uplift and drafting of a descriptive report on the recent evolution of the margin.
Theme 2. Tectonic, magmatic and sedimentary evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin and relations with the compressional evolution of the Apennine chain (Boccheggiano, Massa Marittima)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of survey excerpts and framing of the deformation style and extensional kinematics and of the associated lithogenetic processes (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks) by means of geological survey for the collection of field data, measurement of plane and line attitude, rock recognition, processing of the data collected for the reconstruction of the main structures surveyed.
Theme 3. Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution of the Apennine chain in the Umbria-Marches domain (Valnerina)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of simple geological maps and regional cross sections to assess the deformation style and kinematics of Miocene compressional tectonics and Quaternary extensional tectonics. Collection of meso-scale structural data. Reconstruction of the Meso-Cenozoic stratigraphic succession. Pleistocene stratigraphic and morphologic evolution (through travertine analysis) of the Nera River at the confluence with the Corno River. Reading and interpretation of geological and topographical cartography at various scales.
Mottana M., Crespi R. Minerali e rocce. ISBN 9788837029562
PRESS Frank , SIEVER Raymond , GROTZINGER John , JORDAN Thomas H 2006. CAPIRE LA TERRA. ISBN 978-8808-07991-6 Trad. di P. Fredi, revisione di E. Lupia Palmieri e M. Parotto. Zanichelli ed. pp. 672
Tucker ME 2010. Geologia del sedimentario 2010. Rocce, strutture sedimentarie, ambienti deposizionali. ISBN 9788857900414. 384 pp.
Venturini c. 2012. Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche Un approccio alla geologia di terreno e alla sua rappresentazione cartografica. dario flaccovio ed.ISBN 9788857901534. pp.22
Programme
Module 1. INTRODUCTIONPlate tectonics and plate margins. The Wilson cycle. Composition and structure of the crust and lithosphere: continental and oceanic (ophiolites). Main provinces composing the plates. Distribution of rocks on the Earth's surface in the world and in Italy. The rock cycle. General concepts and principles of stratigraphy. The time scale. Stratigraphic units. Lithostratigraphy (units and relationships between units) and its applications (e.g., geological maps, sedimentary environments, correlations). Main sedimentary basins in divergent, convergent and transcurrent contexts: classification and controlling factors. Main deformation mechanisms in the crust.
Module 2. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF DIVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of divergent margins in the plate puzzle. Brittle extensional tectonics: normal faults, normal fault systems (geometry, kinematics). Extensional sedimentary basins and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: from continental rift to oceanic rift, development of passive margins. Anatomy and classification of passive margins. Salt tectonics. Oceanic rift (morphology, magmatism, metamorphism). Models of divergent margin evolution: pure shear, simple shear.
Module 3. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF CONVERGENT MARGINS
Distribution of convergent margins in the plate puzzle. Evolution of convergent margins: from subduction to collision (magmatism and metamorphism). Brittle compressional tectonics: reverse faults, overthrusts, folds. Fold and overthrust systems (geometry, kinematics). Sedimentary basins in convergent contexts and their tectono-stratigraphic evolution: oceanic trench basins, forearc and retroarc basins, foredeep and thrust-top basins. Anatomy and classification of orogens.
Module 4. LITHOGENESIS AND DEFORMATION OF TRANSFORM MARGINS
Distribution of transform margins in the plate puzzle. Brittle transcurrent tectonics: transcurrent faults and strike-slip deformation systems (geometry, kinematics). Sedimentary basins in transcurrent contexts.
IN-DOOR LABORATORY
Introduction to the study of sedimentary rocks; siliciclastic rocks; carbonate rocks and marine carbonate environments; evaporitic rocks; rocks of organic origin; residual rocks. Introduction to Geological Map Reading. Reading and interpretation of the geological map of the Grand Canyon on a small scale, Sora sheet on a 100,000 scale, Spoleto sheet on a 50,000 scale, use of stereographic projections to represent geological planes and lines, use of the compass.
FIELD TRIP (Interdisciplinary field work)
Geological-regional Excursion through the central Italy, from the Tuscan-Lazio peri-Tyrrhenian extensional margin to the Umbria-Marche Apennine fold and thrust belt, with the development of three main themes and five thematic exercises for the collection and processing of field data.
Theme 1. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin (Tarquinia, Civitavecchia)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of coastal uplift through morphological survey and micropaleontological sampling of marine terraces (in the field), microscopic analysis of microfauna meaning for age and facies assessment, analysis of aerial photographs, integration of analytical results (in the classroom), calculation of uplift and drafting of a descriptive report on the recent evolution of the margin.
Theme 2. Tectonic, magmatic and sedimentary evolution of the peri-Tyrrhenian margin and relations with the compressional evolution of the Apennine chain (Boccheggiano, Massa Marittima)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of survey excerpts and framing of the deformation style and extensional kinematics and of the associated lithogenetic processes (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks) by means of geological survey for the collection of field data, measurement of plane and line attitude, rock recognition, processing of the data collected for the reconstruction of the main structures surveyed.
