OVERVIEW

Marine Geology plays a fundamental role in the study of Marine Sciences by providing knowledge on the genesis and geological evolution of ocean basins and continental margins. Marine Geology with applications combines these notions with knowledge of the main geological and geophysical investigation methodologies of marine environments. The application aspects are treated through case studies on various geo-environmental themes and the use of specific applications for the processing of surveys in marine/coastal areas and GIS-based cartography.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to deepen knowledge of the genesis and evolution of marine basins and continental margins, particularly the Mediterranean ones. The aim is also to encourage the acquisition of operational professional skills (methods of geological, geophysical and environmental survey, seismo-stratigraphic and morpho-tectonic analysis) through the presentation of case studies (geo-marine hazard and habitat mapping, monitoring, development of resources and its sustainability of the marine territory) and the use of specific software for geological and thematic mapping as well as the 3D representation and analysis of geological/geophysical data.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participation in the planned training activities aims to acquire knowledge of the processes that govern the genesis and evolution of marine basins. This knowledge will allow the student to understand the geological structure of Italian marine areas, with particular regard to the Late-Quaternary evolution and the relationships between marine geology and other marine bio-ecological disciplines (Earth-Sea-Life).

The student will assimilate knowledge of the applicative aspects of marine geology through the description of various investigation methodologies (surface and deep seismic surveys, sampling, 3D analysis, data interpretation, and digital cartographic restitution).

The student will develop the ability to identify and motivate the types of investigations most suitable for the various and specific geo-environmental applications through the discussion and analysis of case studies carried out in the context of monitoring, development and sustainability projects of the marine territory (high characterization resolution of the in-shore and off-shore marine seabed and subgrade, geo-hazard elements and related geo-environmental risks, marine geo-resources etc.). The treatment of concrete cases in which knowledge is used to formulate hypotheses and produce operational choices suitable for different application contexts will contribute to the maturation of professional operational and specific communication skills (specific technical/scientific language), as well as the ability to combine continuous cultural growth to the maturation of scientific-professional skills (insights into personal interests).

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• know and describe the geological evolution and sedimentary dynamics of marine basins and coastal areas;
• identify and illustrate the sedimentary and morpho-structural dynamics responsible for the structure of the seabed;
• know and describe the various surface and deep marine investigation methodologies and propose and identify the most appropriate typologies based on the specific geo-environmental application.
• produce technical-scientific and cartographic reports on marine geo-environmental issues.

For students who follow the module in the 2 CFU formula ("insegnamento a scelta"), the provided training objectives and learning outcomes are reduced to the basic concepts on the genesis and geological evolution of marine basins and oceanographic exploration methodologies associated with the presentation of some case studies (geo-hazard and marine habitat mapping, monitoring, development of resources, and sustainability of the marine territory).

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology and Cartography.

TEACHING METHODS

The module consists of frontal lessons in the classroom and computer classrooms, which are delivered through multimedia presentations.

The module in the formula with a value of 2 CFU as the "chosen module" will concern only a part of the entire module, reduced to the basic concepts on the genesis and geological evolution of marine basins and exploration methodologies and the treatment of some case studies (geo-hazard and marine habitat mapping, monitoring, development of resources, and sustainability of the marine territory).

All in-person activities will comply with the capacity limits of the classrooms/laboratories and the distancing required by current legislation.

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 module consists of an introductory part followed by a discussion of various topics in Marine Geology, such as the physiography and evolution of marine basins, study methods in Marine Geology, application aspects of Marine Geology,  geological and geophysical marine surveys, and the Geology of the Italian Seas.
Introduction: history of oceanographic exploration, global marine geology and the Ligurian Sea; the role of marine geology in the birth of "Plate tectonics".
Evolution of marine basins: evolution of continental margins and ocean basins in various geodynamic contexts; seabed physiography; physiographic and geological structure of the Italian seas with insights into the evolution of the Ligurian Sea.
Study methods in marine geology include marine geophysical prospecting, sediment sampling, seismo-stratigraphy, and software applications for 3D visualization and interpretation of geo-environmental data and digital habitat mapping.
Application aspects of marine geology: seismo-stratigraphy of the continental shelf and basinal areas; geo-environmental characterization of the seabed; identification and analysis of geo-hazard elements and geo-resources (erosion, landslides,  fluid escapes,  extreme events, marine sediment quarries); habitat mapping of specific biocenoses (seagrass meadows, etc.); discussion and analysis of concrete case studies carried out in Italian seas and in particular in the Ligurian Sea.
Geological and geophysical offs-hore survey (in computer classroom): planning of marine geological and geophysical surveys (seismic survey and sampling); analysis and processing of digital data (surficial and deep; Multibeam, SBP, Sparker, etc.) with specific applications in a GIS environment; geological-environmental interpretation and 3D digital cartographic rendering. Specific case studies already completed and in progress.
Geology of the Italian Seas: physiography and morpho-structural structure and main geodynamic units of the Mediterranean; sedimentary and tectonic structure and evolution of the Adriatic foredeep, structure and morpho-tectonics of the Ionian Margin of Calabria and the Northern Margin of the Tyrrhenian Sea; origin, evolution and relationships between morpho-dynamics and seismo-tectonics in the Ligurian Sea.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Marine Geology, James Kennett, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA. Materiali didattici forniti nel corso delle lezioni.

Additional teaching materials provided by the lecturer also in English.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See the detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test.

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

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination commission ascertains and evaluates, through an oral test, the degree of knowledge acquisition and the achievement of training and learning objectives with adequate ownership of a specific language.
The candidate will answer questions on general and specific topics, for which he will be able to explain and discuss extensively, demonstrating his knowledge or arguing particular aspects covered in the course or explored personally.
The questions may also concern the explanation\illustration\discussion of images, diagrams, illustrations on the exam topics and in-depth studies specifically chosen and elaborated by the candidate.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services at the webpage 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.