AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides knowledge on the basic concepts regarding geology and geodynamics, including tectonics, magmatism and metamorphism in different geodynamic setting. Planetary geology basic concept are also provided. The teaching also provides the necessary practical background to recognize, to measure and to describe the main geologic and tectonic structures in the field.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The attendance and participation at the planned training activities (lectures and exercises held both in the classroom and in the field) will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge in geology:

Specifically the student will be able to:

-describe the origin of terrestrial planets in the Solar System;

-describe the internal srtucure of the Earth (PREM);

-understand the Plate Tectonic theory;

-critically describe the different geodynamic environments on Earth;

-describe and interpret the main deformation features (faults/fractures and folds)

-describe outcrops, measure with geological compass both surfaces and lines and prepare stereographic projections.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes both lectures in the classroom using multimedia presentations and practical field activities. Attendance to all planned activities is strongly recommended.  Test exercises will be carried out for evaluating the ongoing assessment of class learning.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any update

"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 Department’s disability liaison.”

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Definition of the complex Earth system. The Earth in the Solar System. Origin of the Solar System and of terrestrial planets. The shape of the Earth and its motions. Review on the internal structure and composition of the Earth.

Plate tectonic model: history, characteristics, pros and cons of the model. Super-continent cycle and Wilson cycle.

Elements of Geodynamics. Plate tectonics driving mechanisms. The different geodynamic setting and deformation styles; ocean ridges, subduction zones, orogenic sutures, orogens; strilke slip environments. Tectonism and deformation styles on other planetary surfaces

Deformations: concepts of force and pressure: stress; concept of deformation. Deformation types: translation, rotation, strain, dilation; continuous and discontinuous deformation, homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformation; pure shear 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; hints on P-T diagrams, rheological behaviour and structural levels.

Ductile deformations: geometrical elements of folds; folds according to their shape; minor structures associated to folds. Brittle deformations: faults, fractures, joints (definitions); fault types: normal, reverse, strike-slip; mechanical aspects: orientation of principal stresses; minor structures associated to faults: kinematic indicators; association of faults (graben, thrust, Riedel system, pull apart).

Use of the geological compass and preparation of stereographic projections

There will be also fieldwork activities to check and strengthen the geological knowledge on topics discussed in the classroom.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

S.Marshak (2004) - La terra, ritratto di un pianeta. Zanichelli

J.P. Grotzinger, T.H. Jordan (2016) - Capire la Terra. Zanichelli

S. Marshak (2019) - EARTH Portrait of a Planet. New York: WW. Norton & Company

Material presented during the class will be available in aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

PAOLA CIANFARRA (President)

ANDREA BAUCON

ANTONINO BRIGUGLIO (President Substitute)

LAURA FEDERICO (Substitute)

MICHELE PIAZZA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please refer to  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

GEOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists in an interview. The discussion is aimed at evaluating the topics covered during the course. 

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any update.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The interview covers all the topics presented during the course and the critical discussion on the student's individual report prepared on specific area.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at classes and course activities is strongly recommended. Students worker are asked to inform the professor about their availability. Students are asked to use appropriate clothing for fieldwork (including hiking boots) and Personal Protective Equipment provided by CCS. Students are also required to have necessary tools for geological field surveying.