OVERVIEW

The course provides the geologic and petrographic fundamental knowledge.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides the basic knowledge on Earth’s dynamics and on the following main themes: tectonics, magmatism, metamorphism, sedimentation, lithostratigraphy in the various geodynamic environments. The course also provides the necessary practical background for recognition of the main tectonic and sedimentary structures in the field and for rock recognition and classification.

TEACHING METHODS

Taught classes

Laboratory and field activities

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Taught classes on:
Internal structure of the earth.
Plate tectonics: lithospheric plates, plate margins, plate movement: Euler pole, hot spots, rate of plate movement, paleomagnetism.
Elements of Geodynamics: ocean ridges, subduction zones, sutures, orogenic zones; basic principles on orogenic systems and orogenic types.
Deformations: concept of force and pressure; stress; concept of deformation. Types of deformations: translation, rotation, strain, dilation; continuous and discontinuous deformation, homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformation; pure and simple shear; physical constitution of rocks (homogeneous, inhomogeneous, continuous material); elastic and plastic behaviour: Hooke Law, stress-strain diagrams, influence of temperature, pression, fluids and time; basic principles on P-T diagrams, rheology and structural levels.
Ductile deformations: geometrical elements of folds; fold shapes; secondary structures linked to folds.
Brittle deformations: faults, joints; types of faults: normal, reverse, strike-slip; mechanical aspects: orientation of principal stresses; secondary structures linked to faults: shear sense indicators; fault associations (graben, thrust, Riedel system, pull apart).
Geodynamic settings and deformation style: orogenic setting; extensional setting; strike-slip tectonics.
Laboratory activities to identify and classify the principal groups of igneous (intrusive and effusive), sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Field activities to verify and fix acquired knowledge.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes available (to be downloaded).
The following books are suggested:

• S.Marshak (2004) - La terra, ritratto di un pianeta. Zanichelli
• F.Press, R.Siever, J. Grotzinger & T.H. Jordan (2006) - Capire la Terra. Zanichelli
• J.P. Grotzinger, T.H. Jordan (2016) - Capire la Terra. Zanichelli

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA FEDERICO (President)

MICHELE PIAZZA (President)

ANTONINO BRIGUGLIO

GIOVANNI CAPPONI

LAURA CRISPINI

FRANCO ELTER

MARCO SCAMBELLURI

LESSONS

Class schedule

GEOLOGY 1 (MODULE 1)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written, oral

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam for Geology 1 Module 1 and 2 is integrated. Tests are: a report on a field activity, a written test on rock identification and classification and an oral examination.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Lessons attendance is advised. Participation to field activitues is required. Students must wear suitable clothes and bring measuring tape, magnifying glass (X10) and hammer.