OVERVIEW

Marine Geomorphology studies the forms that characterise the seabed. In general, it aims to describe and understand the main processes that characterise the marine physical environment. In this module, attention will be primarily focused on bio-geomorphological aspects, specifically on the interactions between the physical environment and marine biocenoses.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide a basic understanding of geomorphological and hydrodynamic aspects of the marine environment, as well as the tools to comprehend how abiotic factors influence biocenoses.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide a basic understanding of geomorphological and hydrodynamic aspects of the marine environment, as well as the tools necessary to evaluate the effects of abiotic factors on marine biocenoses.

At the end of the module the student will be able to:

•understand the physical mechanisms that govern the marine environment;

•distinguish the natural causes that condition biocenoses from those induced by human action;

•correctly evaluate the environmental impact on biocenoses.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The module consists of lectures, exercises and field activities. Attendance at classes is strongly recommended, while attendance at practical and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%.  Classroom lessons are delivered through multimedia presentations. The exercises on wave mathematical modelling are aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lessons. The exercises will take place in the classroom.

Field activities will be carried out along the Ligurian coast.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Seabed morphology: active and passive continental margins, abyssal plains, oceanic ridges. Wave propagation and marine currents. Marine habitats: Carbonate factory, delta, tidal flat, lagoon, rocky coasts, litoral system.

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.

N.C. Smoot, D.R. Choi, M.I. Bhat: Marine Geomorphology. Publisher, Xlibris Corporation.

D. Roelvink & A. Reniers: A guide to modelling coastal morphology. Advances Series on Ocean Enginnering – Vol. 12; World Scientific ed.

E. Pranzini (2004) - La forma delle coste. Zanichelli. Enginnering – Vol. 18; World Scientific ed.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test of five questions on topics covered during the lessons.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

The test will focus mainly on the topics covered during lessons, exercises and field activities.

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 coastal system.

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.