Provide the tectonics foundations: origin of deformative elements, their architecture, evolution and geodynamic framework. Highlight the interaction between tectonics and both shallow (sedimentation, erosion) and deep (mantle convection) processes. Introduce the main methodologies adopted to study the tectonics. introduce the hazard related to tectonic processes. Each argument will be presented offering an initial basic theoretical background which will be subsequently implemented by the widest range of updated interpretations and natural examples. Students will be expected to actively participate to the class activities (e.g. reading scientific papers, homework assignments, class participation, in-class presentations).
teacher profile teaching materials
Introduction to tectonics. Forces, stresses, deformation and rheology. Composition, structure, rheological behaviour and thermal profile of the oceanic and continental crust, the oceanic and continental lithosphere, and the mantle. Historical development of plate tectonic theory and classification of plate boundaries.
EXTENSIONAL TECTONICS
Geometry and kinematics of normal faults. Origin and evolution of rift systems. Pure-shear and simple-shear rifting models. Relationships between rifting, sedimentation, topography and magmatism. Mid-ocean ridges and passive margins.
COMPRESSIONAL TECTONICS
Geometry, kinematics and dynamics of convergent and collisional margins. Frontal and oblique convergence. Architecture, kinematics and mechanics of collisional belts.
STRIKE-SLIP TECTONICS
Transform and strike-slip faults and their geodynamic settings. Transpression, transtension and pull-apart basins.
PLUMES
Plumes and hot spots.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH TECTONIC PROCESSES
Concepts of hazard and risk. Interplate and intraplate seismicity, mega-earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. Cases concerning tectonic hazards in the city of Rome.
NON-FIELD METHODS FOR STUDYING TECTONIC PROCESSES
GeoMapApp, seismic methods, analogue modelling and numerical modelling.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Reading and discussion of scientific articles, exercises, online research, natural examples and seminars.
• Stein, S. and Freymueller, J. T. (eds.) (2002), Plate Boundary Zones, AGU Geodynamic Series, vol. 30.
• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Turcotte, D. L. and Schubert, G. (2002), Geodynamics, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons.
• Fossen, H. (2020), Structural Geology, Zanichelli.
Scientific articles, data, maps and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the instructor according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Programme
FOUNDATIONSIntroduction to tectonics. Forces, stresses, deformation and rheology. Composition, structure, rheological behaviour and thermal profile of the oceanic and continental crust, the oceanic and continental lithosphere, and the mantle. Historical development of plate tectonic theory and classification of plate boundaries.
EXTENSIONAL TECTONICS
Geometry and kinematics of normal faults. Origin and evolution of rift systems. Pure-shear and simple-shear rifting models. Relationships between rifting, sedimentation, topography and magmatism. Mid-ocean ridges and passive margins.
COMPRESSIONAL TECTONICS
Geometry, kinematics and dynamics of convergent and collisional margins. Frontal and oblique convergence. Architecture, kinematics and mechanics of collisional belts.
STRIKE-SLIP TECTONICS
Transform and strike-slip faults and their geodynamic settings. Transpression, transtension and pull-apart basins.
PLUMES
Plumes and hot spots.
HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH TECTONIC PROCESSES
Concepts of hazard and risk. Interplate and intraplate seismicity, mega-earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. Cases concerning tectonic hazards in the city of Rome.
NON-FIELD METHODS FOR STUDYING TECTONIC PROCESSES
GeoMapApp, seismic methods, analogue modelling and numerical modelling.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Reading and discussion of scientific articles, exercises, online research, natural examples and seminars.
Core Documentation
• Van der Pluijm, B. A. and Marshak, S. (2004), Earth Structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics, 2nd ed., W. W. Norton & Company.• Stein, S. and Freymueller, J. T. (eds.) (2002), Plate Boundary Zones, AGU Geodynamic Series, vol. 30.
• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Turcotte, D. L. and Schubert, G. (2002), Geodynamics, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons.
• Fossen, H. (2020), Structural Geology, Zanichelli.
Scientific articles, data, maps and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the instructor according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Type of delivery of the course
In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, this course will be provided in a virtual mode.Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Minimum attendance requirements, monitoring procedures and any provisions for specific categories of students are governed by the Degree Programme Regulations, to which reference should be made.Type of evaluation
Assessment comprises the presentation and discussion of a scientific article, an oral examination on the course programme, and active and documented participation in learning activities. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF A SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE - 30% The article is proposed by the instructor, taking the student's interests into account. The presentation must explain the scientific question, tectonic setting, data, methods, results and conclusions; the discussion assesses the ability to interpret the work critically and relate it to the course content. The following are assessed: understanding of the article; scientific accuracy; ability to synthesise and evaluate critically; quality of the figures used; clarity of presentation and appropriate use of language. ORAL EXAMINATION ON THE COURSE PROGRAMME - 60% The oral examination covers the theoretical and applied content of the course and may begin with maps, cross-sections, diagrams or natural examples. Assessment considers mastery of the concepts, the ability to relate structure, kinematics, mechanics and geodynamic setting, accuracy of interpretation and appropriate use of disciplinary language. PARTICIPATION IN LEARNING ACTIVITIES - 10% Participation is assessed on the basis of the student's effective contribution to exercises, the reading and discussion of articles, research activities, seminars and classroom discussion. DETERMINATION OF THE FINAL GRADE The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, is the weighted sum of the three components. A minimum grade of 18/30 is required to pass. Taken together, the assessment components evaluate knowledge, application and interpretation skills, independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to pursue further study independently.