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.
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 relevant part of the course is dedicated to Italian volcanoes (Etna, Aeolian Islands, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Phlegrean Fields, Roman Comagmatic Province, Vulture and permo-triassic volcanism of Trentino Alto-Adige) and to the geochemical assessment of volcanic risk. A field trip is planned every year.
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.
Basic knowledge of geochemistry, geology, mineralogy and petrology is required.
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.
The program of the course includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
The slides used during lessons and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons/laboratory exercises.
Recommended textbooks are:
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.
Ricevimento: Students may contact the professor by e-mail.
https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/9022/students-timetable
VOLCANOLOGY AND VOLCANIC RISK
Oral exam (see 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.
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.
Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.
