OVERVIEW

Geomorphology studies the landforms that characterize the earth's surface.

It aims to describe and understand the main exogenous and endogenous processes that contribute to the genesis and evolution of the continental and marine environment. The course aims to provide the basic notions for understanding the terrestrial landscape and interpreting the evolutionary processes that have shaped it.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the student with the basis for the analytical, interpretative and evolutionary study of the forms of the terrestrial relief by analyzing the causes that generate and modify it, with particular attention to the forms connected to the exogenous dynamics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participation in educational activities will provide the student with the tools necessary to tackle the basic studies for understanding and interpreting the forms of the land survey necessary for the study of the landscape.

at the end of the course the student will be able to:

• understand and interpret topographic and geomorphological maps
• know the fundamental principles of the morphology of the earth's surface
• understand the processes and interactions between the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, whether they are of a physical, chemical or biological nature  
• describe and interpret a soil profile
• understand the evolution of earth’s relief

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lecture. Attendance at classes  is strongly recommended. Lectures in the classroom are exposed by means of multimedia presentations. The lessons are also aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge. The lessons in the classroom will be held by the teaching professors, assisted by a tutor.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

"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

Basics of cartography; cartographic reference systems; alteration of rocks and soil formation; slopes and landslides; hydrography and fluvial geomorphology; volcanic geomorphology; glacial geomorphology; periglacial geomorphology; Aeolian geomorphology, karst geomorphology; marine geomorphology (coastal and underwater morphology).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons / laboratory exercises.

The books indicated are suggested as supporting text and are available and consultable together with other books for further study at the M.F.N. School Library and at the teacher office.

CASTIGLIONI G.B. (1979) - Geomorfologia. UTET. [Reprint 1982; II edition1986].

PANIZZA M. (1992) - Geomorfologia. Pitagora Editrice. [II edition1995]

E. Pranzini (2004) - La forma delle coste. Zanichelli.

G. Certini, F.C. Ugolini (2021). Basi di Pedologia – cos’è il suolo, come si forma, come va descritto e classificato. Edagricole di New Business Media srl.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

PRINCIPLES OF GEOMORPHOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written Test: the exam consists of answering to questions asked by the teacher on topics covered during the course.

Three exam dates will be available in the winter session (January-February) and four exam dates in the summer session (June, July, September) which will be published on the UNIGE website.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application for teaching for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of knowledge required will be provided at the beginning of the course.

The written test will focus mainly on the topics covered during the lectures and exercises.

The level of knowledge acquired and the ability to expose will be evaluated. The correct scientific terminology will also be evaluated.

In particular, the student must be able to demonstrate to have acquired the skills in applying the theoretical concepts to the study of physical environment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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 contact for disabilities.