Programme

The course combines theoretical content, classroom exercises and fieldwork to link the tectonic evolution of basins to sedimentary processes and their cartographic representation.
Theoretical content
• Plate tectonics and main geodynamic settings; relationships between crustal deformation, subsidence, uplift and sedimentation.
• Formation and evolution of sedimentary basins in extensional, compressional and transform settings; continental rifts, passive margins, foredeep basins and basins associated with strike-slip systems.
• Principles of stratigraphy; lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic units; chronological organisation of sequences and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.
• Sedimentary rocks: main lithotypes, macroscopic identification criteria, classification, sedimentary structures and depositional environments.
• Brittle deformation: fractures and faults, kinematics, geometry and quantitative analysis of the main structures in extensional and compressional regimes.
• Lithostratigraphic geological maps: reading, interpretation and reconstruction of tectono-stratigraphic evolution.
Practical sessions and activities
• identification, classification and macroscopic description of sedimentary rocks, and interpretation of possible depositional environments;
• reading geological maps at the specified scales and constructing geological sections in extensional and compressional settings;
• analysis of structural data and basic use of stereographic projections;
• production of reports and graphical outputs aimed at integrating lithological, stratigraphic, structural and cartographic data.
Fieldwork
The interdisciplinary fieldwork, which takes place at the end of the lectures, is designed to enable students to use basic surveying tools, observe lithologies and structures, collect data and reconstruct the geological evolution of the area. The reports produced are presented and discussed during the examination.

Core Documentation

• Lecture notes and scientific articles distributed by the lecturer
• Mottana, A.; Crespi, R. Minerali e rocce. ISBN 9788837029562.
• Press, F.; Siever, R.; Grotzinger, J.; Jordan, T. H. (2006). Capire la Terra. Zanichelli, 672 pp. ISBN 9788808079916.
• Tucker, M. E. (2010). Geologia del sedimentario. Rocce, strutture sedimentarie, ambienti deposizionali. Dario Flaccovio Editore, 384 pp. ISBN 9788857900414.
• Venturini, C. (2012). Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche. Un approccio alla geologia di terreno e alla sua rappresentazione cartografica. Dario Flaccovio Editore, 224 pp. ISBN 9788857901534.

Attendance

At least 75% lectures At least 75% classroom exercises Compulsory participation in interdisciplinary field work

Type of evaluation

Written practical examination This takes place on the first day of each examination session and is designed to assess the student’s ability to apply knowledge and methods. It comprises: the identification, classification and description of sedimentary rocks, including the interpretation of their possible genetic environments; the preparation of a geological section; and the reconstruction and description of the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the area represented. The examination is marked out of 30 and is considered passed with a mark of at least 18/30. Oral examination It takes place in the days following the written examination, in accordance with the timetable announced after the written examination, and is reserved for students who have passed the practical examination. The interview covers the content of the entire syllabus and includes the presentation and discussion of the work produced in the interdisciplinary field. It assesses students’ understanding of processes, their ability to integrate different types of evidence, their independent judgement and their appropriate use of disciplinary language. Assessment criteria and final mark The assessment takes into account: the correctness and completeness of knowledge; accuracy in the identification and classification of lithotypes; the geometric correctness and geological consistency of the section; the ability to integrate sedimentological, stratigraphic, structural and cartographic data; the soundness and independence of the interpretation; the clarity of the written work and the oral presentation; and the appropriate use of scientific language. The final mark, expressed out of 30, is based on the overall assessment of the written practical examination and the oral examination. The distinction is awarded when knowledge, application, interpretative autonomy and communication collectively reach a level of excellence. The number of assignments, the duration of the written examination and any weighting of the two components are not specified in the initial syllabus and must be indicated by the lecturer in GOMP, where applicable.

Programme

The course integrates theoretical content, classroom practical sessions and fieldwork to link the tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins with sedimentary processes and their cartographic representation.

1) Theoretical Content
* Plate tectonics and the main geodynamic settings; relationships between crustal deformation, subsidence, uplift and sedimentation.
* Formation and evolution of sedimentary basins in extensional, compressional and strike-slip settings; continental rifts, passive margins, foreland basins and basins associated with strike-slip systems.
* Principles of stratigraphy; lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic units; temporal organisation of sedimentary successions and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.
* Sedimentary rocks: main rock types, macroscopic identification criteria, classification, sedimentary structures and depositional environments.
* Brittle deformation: fractures and faults; kinematics, geometry and quantitative analysis of the main structures in extensional and compressional regimes.
* Lithostratigraphic geological maps: reading, interpretation and reconstruction of tectono-stratigraphic evolution.

2) Practical Sessions and Activities
* identification, classification and macroscopic description of sedimentary rocks, and interpretation of their possible depositional environments;
* reading geological maps at the specified scales and constructing geological cross-sections in extensional and compressional settings;
* analysis of structural data and basic use of stereographic projections;
* preparation of reports and graphical outputs aimed at integrating lithological, stratigraphic, structural and cartographic data.

Fieldwork
The interdisciplinary field course, held at the end of the lecture period, focuses on the use of basic geological field-mapping tools, the observation of lithologies and geological structures, data collection, and the reconstruction of the geological evolution of the study area. The resulting reports and graphical outputs are presented and discussed during the examination.

Core Documentation

Lecture notes and scientific articles distributed by the teacher

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

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

* Attendance at a minimum of 75% of lectures * Attendance at a minimum of 75% of classroom practical sessions * Mandatory participation in the interdisciplinary field course

Type of evaluation

**4) Assessment Methods** **Written Practical Examination** The written practical examination takes place on the first day of each examination session and is designed to assess students’ ability to apply knowledge and methods. It includes the identification, classification and description of sedimentary rocks, together with the interpretation of their possible depositional environments; the construction of a geological cross-section; and the reconstruction and description of the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the area represented. The examination is graded on a scale of 30 and is passed with a minimum mark of 18/30. **Oral Examination** The oral examination takes place in the days following the written examination, according to a schedule communicated after the written test, and is open only to students who have passed the practical examination. It covers the entire course syllabus and includes the presentation and discussion of the work produced during the interdisciplinary field course. It assesses students’ understanding of geological processes, their ability to integrate different types of evidence, their independent judgement and their appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. **Assessment Criteria and Final Grade** The assessment considers the following: accuracy and completeness of knowledge; accuracy in identifying and classifying rock types; the geometric accuracy and geological consistency of the cross-section; the ability to integrate sedimentological, stratigraphic, structural and cartographic data; the soundness and independence of the interpretation; the clarity of the submitted work and oral presentation; and the appropriate use of scientific terminology. The final grade, expressed on a scale of 30, is based on the overall assessment of the written practical examination and the oral examination. Honours may be awarded when the student’s knowledge, application of methods, independence of interpretation and communication skills collectively demonstrate an excellent level of achievement. The number of tasks, the duration of the written examination and any numerical weighting assigned to the two assessment components are not specified in the original course syllabus and must therefore be entered by the lecturer in GOMP, where applicable.

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 professor

Type of delivery of the course

Three days of field and lab activity

Attendance

attendance is required

Type of evaluation

A write-up including a report, maps and tables