Programme

Module 1. Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks: Archives of Earth's Surface (6 hours)
• Origin and composition of sediments.
• Components of sedimentary rocks.
• Textural characteristics and their genetic significance.
• Principles of sedimentary rock classification.
• Sedimentary resources of economic and environmental importance:Module 1 – Sediments and sedimentary rocks: the archive of the Earth's surface (6 hours)
Origin and composition of sediments; components of sedimentary rocks; grain size, sorting, rounding, and other textural characteristics and their genetic significance; classification principles; organogenic rocks, evaporites, and deposits of energy, industrial, and environmental interest. Sample-based activities aimed at recognition and classification.
Module 2 – Sediment transport and deposition (6 hours)
Fundamentals of fluid dynamics applied to sedimentary processes; transport in unidirectional flows; traction flows; hyperconcentrated and mass flows; granular flows, debris flows, and turbidity currents. Discussion of relationships among flow characteristics, transport, and depositional products.
Module 3 – Sedimentary petrology laboratory (6 hours)
Observation of thin sections under the microscope; identification of the main sandstone components; description of texture and composition; study of samples from flysch successions; introduction to the use of petrographic observations for simple interpretations of provenance and sedimentary basin evolution.
Module 4 – Sedimentary structures and depositional processes (6 hours)
Planar-parallel and cross-lamination and stratification; current and wave ripple marks; erosional and deformational structures; turbidite deposits and the Bouma sequence; tempestites and extreme-event deposits; chemical and biogenic structures; trace fossils, bioturbation, and bioerosion. Recognition of structures in samples and images and interpretation of depositional processes.
Module 5 – Sedimentary environments (6 hours)
Fluvial and lacustrine systems; deltas; coastal and littoral environments; siliciclastic and carbonate shelves; continental slopes and deep-sea plains; pelagic basins; evaporitic environments. Integration of sediments, structures, and processes to recognize the main facies and reconstruct simple depositional systems.
Module 6 – Forensic and applied sedimentology (6 hours)
Principles and methods of forensic sedimentology; observation and comparative analysis of sediments; applications in investigative, environmental, and land-management contexts; guided discussion of real or teaching case studies, focusing on the criteria used to link samples and contexts.
Any optional extracurricular field trips, when organized, provide additional opportunities for field observation and do not independently contribute to the final assessment.

Prerequisiti

To successfully follow the course, basic knowledge of General Geology and Mineralogy is required, particularly with reference to the rock cycle and the main rock-forming minerals. Elementary knowledge of physics concerning force, motion, and fluid behavior is useful.

Core Documentation

• Boggs, S., Jr. (2012). Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Pearson Education / Pearson Prentice Hall.
• Stow, D. A. V. (2010). Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Colour Guide. Manson Publishing. ISBN 978-1-874545-69-9.
• Photographic atlases of sedimentary structures and sediments, used as supporting material for recognition activities.
• Teaching materials, samples, images, thin sections, and case studies provided by the instructor during the course.

Attendance

In-person attendance is strongly recommended. Attendance of at least 75% of the total hours is recommended for lectures and practical classes, and 100% for field activities.

Type of evaluation

The examination consists of an oral test, accounting for 80% of the final grade, and a practical test involving the recognition and interpretation of sedimentary structures in rock samples, accounting for 20%. Oral examination – 80% The oral examination assesses knowledge of the course content and the ability to connect sediments, structures, processes, and depositional environments. It generally includes discussion of a course topic chosen by the student, followed by questions from the instructor aimed at assessing the ability to describe, compare, and interpret sedimentary processes, rocks, and environments. The approximate duration is 20–30 minutes. Practical test – 20% Students examine one or more samples or images of sedimentary rocks and are required to recognize and describe observable sedimentary structures, use appropriate terminology, and propose a reasoned interpretation of the depositional process and, where possible, the environment of formation. The test assesses the ability to apply knowledge to materials that are not necessarily identical to those previously examined during the course. Assessment criteria and determination of the final grade Assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge; the ability to recognize and describe sediments, rocks, and structures; the ability to connect evidence and processes and formulate reasoned interpretations; independent reasoning; and clarity and appropriateness of scientific language. The oral examination primarily assesses knowledge and understanding, application of knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to make connections; the practical test particularly assesses application of knowledge, independent judgement, and transfer of methods to previously unexamined cases. The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, is calculated by assigning a weight of 80% to the oral examination and 20% to the practical test. The examination is passed with a final grade of at least 18/30; honors may be awarded for excellent preparation and outstanding interpretative and argumentative skills.