31426 - Geology T (L-Z)

Learning outcomes

This course gives the student basic information on the following subjects: (a) identifying minerals and rocks in hand samples as well as outcrops; (b) interpreting geological maps, stratigraphic schemes and geological cross-sections; (c) estimating the effects of the geodynamic processes on volcanic, seismic and hydro-geological hazards; (d) assessing from a geological point of view the construction problems and the environmental impact of civil engineering works. At the end of the course, the student is expected to understand terminology and contents of the geological elaborations required for the planning of civil engineering works.

Course contents

This course deals with the basic principles and practice of Geology. It mainly focuses on the following subjects: (a) identifying minerals and rocks in hand samples as well as outcrops; (b) interpreting geological maps, stratigraphic schemes and geological cross-sections; (c) estimating the effects of the geodynamic processes on volcanic, seismic and hydro-geological hazards; (d) assessing from a geological point of view the construction problems and the environmental impact of civil engineering works.

General Geology. Identification of common minerals in hand samples. Identification of common rocks and soils in hand samples and outcrops, by means of textures, structures, composition and easy-to-assess physical-chemical properties. Study of plutonic, volcanic, sedimentary, diagenetic and metamorphic processes, in the frame of the internal and external geodynamic processes which control the lithogenetic cycle. Applications of Stratigraphy, Tectonics and Geomorphology to the interpretation of geological maps, stratigraphic schemes and geological cross-sections. Preliminary assessment of geological and geomorphological hazards related to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides and floods.

Engineering Geology. Introductory remarks about the mechanical and hydro-geological behaviour of rocks and soils, as a function of their composition, structural discontinuities and degree of weathering. Introductory remarks about the occurrence and flow of groundwater: water-bearing strata; hydro-geological structures and springs; relationships between groundwater flow and superficial stream patterns; groundwater influence on landslides. Preliminary assessment of geological hazards and environmental impacts related to civil engineering works.

Readings/Bibliography

Official textbooks:

PRESS F., SIEVER R., GROTZINGER J., JORDAN T. H., Capire la Terra, ed. Zanichelli.
BOSELLINI A., Le scienze della terra e l'universo intorno a noi. (volume 1), ed. Zanichelli.

Reference textbooks:

CARLONI G.C., Geologia Applicata, ed. Pitagora.
DESIO A., Geologia Applicata all'Ingegneria, ed. Hoepli.
ELMI C. e DIRETTO M., Geologia, ed. Pitagora.
MARTINIS B., Geologia ambientale, ed. UTET.
TREVISAN L., GIGLIA G., Introduzione alla Geologia, ed. Pacini.

Teaching methods

Course schedule.The first half course will be dedicated to the study of rocks and lithogenetic processes, while the second half course will focus at geologic elaborations and engineering geology subjects. During the whole course, lectures will be integrated with several exercise turns. Near the course end, students will be allowed to enjoy didactic excursions in the Southern Alps and/or in the Northern Apennines.

Assessment methods

Exam. A single test will be performed, starting from the end of the course. It consists of two exercises (rock identification and geologic map interpretation) to be carried out orally, in about half an hour. The exercise development will be integrated by general questions, about the geological processes and their effects on the engineering practice. Minimum requirements to successfully complete the exam are pass marks in both exercises. Further details on the exam subjects and the evaluation criteria are schematically reported in the course DVD.

Teaching tools

Video projector and personal computer are used for all lectures and some exercises. About 300 rock and soil samples are available in the exercise room. Double copies of 14 geologic maps of Italy at a 1/100000 scale are available in the exercise room. The course DVD, which can be purchased from the copy service of the faculty library, encloses the following didactic material: (a) all computer presentations projected in the lecture theatre, with many added explanations; (b) high resolution pictures and complete descriptions of the best 100 available samples; (c) high resolution .pdf scans of the 14 available geological maps, with a list of objects to search and many finding examples. (d) a collection of schemes and notes to support exercise work (“dispensa a stampa” folder, also available in photocopy). Each student is recommended to help himself with an 8x - 10x magnifying glass, which is particularly useful for the identification of fine-grained rock and soil samples.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Landuzzi