The course introduces the classic concepts of Marine Geology and focuses on main survey techniques applied in marine areas. Moreover, considering the great geological and environmental interest of the coastal zone and its economic and social importance, the course provides the basic knowledge on this area, dealing also with main problems related to its vulnerability (natural or induced) and protection, as a necessary starting point for its proper management.
The purpose of the course is to provide an overview of the main topics, building a coherent framework of information that can be useful to those who want to develop their professional activity in these fields.

The course will address the following topics.

Introduction. Morphology of the oceans. Continental margins, ocean basins, oceanic ridges and their structure. Data required in marine-geological surveys and equipment needed. Sediment sampling methods. Deep-Sea Drilling. Geophysical exploration of the sea floor. Seismic reflection acquisition systems. Analysis and interpretation of seismic lines. Seismostratigraphy.
Littoral system and Coastal Zone. Coastal processes. Sediments and their classification. Hydrographic regime. Tides, waves and induced currents. Classification of coasts. Coastal cliffs. Coastal depositional systems. Beaches. Beach profiles. Sedimentary balance of the beaches. Coastline changes. Sea level variations. Survey techniques for the coastal environment. Coastal protection. Coastal defence systems: sea walls, breakwaters, groins and their action. Artificial beach nourishments. New and not conventional techniques. Principles of integrated management. Coast vulnerability and coastal risk. Future scenarios.
Didactic field excursions.

Not required.

Knowledge and understanding. The student must demonstrate the knowledge of the topics presented, even in the context of their relations with other disciplines of the Earth Sciences.

Applying knowledge and understanding.The student must be able to correctly use the acquired knowledge, demonstrating the ability to collect and processing geological data concerning both coastal areas and more in general the sea floor. Moreover he must know the application contexts of different works for coastal zone protection.

Making judgements. The student must demonstrate its ability to reason following the logic of the teaching. In particular it must be able to hypothesise operative decisions that are appropriate for different contexts, selecting the most appropriate activities.

Communication skills. The student must show that he is able to describe clearly and with an appropriate language the acquired knowledge. 

Learning skills. The student must demonstrate the ability to develop an individual growth path by integrating the didactic material provided with other specific material also defined on the basis of indications from the teacher.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

No supporting activities are planned.

Teaching

Lectures, applications and practical exercises (classroom), field excursions.

Attendance

No obligations.

Course books

Kennett J.P. (1982) - Marine Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc.
Seibold E. & Berger W.H. (1993) - The Sea Floor. Third Edition. Springer.
AA.VV. (2007) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione costiera. APAT, Roma.
Bird E.C.F. (1996) - Beach management. J. Wiley & Sons.
Pranzini E. (2004) - La forma delle coste - geomorfologia costiera, impatto antropico e difesa dei litorali. Zanichelli.
Sunamura T. (1992) - Geomorphology of rocky coasts. J. Wiley & Sons.
Didactic material provided by the teacher.

Assessment

The assesment of learning consists in an oral exam on at least 3 subjects falling in the course programme. The test used was chosen because it allows to verify adequately the preparation reached by the student. The purpose is to verify the preparation concerning both the theoric concepts illustrated during the lectures and the knowledge of technical aspects related to marine surveys and coastal area protection. The exam involves an evaluation which is expressed as a grade of out of 30.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Non-attending students can contact the teacher for information about the program and clarifications on the exam topics.

Attendance

No obligations.

Course books

Kennett J.P. (1982) - Marine Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc.
Seibold E. & Berger W.H. (1993) - The Sea Floor. Third Edition. Springer.
AA.VV. (2007) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione costiera. APAT, Roma.
Bird E.C.F. (1996) - Beach management. J. Wiley & Sons.
Pranzini E. (2004) - La forma delle coste - geomorfologia costiera, impatto antropico e difesa dei litorali. Zanichelli.
Sunamura T. (1992) - Geomorphology of rocky coasts. J. Wiley & Sons.
Didactic material provided by the teacher.

Assessment

The assesment of learning consists in an oral exam on at least 3 subjects falling in the course programme.
The test used was chosen because it allows to verify adequately the preparation reached by the student. The purpose is to verify the preparation concerning both the theoric concepts illustrated during the lectures and the knowledge of technical aspects related to marine surveys and coastal area protection. The exam involves an evaluation which is expressed as a grade of out of 30.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.