OVERVIEW

Volcanology is the study of volcanic rocks, magmas and chemico-physical processes that govern volcanic processes and eruptions. It deals also with volcanic risk assessment. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of this course is to highlight the fundamental mechanisms of volcanic processes, from primordial accretion and thermal evolution of planetary bodies to relations between volcanism and tectonics. Special attention will be devoted to the role of chemico-physical and thermodynamic properties of magmas and volatiles in determining eruptive processes and to the use of phase diagrams and geochemical data in modelling solid-melt-fluid equilibria. A final part will be dedicated to Italian volcanoes (Etna, Aeolian Islands, Vesuvius, Phlegrean Fields, Roman Comagmatic Province and Vulture), with a 3-days field trip planned every year.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The attendance and participation in the planned training activities (lectures and field trips) will enable the student to acquire the skills of Volcanology necessary to face studies and scientific research in the field of Earth and Natural Sciences. Furthermore, the student will acquire both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for the geochemical assessment and monitoring of volcanic risk. 

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of geochemistry, geology, mineralogy and petrology is required.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and field-trip activities.

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

The program of the course includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

• A preliminary part on the origin of volcanism, chemical composition and classification schemes of volcanic rocks, geochemical data analysis and numerical modelling
• Relations between volcanic and tectonic processes
• Chemico-physical and rheological properties of magmas and their effects on volcanic processes
• Types of volcanic activity and eruptive mechanisms
• Italian volcanoes: active and quiescent volcanoes and geochemical activities for volcanic risk assessment and monitoring (Vulcano and Stromboli, Aeolian Islands; Campi Flegrei and Solfatara system; Etna); quiescent and extinct volcanoes (Monte Somma-Vesuvio system; Monte Vulture; Roman Comagmatic Province, permo-triassic vocanism of Trentino Alto-Adige).
• Volcanic risk: assessment and monitoring activities based on fluid geochemistry in active and/or quiescent volcanic areas, chemico-physical and mathematical models of eruptive processes, interpretation of volcanic hazard maps. Seminar acitvity will be held by INGV researchers and renowned experts in the field of volcanic risk assessment and monitoring.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dispense di Vulcanologia (download from the Aula WEB page)

Ottonello G., (1991) Principi di Geochimica. Zanichelli, Bologna, 708pp. 

Ottonello G., (1997) Principles of Geochemistry. Columbia University Press, New York-Chicester-West Sussex, 894 pp.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DONATO BELMONTE (President)

MARINO VETUSCHI ZUCCOLINI

ROBERTO CABELLA (President Substitute)

NICOLA CAMPOMENOSI (Substitute)

CRISTINA CARBONE (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

VOLCANOLOGY AND VOLCANIC RISK

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam (see assessment methods).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam will be performed via a oral presentation made by the students on a specific topic of the course.

Students are recommended to follow updates about COVID-19 on the specific AULA WEB page.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance to lectures is recommended.

Informations for students with a disability certificate can be found at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici-apprendimento-dsa, as provided by "Settore servizi per l'inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA". For further details please also refer to Prof. Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it) as contact person for disabilities at DISTAV.