The aim of this course is to provide the basis on the dynamics (i.e. forces) controlling the evolution of the earth. In this class, we will introduce and use continuum mechanics to study and understand cause-effect relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics of the solid earth, to allow the students to identify and quantitatively analyze the relations between causes (i.e. forces and stresses) and effects (i.e., tectonics). The subjects include the role played by volume (e.g. gravity) and surface forces (e.g. plate tectonics, lithospheric stresses) and their interactions with the materials and structures of the Earth lithosphere and mantle.
Subjects will be presented from the basic theoretical background up to their applications to selected natural cases, also thanks to the active involvement of the students (e.g., reading selected articles, on line sources, exercises)
Subjects will be presented from the basic theoretical background up to their applications to selected natural cases, also thanks to the active involvement of the students (e.g., reading selected articles, on line sources, exercises)
Curriculum
teacher profile teaching materials
- Foundation (surface, interior, Matlab)
- Mass conservation
- Energetics (Heat and T)
- Mechanics: Force and Rheology (Stress and strain, Elasticity-Viscosity-Plasticity, Rheology of the lithosphere, Rheology of the mantle, Forces applied to lithospheric plates)
- Force balance
- Fluid dynamics
- Gravity
- Faulting
- Applications to different tectonic environments
REFERENCES PROVIDED DURING THE LESSONS
Programme
- Introduction- Foundation (surface, interior, Matlab)
- Mass conservation
- Energetics (Heat and T)
- Mechanics: Force and Rheology (Stress and strain, Elasticity-Viscosity-Plasticity, Rheology of the lithosphere, Rheology of the mantle, Forces applied to lithospheric plates)
- Force balance
- Fluid dynamics
- Gravity
- Faulting
- Applications to different tectonic environments
Core Documentation
- GEODYNAMICS: SECOND EDITION, TURCOTTE, D. L. AND SCHUBERT, G., JOHN WILEY & SONS, NEW YORK, 2002 (AVAILABLE AT BAST).REFERENCES PROVIDED DURING THE LESSONS
Type of delivery of the course
The course is provided in English Frontal teaching, practicals both in class and at home, reading of scientific papers, seminars 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.Type of evaluation
Grades will be computed based on this relative weighting scheme: - Presentation and discussion (max 10 min) of a geodynamical problem (not presented during the class!) selected by the student 30% - Oral exam on the base of the program presented during the course 60% . Class partecipation 10% In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, the exams related to course will be provided in a virtual mode. teacher profile teaching materials
- Foundation (surface, interior, Matlab)
- Mass conservation
- Energetics (Heat and T)
- Mechanics: Force and Rheology (Stress and strain, Elasticity-Viscosity-Plasticity, Rheology of the lithosphere, Rheology of the mantle, Forces applied to lithospheric plates)
- Force balance
- Fluid dynamics
- Gravity
- Faulting
- Applications to different tectonic environments
REFERENCES PROVIDED DURING THE LESSONS
Programme
- Introduction- Foundation (surface, interior, Matlab)
- Mass conservation
- Energetics (Heat and T)
- Mechanics: Force and Rheology (Stress and strain, Elasticity-Viscosity-Plasticity, Rheology of the lithosphere, Rheology of the mantle, Forces applied to lithospheric plates)
- Force balance
- Fluid dynamics
- Gravity
- Faulting
- Applications to different tectonic environments
Core Documentation
- GEODYNAMICS: SECOND EDITION, TURCOTTE, D. L. AND SCHUBERT, G., JOHN WILEY & SONS, NEW YORK, 2002 (AVAILABLE AT BAST).REFERENCES PROVIDED DURING THE LESSONS
Type of delivery of the course
The course is provided in English Frontal teaching, practicals both in class and at home, reading of scientific papers, seminars 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.Type of evaluation
Grades will be computed based on this relative weighting scheme: - Presentation and discussion (max 10 min) of a geodynamical problem (not presented during the class!) selected by the student 30% - Oral exam on the base of the program presented during the course 60% . Class partecipation 10% In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, the exams related to course will be provided in a virtual mode.