The course aims to provide an overview of the planet Earth, introducing the basis for understanding the main geological aspects that characterize our planet. The course will also deal with the interactions between endogenous and exogenous processes in order to understand how these processes influence the shapes of the landscape. The course also aims to provide an understanding of the critical aspects related to the interactions between humans and Planet Earth regarding energy resources and the availability of chemical elements necessary for the energy transition and sustainable development. Moreover, the course aims to provide the tools to acquire knowledge about the Solar System and its planets, defining the planet Earth as an integrated system and highlighting its role within the Solar System.
During field excursions students will learn to understand the different aspects of Italian territory, with particular regard to its environmental value e fragility.
During field excursions students will learn to understand the different aspects of Italian territory, with particular regard to its environmental value e fragility.
Canali
teacher profile teaching materials
THEORETICAL PART
Introduction to Earth Sciences, the Earth as an integrated system, Plate Tectonics as a unifying theory
Minerals and natural resources, critical minerals.
The rock cycle and the geodynamic contexts of lithogenesis
Origin of magmas, processes of magmatic differentiation, classification of igneous rocks, intrusive igneous rocks, extrusive igneous rocks.
Volcanoes: shape and size, origin of volcanism and geodynamic contexts, eruptive typologies and their relationship with magma composition and viscosity parameters, volcanic risk.
Processes of surface weathering and erosion, soils.
Sedimentary rocks, processes of erosion, transport, and sedimentation, sedimentary environments, classification criteria, sedimentary environments. Clastic rocks, chemical and biochemical rocks, residual rocks, the origin of fossil fuels
Metamorphic rocks, classification criteria, foliated and non-foliated rocks, metamorphic grade, geodynamic contexts of metamorphism.
Principles of stratigraphy and deep time
LABORATORY EXERCISES
During the first semester, the 8 laboratory exercises will be dedicated to the acquisition of basic methods for the macroscopic identification of:
1) the main rock-constituent minerals
2) intrusive igneous rocks
3) extrusive igneous rocks
4) clastic sedimentary rocks
5) carbonate rocks
6) evaporitic and residual sedimentary rocks
7) metamorphic rocks
8) summary exercise on the set of rocks observed
, intrusive igneous rocks, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
FIELD EXCURSIONS
Excursion to the Caffarella Park: map point, spatial orientation, morphological elements on the map and in the field, volcanic units in the Roman area, fluvial incision and river terraces, glaciations and the evolution of the river network, hydrogeology, stability problems related to anthropogenic cavities.
SECOND SEMESTER
THEORETICAL PART
Distribution and origin of earthquakes, seismic waves, hypocenter, epicenter, seismic waves, earthquake magnitude, seismicity and plate boundaries, seismic tsunami risk.
Rock deformation, brittle and ductile deformation, faults, fault recognition and classification, folds, fold classification. Structural styles and plate boundaries.
The formation of mountain ranges, convergent plate boundaries, Andean-type mountain ranges, collisional belts.
From Continental Drift to Plate Tectonics, ocean floor magnetic anomalies, ocean floor spreading, divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, active and passive boundaries.
Earth in Space
The Solar System and astronomical coordinates, the measurement of time, Earth's size and shape, Earth's motions in space, orbital parameters and Kepler's laws, precession, astronomical theory of glaciations, habitability conditions for terrestrial planets, motions of the Moon and tides, meteorites.
LABORATORY EXERCISES
8 laboratory exercises on reading basic geological maps and constructing geological cross-sections.
1) The concepts of dip and horizontality, intersections between planar surfaces and topography, true dip and apparent dip,
2) Monoclinal successions
3) The principle of intersection and angular unconformities
4) Faults, their classification and geometry, stratigraphic rejection, changes in the orientation of the profile trace
5) Folds and their classification
6) Recumbent folds
7) The 3-point problem: Reconstruction of boundary data from well data
8) Dikes and intrusions: Summary exercise
LANDSCAPE EXCURSIONS
Historic Center of Rome: morphology and geological evolution of the Roman area, the volcanic substrate and buried hydrographic network, surface geology and earthquake effects, the Colosseum and stone materials, the Caffarelli Terrace seen to the north, the ridge of Monte Mario and the Baroque bend, the stratigraphy of the Capitoline Hill, the volcanic successions and the sedimentary substrate.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli: notes on the geological evolution of the area and the nature of the substrate, the Baths of Diocletian, the Clementine Sundial, the Julian Calendar and the calendar reform of Pope Gregory XIII, the alternation of the seasons, civil time and true solar time, and the precession of the equinoxes.