Theme 3. Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution of the Apennine chain in the Umbria-Marches domain (Valnerina)
Aims and methods: reconstruction of simple geological maps and regional cross sections to assess the deformation style and kinematics of Miocene compressional tectonics and Quaternary extensional tectonics. Collection of meso-scale structural data. Reconstruction of the Meso-Cenozoic stratigraphic succession. Pleistocene stratigraphic and morphologic evolution (through travertine analysis) of the Nera River at the confluence with the Corno River. Reading and interpretation of geological and topographical cartography at various scales.
Core Documentation
Lecture notes and scientific articles distributed by the teacherMottana M., Crespi R. Minerali e rocce. ISBN 9788837029562
PRESS Frank , SIEVER Raymond , GROTZINGER John , JORDAN Thomas H 2006. CAPIRE LA TERRA. ISBN 978-8808-07991-6 Trad. di P. Fredi, revisione di E. Lupia Palmieri e M. Parotto. Zanichelli ed. pp. 672
Tucker ME 2010. Geologia del sedimentario 2010. Rocce, strutture sedimentarie, ambienti deposizionali. ISBN 9788857900414. 384 pp.
Venturini c. 2012. Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche Un approccio alla geologia di terreno e alla sua rappresentazione cartografica. dario flaccovio ed.ISBN 9788857901534. pp.22
Type of delivery of the course
Slide shows, short videos, rocks and minerals and geological maps from the teaching collections will be used for the lectures and the classroom workshop. The teaching period will take place between 1 March and 10 May. It is planned to use handouts and thematic map material for the field trip, which will be distributed to each student before the excursion. The students will be provided with a kit for making maps and geological sections, a geologist's lens and hammer, a compass, a field booklet and a rigid tablet. The camp will take place between 26 May and 3 June. All lecture materials will be uploaded on the University platform or available in the lecture and laboratory rooms.Attendance
Mandatory attendance at 75%Type of evaluation
Partial test on lithogenesis (2 hours) at the end of April Short practical test and oral presentations at the end of the field course Written test on the first day of each call Oral test on the days following the written test of each call (detailed schedule defined after the written test) teacher profile teaching materials
Programme
Study of marine terraces (Tarquinia and Montalto di Castro area, northern Latium) and their tectonic meaning by field survey, air-photo interpretation and palaeontologic analysis.Core Documentation
hand-outs provided by the professorType of delivery of the course
Three days of field and lab activityAttendance
attendance is requiredType of evaluation
A write-up including a report, maps and tables teacher profile teaching materials
During the two following days in the Lab, students carry on the micropaleontological analysis of the collected samples, counting benthic and planktonic foraminifers and picking the ostracod valves for their specific identification and the calculation of the percentage frequencies.
At the end of the analyses, students, guided by teachers, discuss the results providing the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the examined sedimentary successions in the frame of the landscape evolution. Finally, students are required to write a report which includes two topographic profiles, two geomorphological maps of terraces, the calculations to obtain the palaeo-bathymetry of the examined deposits and the Plio-Pleistocene uplift rates of the studied Tyrrhenian coastal
Programme
The first part of the Muldisciplinary field activity (Paleontology) consists of one day on the field and two ays of laboratorial activity. The field activity is carried out in the Tarquinia and Montalto Di Castro areas (northern Latium) the laboratorial activity is developed in the Roma Tre Laboratory of Paleontology and Photogeology, provided with steromicroscopes. During the first day, students learn how to draw a stratigraphic log of two sedimentary successions, characterised by different thicknesses and lithologies, measuring the bedding and making microscopical observations on the rock texture, mineralogical and paleontological composition (with the 10x lens). Students collect two samples that will be studied in the following days.During the two following days in the Lab, students carry on the micropaleontological analysis of the collected samples, counting benthic and planktonic foraminifers and picking the ostracod valves for their specific identification and the calculation of the percentage frequencies.
At the end of the analyses, students, guided by teachers, discuss the results providing the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the examined sedimentary successions in the frame of the landscape evolution. Finally, students are required to write a report which includes two topographic profiles, two geomorphological maps of terraces, the calculations to obtain the palaeo-bathymetry of the examined deposits and the Plio-Pleistocene uplift rates of the studied Tyrrhenian coastal
Core Documentation
Atlas of Ostracods (Teacher handhouts)Reference Bibliography
Foglio Geologico scala 1:50.000 353 Tarquinia. Foglio Geologico scala 1:50.000 354 Montalto di Castro. AA.VV (in stampa). Note Illustrative della Carta Geologica d’Italia alla scala 1:50.000, Foglio 354 Tarquinia. Servizio Geologico d’Italia. AA.VV (in stampa). Note Illustrative della Carta Geologica d’Italia alla scala 1:50.000, Foglio 353 Montalto di Castro. Servizio Geologico d’Italia.Attendance
Attending the field activity is mandatoryType of evaluation
During the oral exam the report prepared by the students during the first part of the Multisciplinary field activity (Paleontology) will be discussed.