OVERVIEW

The course of Geological Mapping 2 provides technical expertise for the geological survey of metamorphic and polydeformed terrains, both for scientific and practical aims. The course also promotes the use of computer tools and GIS softwares to draw geological and thematic maps, combined with scientific reports, and the carrying out of image processing analysis applied to the study of tectonic structures.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To learn geological mapping techniques in polydeformed and metamorphic terrains. To read and interpret geological maps and geological-structural maps of polydeformed areas. Use of geological maps as starting point to draw thematic maps also of engineering geological type. To draw maps and geological sections also by means of computer programs.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The attendance and participation in the planned training activities (lectures, lectures in computer lab and fieldwork) will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge of Geological Mapping 2 necessary to face the studies in the field of professional geologist and scientific research in the Earth Science field.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• Draw geological maps of metamorphic and polydeformed terrains;
• Draw geological cross-sections of metamorphic and polydeformed terrains;
• Compare and discuss thematic maps (structural maps, form lines maps, strike lines maps);
• Design a GIS project, with geometric and alphanumeric data, evaluating different possible solutions;
• Appraise the data collected during fieldwork to develop a scientific or professional project;
• Prepare scientific and/or professional reports.
• Carry out image processing analysis of satellite images and DEM, to study tectonic structures.

PREREQUISITES

To face the contents of the course the student needs the following basic knowledge from the Geological Mapping, Structural Geology and Petrography courses: 1) basic rules of geological mapping (“V rules”); 2) basic rules to draw geological cross-sections; 3) rules to compile stereoplots either with planar or linear data; 4) theoretical knowledge on the superposition of deformative phases; 5) principal petrographic classifications, especially for metamorphic rocks.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures in the classroom and/or online and in computer lab and fieldwork, in agreement with the anti-COVID19 regulations. Attendance to all planned activities is strongly recommended.

Lectures in the classroom and/or online are done through multimedia presentations or traditional/digital maps when the analysis/comparison/discussion of thematic maps is involved.

The lectures regarding computer activities and GIS software occur in the DISTAV computer lab or online. Lectures regarding the image analysis include both multimedia presentations (in the classroom and/or online) and practical exercises in the DISTAV computer lab or online, through the use of open source softwares.

The fieldwork is aimed at explaining the characteristics of a metamorphic and polydeformed area. At the end of fieldwork activity the students, split in small groups, will draw a geological map with geological cross-section and final report.

Please refer to Aulaweb announcements for possible updates in case of changes in the health situation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program encompasses these topics:

• Methods of geological mapping and cartography for polydeformed areas and metamorphic terrains;
• Geological-structural maps: reading and creation.
• Digital mapping with GIS softwares.
• Thematic mapping.
• Exercises on reading and interpretation of geological-structural maps and on geological cross-sections drawing.
• Data collection, processing and restitution.
• Image processing analysis at synthetic scale (satellite images and DEM), applied to the study of tectonic structures.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All educational materials used during lessons will be available on AulaWeb at the beginning of the educational activity.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA FEDERICO (President)

PAOLA CIANFARRA

FRANCO ELTER

CRISTINA MALATESTA

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For the beginning of lessons and timetable please refer to the following link:

http://www.distav.unige.it/ccsgeo/orario-lezioni

Class schedule

GEOLOGICAL MAPPING 2

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists in the check of the group project presented by the students and in answering the questions asked by the teacher on topics dealt with during the lessons.

Two sessions will be available in the winter period (January-February) and four in the summer period (June, July, September).

Please refer to Aulaweb announcements for possible updates in case of changes in the health situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral test mainly aims at verifying the students’ skills in geological mapping in polydeformed areas; the exam actually is composed of a discussion, with theoretical references, of a project (geological map, geological cross-section and final report) produced by the student by means of a GIS software. Theoretical questions will focus on the topics covered during the lectures.

The ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology and the student’s critical sense in judging his project will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance to the lectures and to fieldwork is strongly recommended.