Prenestini Mountains: notes on the geological and morphological evolution of the Tyrrhenian margin and the central Apennines, sedimentary successions with landslides and reggipoggio, map points and orientation, cartographic scales, measurement of the disposition of geological surfaces, notes on geological cartography, boundaries between formations, normal faults, anticlinal folds.
• Grotzinger J.P. e Jordan T.H., Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, Bologna, 752 pp., ISBN 9788808821232.
• Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K. e Tozzi M., Scienze della Terra, Principato, Milano, 572 pp., ISBN 9788841656501.
• Lupia Palmieri E. e Parotto M., La Terra nello spazio, Zanichelli, Bologna, 456 pp., ISBN 9788808063892, capitoli 3-4.
• Marshak S., Essentials of Geology, W.W. Norton & Company, ISBN 978-0-393-88309-1.
• Beatty J.K., Petersen C.C. e Chaikin A., The New Solar System, Sky Publishing Corporation–Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-933346-86-7, capitoli 7, 8, 11, 15 e 20.
Additional Readings
• Fossen H. e Teyssier C., Plate Tectonics, Cambridge University Press, 462 pp., ISBN 9781108476232.
• Rogers D.T., Environmental Geology and Sustainability: Risk Mitigation in Urban Areas, Routledge, 544 pp., ISBN 9781032732169.
• Armaroli N. e Balzani V., Energia per l’astronave Terra. Chiamata finale, Zanichelli, 328 pp., ISBN 9788808799524.
Programme
FIRST SEMESTERTHEORETICAL PART
Introduction to Earth Sciences, the Earth as an integrated system, Plate Tectonics as a unifying theory
Minerals and natural resources, critical minerals.
The rock cycle and the geodynamic contexts of lithogenesis
Origin of magmas, processes of magmatic differentiation, classification of igneous rocks, intrusive igneous rocks, extrusive igneous rocks.
Volcanoes: shape and size, origin of volcanism and geodynamic contexts, eruptive typologies and their relationship with magma composition and viscosity parameters, volcanic risk.
Processes of surface weathering and erosion, soils.
Sedimentary rocks, processes of erosion, transport, and sedimentation, sedimentary environments, classification criteria, sedimentary environments. Clastic rocks, chemical and biochemical rocks, residual rocks, the origin of fossil fuels
Metamorphic rocks, classification criteria, foliated and non-foliated rocks, metamorphic grade, geodynamic contexts of metamorphism.
Principles of stratigraphy and deep time
LABORATORY EXERCISES
During the first semester, the 8 laboratory exercises will be dedicated to the acquisition of basic methods for the macroscopic identification of:
1) the main rock-constituent minerals
2) intrusive igneous rocks
3) extrusive igneous rocks
4) clastic sedimentary rocks
5) carbonate rocks
6) evaporitic and residual sedimentary rocks
7) metamorphic rocks
8) summary exercise on the set of rocks observed
, intrusive igneous rocks, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
FIELD EXCURSIONS
Excursion to the Caffarella Park: map point, spatial orientation, morphological elements on the map and in the field, volcanic units in the Roman area, fluvial incision and river terraces, glaciations and the evolution of the river network, hydrogeology, stability problems related to anthropogenic cavities.
SECOND SEMESTER
THEORETICAL PART
Distribution and origin of earthquakes, seismic waves, hypocenter, epicenter, seismic waves, earthquake magnitude, seismicity and plate boundaries, seismic tsunami risk.
Rock deformation, brittle and ductile deformation, faults, fault recognition and classification, folds, fold classification. Structural styles and plate boundaries.
The formation of mountain ranges, convergent plate boundaries, Andean-type mountain ranges, collisional belts.
From Continental Drift to Plate Tectonics, ocean floor magnetic anomalies, ocean floor spreading, divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, active and passive boundaries.
Earth in Space
The Solar System and astronomical coordinates, the measurement of time, Earth's size and shape, Earth's motions in space, orbital parameters and Kepler's laws, precession, astronomical theory of glaciations, habitability conditions for terrestrial planets, motions of the Moon and tides, meteorites.
LABORATORY EXERCISES
8 laboratory exercises on reading basic geological maps and constructing geological cross-sections.
