65933 - Geology and Lithology

Learning outcomes

The course provides theoretical and technical knowledge for classification of rocks, forming the planet Earth. Insights on the processes leading to the formation and evolution of landforms will be presented. Students will be able to recognize different types of rocks, read and use topographic and geologic maps.

Course contents

MODULE 1

Geology: Origin of the solar system and the Earth. Internal structure of the Earth. Plate tectonics. Principles of stratigraphy and geochronology (absolute and relative age of rocks and sediments). Description of the major sedimentary environments (fluvial, glacial, desertic, coastal and deep marine). The subsurface of the Po Plain and Romagna coastal plain: sedimentary cycles, deposits and groundwater reserves. Basis of structural geology (faults, folds and earthquakes). Genesis of Alps and Apennines. The concept of Hazard in geology (volcanic, earthquake, hydrogeological) and potential application of geological concepts.

Geomorphology: study the upper layer of the Earth's crust, which provides rock materials that can be shaped into landforms by running water, wind, waves and ice. The work of waves and winds. Description of glacial landforms and glaciation cycles. Introduction to deserts and wind-made morphologies. Types of weathering, erosion, transport, and deposition. Mass wasting  (downslope movement of rock and soil under the influence of gravity). Study of surface water and landforms shaped by streams. Description of the factors controlling the variety of coastal landscapes. 
Basic knowledge in cartography and interpretation of topographic and geological maps.

MODULE 2

Lithology: Rock forming minerals: structure, genesis, properties, classification. The rock cycle and the main rock types. Igneous rocks: magma genesis and geologic settings. Intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. Sedimentary rocks: types, classification and environment of formation. Metamorphic rocks: metamorphic types and conditions. Field and laboratory obervation aiming at rocks classification and recognition.

Readings/Bibliography

Main suggestion:

- CAPIRE LA TERRA Terza edizione italiana condotta sulla settima edizione americana, GROTZINGER John P., JORDAN Thomas H, 2016, Zanichelli, ISBN 978-8808-82123-2

Further recommended readings:

- Hamblin W.K., Christiansen E.H., Earth's Dynamic System (Tenth Edition), Prentice Hall.

- Tarbuck E.J., Lutgens F.K., Tozzi M., Scienze della Terra. Casa Editrice Principato.

- D'Argenio B., Innocenti F., Sassi F.P. (1981) INTRODUZIONE ALLO STUDIO DELLE ROCCE. UTET Torino

- Aruta L., Marescalchi P.. CARTOGRAFIA - LETTURA DELLE CARTE. Flaccovio ed.

- Mike Leeder and Marta Pérez-Arlucea, (2006), PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford , 318p.

Teaching methods

The course will provide to students in Environmental Science background knowledge of the main Earth Sciences processes and of Earth materials such as rocks and sediments. These latter represent the geologic record, and its study reveals the complexity of Earth's evolution in space and time.
This involves:
1) abilities to understand the time/scale dimensions of Earth processes;
2) ability to integrate field/laboratory observation with theoretical concepts by using the Scientific method.

The students will be involved in different ways, including report writing, laboratory work, ongoing tests developing a more critical consciousness.

A fieldtrip is planned to integrate the theoretical part of the course.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Module 1 - Geology and Geomorfology: oral examination at the end of the whole course.

Module 2 - Litology: analysis of a rock sample. Mid-term examination (only for attending students) at the end of the module.

Final grade is the mean of all the oral examinations and additional test (individual presentations during the course).

Teaching tools

- LCD projector
- Wooden crystal models. Rocks and minerals specimen.
- Topographic and geologic maps.
- Equipment for field work: maps, hammer, lens, camera, etc (field trip).

Students who need compensatory tools for reasons related to disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) can directly contact the Service for Students with Disabilities (disabilita@unibo.it) and the Service for Students with learning disabilities (dsa@unibo.it) to agree on the adoption of the most appropriate measures.

Office hours

See the website of Bruno Campo

See the website of Domenico Chiarella