OVERVIEW

This course focuses on the context, origin and evolution of sedimentary systems in space and time, from the scale of the single lamina to that of the entire basin, with the aim of understanding how sedimentary successions develop, and how these and their contents can be used for a variety of applicative purposes. In this context, the following topics will be addressed:

• physical, chemical and biological processes that control the distribution of sediment, and the filling and preservation of sedimentary basins;
• tectonic processes that influence the structural-stratigraphic framework and the formation environment;
• basin system classification and subdivision schemes and their diagnostic characteristics;
• principles of physical and sequence stratigraphy of siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide specialized knowledge on the analysis of sedimentary facies at different scales for the definition of depositional models and basin filling mechanisms in various tectonic contexts and sedimentary environments. It also aims to deepen the student's knowledge on the basic principles of sequence stratigraphy, on the analysis of fossil and recent sedimentary basins, and interpretation of subsurface data, with particular reference to well data, as well as providing a contextualization regarding the finding, evaluation and sustainable management of georesources.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding

The student will learn to expand and connect basic notions previously acquired with in-depth knowledge of stratigraphy, sedimentology and structural geology in the specific context of the space-time characterization of siliciclastic sediment flow deposits, their use for paleoenvironmental interpretations and their application. The student will have to demonstrate understanding of the issues related to tectonic processes that influence their structural-stratigraphic setting and the formative context, the classification and subdivision schemes of basin systems and their diagnostic characteristics, the physical processes that control their distribution and conservation, and principles of physical and sequential stratigraphy, with particular reference to siliciclastic systems.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

The student will have to be able to compose, organize, represent and interpret geological-stratigraphic datasets at various scales to identify, evaluate and manage the practical implications related to facies and basin analysis. The student must be able to summarize, illustrate and communicate complex concepts of physical stratigraphy from the scale of the single lamina to the basinal one. The student must also demonstrate the ability to manage the results of the geological interpretation of the surface and subsurface in the context of applied aspects such as research in the field of mineral and energy resources, and problems of monitoring and mitigation of geological risk. The student must demonstrate the ability to: combine different datasets to understand the interaction of tectonic-sedimentary processes, integrate the teaching material with bibliographic references, quantify the parameters and the tectono-sedimentary factors, defining their importance in controlling the formation of sedimentary basins. The student must also be able to work individually, with independence and preventive activity, and in small interdisciplinary groups. The student must be able to 1) analyze, understand and correctly communicate complex concepts in terms of physical stratigraphy of clastic sedimentary rocks, and 2) communicate such concepts synthetically and professionally, presenting the results of the work in oral and written form.

PREREQUISITES

Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Structural Geology and Tectonics at Bachelor's level. Knowledge of English language

TEACHING METHODS

The teacher will use lectures integrated with exercises to practically deepen theoretical aspects and deepen applied and specific thematic knowledge. These activities will be implemented using mainly (freeware) calculation software (e.g., LibreOffice), digital drawing (e.g., Inkscape), 3D analysis and visualization (e.g. GeoVis3D, Openplot, GoogleEarth Pro), and GIS data management (e.g., QGis), as well as specific geological applications (e.g. Stereonet, GeoMapApp).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lectures

1. Sedimentary basins (3CFU-24 hours):

The topics covered in this module focus on understanding the physical processes that regulate subsidence - creation of accommodation space for sediments and uplift - erosion: a) classification schemes and main types of sedimentary basins, with interpretation and application of diagnostic characteristics, b) mechanisms of basin formation, including lithospheric flexure, thermal subsidence, isostasy and sedimentary load

2. Sedimentology and physical stratigraphy of siliciclastic systems (3CFU-24 hours):

In this module the main topic concerns the characterization of sedimentary facies at various scales, to define models of depositional facies/systems: a) in-depth study of sedimentology and physical stratigraphy with particular reference to deep-sea siliciclastic systems, b) mechanisms of sedimentary basin filling, c) principles of sequential stratigraphy of siliciclastic and carbonate systems.

To support and complement the lectures, exercises will be implemented that simulate data processing activities on selected case studies, stratigraphic-sedimentological-structural analysis on 3D digital outcrop models and analysis of subsidence curves.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reference texts

Walker R.G. and James N.P. (1992) - Facies models, response to sea level change. Geological Association of Canada, 409 p.

Allen, P.A. & Allen, J.R. (2004), Basin Analysis, Wiley-Blackwell

James N.P. (2010) - Facies Models 4. Geological Association of Canada

Catuneanu, O. (2006), Principles of Sequence Stratigraphy, Elsevier

Additional resources

Relevant literature (chapters, papers) will be provided digitally during the course

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of an oral interview with the candidate on the topics covered in the course and on individual deliverables. In particular, the candidate will present a review of a scientific article selected during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The candidate's assestment will be based on a final oral exam (90%) and class participation (10%).