1) The concepts of dip and horizontality, intersections between planar surfaces and topography, true dip and apparent dip,
2) Monoclinal successions
3) The principle of intersection and angular unconformities
4) Faults, their classification and geometry, stratigraphic rejection, changes in the orientation of the profile trace
5) Folds and their classification
6) Recumbent folds
7) The 3-point problem: Reconstruction of boundary data from well data
8) Dikes and intrusions: Summary exercise
LANDSCAPE EXCURSIONS
Historic Center of Rome: morphology and geological evolution of the Roman area, the volcanic substrate and buried hydrographic network, surface geology and earthquake effects, the Colosseum and stone materials, the Caffarelli Terrace seen to the north, the ridge of Monte Mario and the Baroque bend, the stratigraphy of the Capitoline Hill, the volcanic successions and the sedimentary substrate.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli: notes on the geological evolution of the area and the nature of the substrate, the Baths of Diocletian, the Clementine Sundial, the Julian Calendar and the calendar reform of Pope Gregory XIII, the alternation of the seasons, civil time and true solar time, and the precession of the equinoxes.
Prenestini Mountains: notes on the geological and morphological evolution of the Tyrrhenian margin and the central Apennines, sedimentary successions with landslides and reggipoggio, map points and orientation, cartographic scales, measurement of the disposition of geological surfaces, notes on geological cartography, boundaries between formations, normal faults, anticlinal folds.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of chemistry and physics corresponding to a high school level is required, particularly the concepts of matter, elements and compounds, energy, forces, pressure, and temperature. This knowledge is essential to successfully follow the course. Any formal prerequisites are those established in the Degree Program Regulations.Core Documentation
Main Text• Grotzinger J.P. e Jordan T.H., Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, Bologna, 752 pp., ISBN 9788808821232.
• Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K. e Tozzi M., Scienze della Terra, Principato, Milano, 572 pp., ISBN 9788841656501.
• Lupia Palmieri E. e Parotto M., La Terra nello spazio, Zanichelli, Bologna, 456 pp., ISBN 9788808063892, capitoli 3-4.
• Marshak S., Essentials of Geology, W.W. Norton & Company, ISBN 978-0-393-88309-1.
• Beatty J.K., Petersen C.C. e Chaikin A., The New Solar System, Sky Publishing Corporation–Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-933346-86-7, capitoli 7, 8, 11, 15 e 20.
Additional Readings
• Fossen H. e Teyssier C., Plate Tectonics, Cambridge University Press, 462 pp., ISBN 9781108476232.
• Rogers D.T., Environmental Geology and Sustainability: Risk Mitigation in Urban Areas, Routledge, 544 pp., ISBN 9781032732169.
• Armaroli N. e Balzani V., Energia per l’astronave Terra. Chiamata finale, Zanichelli, 328 pp., ISBN 9788808799524.
Attendance
Attendance at lectures, laboratory exercises, and field activities is governed by the Degree Program's Teaching Regulations, which should be consulted for any obligations, minimum required percentages, and provisions for particular categories of students.Type of evaluation
Learning assessment is conducted through a written exam lasting a total of 4 hours. The exam is designed to assess: a) knowledge and understanding of basic and fundamental concepts of Earth Sciences; b) the ability to apply them to simple examples; c) the ability to read basic geological data and reports; d) the appropriate use of disciplinary terminology. The exam includes: 1) 20 multiple-choice, true/false, and open-ended questions on the geology topics covered in the course, including laboratory and field activities; (Exam duration: 1.5 hours) 2) 5 open-ended questions on topics related to "The Earth in Space"; (Exam duration: 1 hour) 3) an exercise in constructing and interpreting a simple geological section from a simplified geological map (Exam duration: 1.5 hours). Exemption Tests 1) At the end of the first semester, there will be an optional ongoing test on the topics of the first part of the course, consisting of 10 questions of the types indicated above (duration 1 hour). Passing this test allows students to take the final exam only for the theoretical part of the second semester, consisting of 10 questions, in addition to the 5 questions on Earth in Space. 2) At the end of the second semester, students will be required to submit all cartographic works completed during the cartography exercises. Submitting all cartographic works will exempt students from this part of the final exam. If all cartographic works are not submitted, the cartographic exercise will remain part of the final exam. Regarding the evaluation of answers, open-ended questions will be evaluated based on their scientific accuracy, relevance, essential completeness, ability to connect concepts, and clarity of language. The geology section is evaluated based on correct reading of the map and legend, geometric consistency, representation of stratigraphic and structural relationships, and graphic clarity. Final Grade The grade is expressed in thirtieths. The exemption tests are considered passed when the candidate achieves a passing grade of 18/30 and remain valid for one year. The overall grade is calculated by adding the marks obtained in the individual tests, considering a weighting of 2/3 for the written test, 1/6 for the geology section, and 1/6 for The Earth in Space. Taken together, the tests test knowledge and understanding, application, independent interpretation of simple cases, and written communication skills. teacher profile teaching materials
The training objectives of the first semester concern: the acquisition of the general concept of the Earth as an Integrated System, the concept of Deep Time, the knowledge of the lithogenetic cycle and the relationships between endogenous and exogenous processes, the acquisition of the basic methods for macroscopic recognition of the main minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
The training objectives of the second semester concern: knowledge of Earth's seismicity and associated risk, knowledge of the basic elements of the deformation of rocks and of the main sedimentary environments on our planet, the acquisition of the concept of Earth in continuous evolution. The acquisition of basic skills for reading simple geological maps and the construction of geological sections starting from cartographic or well data. The acquisition of basic knowledge on the origin and structure of the Solar System and the main motions of the Planet.
- Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K. & Tozzi M. – Scienze Della Terra. – Principato, Milano. Pagine: 572 ISBN: 9788841656501
- E. Lupia Palmieri & M. Parotto - La Terra nello spazio. Zanichelli, Bologna. Pagine 456 - ISBN 9788808063892. (Capitoli 3,4)
- Stephen Marshak. Essentials of Geology. WW Norton & Co ISBN: 978-0-393-88309-1.
- J. K. Beatty, C. C. Petersen & A. Chaikin. The New Solar System. Carolyn Collins Petersen. Sky Publishing Corporation-Cambridge University Press. ISBN:0-933346-86-7.
(Capitoli 7,8,11,15,20)
Programme
Overall, the course aims to give to the student a general overview of the knowledge of the Solar System and planet Earth. Provide students with the simple knowledge on lithogenetic processes and cartographic elements, through laboratory and field experiences. Provide the cultural and lexical bases for further studyThe training objectives of the first semester concern: the acquisition of the general concept of the Earth as an Integrated System, the concept of Deep Time, the knowledge of the lithogenetic cycle and the relationships between endogenous and exogenous processes, the acquisition of the basic methods for macroscopic recognition of the main minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
The training objectives of the second semester concern: knowledge of Earth's seismicity and associated risk, knowledge of the basic elements of the deformation of rocks and of the main sedimentary environments on our planet, the acquisition of the concept of Earth in continuous evolution. The acquisition of basic skills for reading simple geological maps and the construction of geological sections starting from cartographic or well data. The acquisition of basic knowledge on the origin and structure of the Solar System and the main motions of the Planet.
Prerequisiti
There are no prerequisites to attend the courseCore Documentation
- John P. Grotzinger Thomas H Jordan. Capire la Terra. Zanichelli, Bologna. Pagine: 752 ISBN: 9788808821232- Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K. & Tozzi M. – Scienze Della Terra. – Principato, Milano. Pagine: 572 ISBN: 9788841656501
- E. Lupia Palmieri & M. Parotto - La Terra nello spazio. Zanichelli, Bologna. Pagine 456 - ISBN 9788808063892. (Capitoli 3,4)
- Stephen Marshak. Essentials of Geology. WW Norton & Co ISBN: 978-0-393-88309-1.
- J. K. Beatty, C. C. Petersen & A. Chaikin. The New Solar System. Carolyn Collins Petersen. Sky Publishing Corporation-Cambridge University Press. ISBN:0-933346-86-7.
(Capitoli 7,8,11,15,20)
Attendance
The course provides rules on attendance in accordance with what is defined in the Teaching RegulationsType of evaluation
Learning test takes place through a 4 hours lasting written assignment, aimed at verifying the level of effective understanding of the concepts and the students' ability to apply them in real contexts. The written test includes: 1) 30 questions (multiple answer, true or false, open answers) on the geology topics covered in the course (including those addressed during the field activity); 2) 5 open questions on the topics of "The Earth in Space" covered in the course; 3) the construction of a geological section starting from a simple geological map. For the theoretical part, at the end of the first semester there is a partial examination that includes 20 questions (multiple answer, true or false, open answers) related to the topics covered in the first part of the course. For those who have passed this test, the final written test related to the theory will concern exclusively the topics covered in the second semester and will consist of 20 questions (multiple answer, true or false, open answers).