Programme

- Introduction to volcanology and investigation methods
Definition and scope of volcanology; volcanic processes, products, landforms, hazards and risks. The multidisciplinary study of volcanoes through direct observations, sedimentology and stratigraphy, petrography and petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, structural geology, geomorphology and numerical modelling. Definition and classification of volcanoes; monogenetic and polygenetic volcanoes and volcanic complexes.
- Geodynamic setting and the nature of magmas
Distribution of volcanism at mid-ocean ridges and continental rifts, island and continental arcs, back-arc basins and intraplate settings; hotspots and large igneous provinces. The multiphase nature of magma and the distinction between magma and lava. Main physical properties of magmas: composition and structure of silicate melts, polymerisation, density and buoyancy, viscosity and rheological behaviour, the role of temperature, crystals, bubbles and volatiles, and gas solubility and exsolution.
- Magma transport and eruption dynamics
Magma ascent driven by density contrast, neutral buoyancy level and magma accumulation. Structure of magmatic systems and the concept of crystal mush. Magma chambers and reservoirs; dykes, dyke swarms, sills, volcanic necks and diatremes; lateral eruptions. Overpressure and the main internal and external eruption-triggering processes. Degassing and relationships between magma properties and eruptive style. Classification of eruptions; isopach maps, dispersal area and degree of fragmentation; eruption intensity, magnitude and the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI).
- Effusive and explosive eruptions and their products
Hawaiian and Strombolian activity; lava fountains, scoria and spatter. ‘A‘ā and pāhoehoe lava flows: structure, texture, propagation mechanisms and transitions; basaltic and silicic lava flows. Juvenile and lithic pyroclasts; grain-size classification, bombs and blocks, ash and accretionary lapilli. Surtseyan, Vulcanian, sub-Plinian, Plinian and phreatoplinian eruptions. Eruption columns and fallout deposits. Concentrated and dilute pyroclastic density currents, block-and-ash flows, ignimbrites, welding and depositional structures.
- Volcanic landforms and mass movements
Constructive landforms: shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes, scoria cones, maars, tuff rings, tuff cones and lava domes. Destructive landforms: craters, drainage and explosion calderas, resurgence and nested calderas. Instability of volcanic edifices, sector collapses, debris avalanches and lahars; characteristics of the resulting deposits.
- Volcanic hazard, risk and monitoring
Definitions of and relationships between volcanic hazard, vulnerability, exposure and risk. Primary and secondary hazards associated with lava flows, ash fallout, pyroclastic density currents, volcanic gases, lahars, tsunamis and volcanic lakes; volcanic ash and aviation; atmospheric and climatic impacts of large eruptions. Principles of risk mitigation and direct intervention measures. Seismic, geodetic and geochemical monitoring and the integration of different datasets in volcano surveillance.
- Italian volcanism
Distribution of the main Italian magmatic provinces and their relationships with the geodynamic evolution of the Italian peninsula. Characteristics of magmatism and broad eruptive histories of the volcanic districts of Latium (Vulsini, Vico, Sabatini and Colli Albani), the Pontine area, Campania (Campi Flegrei, Somma-Vesuvius and Ischia), Vulture, the Aeolian Arc (Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli) and Sicily (Etna and Pantelleria). Closer examination of the main successions and eruptive events, including the Campanian Ignimbrite, the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff, Monte Nuovo, the AD 79, 1631 and 1944 eruptions of Vesuvius, the ordinary and paroxysmal activity of Stromboli, and the recent evolution of Etna. Relationships between eruptive history, volcanic products, landforms, territory and hazard.
- Observation and interpretation of volcanic phenomena
Throughout the course, theoretical concepts are integrated with the guided analysis of images, maps, diagrams, three-dimensional reconstructions and numerous video sequences of eruptions and other volcanic phenomena. Observing their evolution over time allows students to identify the processes taking place and relate them to the resulting products, deposits, morphological changes and effects on the territory.

Prerequisiti

A basic knowledge of the main geological processes and igneous rocks is required, particularly the mineralogical and petrographic concepts needed to understand the nature of magmas and volcanic products. There are no formal prerequisite courses.

Core Documentation

Italian langauge: Scandone R., Giacomelli L. - Vulcanologia. Principi fisici e metodi d'indagine. (Liguori ed.)
English language: Lockwood J.P., Hazlett R.W. - Volcanoes. Global Perspectives. (Wiley-Blackwell eds.)
Italian langauge: Giacomelli L., Scandone R. - Vulcani d'Italia (Liguori ed.)

Reference Bibliography

Cas, R.A.F., Wright, J. V, 1998. Volcanic Successions: Modern and Ancient, A geological approach to processes, products and successions, Chapman and Hall, UK. Sigurdsson, H., Houghton, B.F., McNutt, S.R., Rymer, H., Stix, J. (Eds.), 2015. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes, Second Edi. ed. Academic Press. Peccerillo, A., 2017. Cenozoic Volcanism in the Tyrrhenian Sea Region. Springer International Publishing.

Type of delivery of the course

In order to acquire the projected skills, the course is organized with theoretical lectures and brief pc-based practical teaching (MS Excel).

Attendance

Attendance at lectures is strongly encouraged.

Type of evaluation

Assessment takes the form of an oral examination designed to evaluate the knowledge acquired and the student’s ability to apply it when describing, comparing and interpreting volcanic processes, products, deposits, landforms and hazard scenarios. The examination normally consists of 4-5 questions covering different parts of the entire course syllabus and lasts approximately 30-35 minutes. Questions may include the discussion and interpretation of diagrams, images or straightforward volcanological case studies consistent with those examined during the course. Assessment is based on the accuracy and completeness of the student’s knowledge; the ability to establish connections between different topics; the ability to apply concepts to the interpretation of cases and scenarios; the independence and coherence of the student’s reasoning; and clarity of presentation and appropriate use of scientific terminology. Taken together, the questions assess competences related to the five Dublin Descriptors: knowledge and understanding of volcanic processes; application of knowledge to the interpretation of products, deposits and scenarios; independent judgement in the selection and evaluation of evidence; communication skills; and the ability to transfer acquired knowledge to cases that were not addressed in exactly the same form during the course. The examination is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. The final mark, expressed on a scale of 30, is based on an overall assessment of the oral examination. Honours may be awarded when the student demonstrates a comprehensive command of the course content, an outstanding ability to establish connections and interpret evidence independently, and exceptional clarity and rigour in presenting their arguments.