Geomorphology is the science that studies the nature, history, genesis and distribution of landforms and related surface deposits. Morphogenetic agents are defined as those phenomena that through mechanisms called morphogenetic processes give rise to the landforms. During the course, the origin and evolution of the landforms will be illustrated in relation to endogenous and exogenous genetic agents and processes, geology, climate, vegetation and interactions with humans.
Bases for the analytical, interpretative and evolutionary study of the landforms are analyzed, with particular attention to the landforms due to the exogenous dynamic.
At the end of this teaching, each student will be able to: recognize the most important landforms associated with gravity-related, fluvial, anthropogenic, coastal, aeolian, glacial and karst morphogenesis, both on maps and in the field; describe their origin and evolution; define the morphogenetic agents that shape and have shaped a certain geomorphological landscape on the basis of the recognized landforms; interpret the geomorphological landscape.
Basic knowledge of cartography, physical geography and geology
The teaching is based on participatory lectures, frontal lectures, and laboratory experiences in which cooperative learning methods are applied. Educational activities in the field are planned to realize what is discussed in the classroom.
Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the DiISTAV’s contact for disability.
The teaching provides a comprehensive overview of the genesis and evolution of physical landscapes, specifically focusing on the morphogenetic processes that shape the Earth's surface and the resulting forms. It addresses the key concepts of azonal and multi-zonal geomorphology, climatic and structural geomorphology, for a holistic interpretation of the geomorphological landscape, including anthropogenic changes.
Specifically, the following topics are covered: Introduction to geomorphology: relationships between endogenous and exogenous processes, between morphology and geologic structure; Alteration and degradation of rocks (wheathering); Fluvial landforms and processes; Marine-coastal landforms and processes; Slope landforms and processes; Karst landforms and processes; Glacial and periglacial landforms and processes; Aeolian landforms and processes; Anthropogenic landforms and processes
Handouts provided by the teachers and available on Aulaweb and the book “McKnight’s Geografia fisica: comprendere il paesaggio” by Hess D. (2021, Piccin Nuova Libraria).
Texts for consultation: 1) Panizza M., Geomorfologia, Bonomo Editore; 2) Ciccacci S., Le forme del rilievo, Arnaldo Mondadori Università
Ricevimento: To schedule an appointment, students are invited to send an email or to contact by phone or by AulaWeb.
The lessons timetable is available at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/
GEOMORPHOLOGY
The exam consists of an oral test during which the topics covered in the course will be discussed.
The exam aims overall to verify the understanding of the topics covered during the lessons. The landforms and the morphogenetic processes associated with them will be discussed, also using cartographic and photographic materials. Additionally, the student's critical thinking skills, presentation abilities, and correct use of technical terminology will be evaluated.
Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services at the web page https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici-apprendimento-dsa, provided by the "Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with Learning Disorders." They can also contact Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Distav's contact for disabilities.
Regular attendance is strongly recommended.
