The course deals about classical topics of Marine Geology, also presenting the main techniques for geological investigation at sea. Geomorphological, geological, and sedimentary features of submarine areas are presented, considered in the broader evolutionary context of oceanic basins and continental margins. Moreover, the course provides the basic knowledge on the coastal zone, because of the high geological and environmental interest of this area, and its economic and social importance. In particular, the main problems related to coastal vulnerability (natural or induced) and protection are presented, as a necessary starting point for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The aim of the course is to provide an appropriate cultural basis, building a coherent framework of information that can be useful to those who want to direct their activity to these subjects.

1.Introduction. Aim and brief history of Marine Geology. Morphology of the oceans and of the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Continental margins. Active and passive margins. Structure and evolution of continental margins. Continental shelf and oceanic platform. Terrigenous and carbonate sedimentation. Continental slope and continental rise. Slope processes. Canyons and submarine fans. Marginal trenches.

3. Ocean Basins and Oceanic Ridges. Structure and classification of the Oceanic Ridges. Abyssal Plains. Seamounts and Abyssal hills. Aseismic Ridges and Oceanic Plateaus. Deep sea sediments.

4. Data to be obtained through surveys at sea and equipment needed. Marine sediment sampling methods. Deep-Sea Drilling. Geophysical exploration of the sea floor. Seismic reflection acquisition systems. Analysis and interpretation of seismic lines. Seismostratigraphy and principles of sequence stratigraphy.

5. Littoral system and Coastal Zone. Definition. Hydrographic regime. Tides, waves and induced currents. Rocky coasts and sea cliffs. Coastal depositional systems. Beaches. Beach profiles. Beach sediments. Sediment grain-size. Coastal sediment balance. Coastline changes. Sea level variations. Survey methods for the coastal environment. Coastal protection. Principles for integrated Coastal Zone Management. Coast vulnerability and coastal risk. Future scenarios.

6. Practical applications (classromm and laboratory activities), and field excursions in the Marche coastal zone.

Not required.

Knowledge and understanding. The student must demonstrate the knowledge of the topics presented, also 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 plan data acquisition concerning the seabed, marine subsurface, and coastal areas. Moreover he  must know basic criteria for geological interpretation of collected data. Students 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 hypothesize appropriate operative decisions for different survey contexts, planning the most suitable 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 cultural 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

Practical applications (classromm and laboratory), and field excursions organized and carried out by the teacher.

Teaching

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

Innovative teaching methods

Face-to-face lectures are integrated through both individual and group practical applications (classroom and laboratory activities).

Attendance

No obligations.

Course books

AA.VV. (2007) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione costiera. APAT, Roma (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4).

Bird E.C.F. (1996) - Beach management. J. Wiley & Sons (Chapters 1, 2, 3).

Kennett J.P. (1982) - Marine Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc. (Chapters 1, 2-pages 23-47, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14).

Pranzini E. (2004) - La forma delle coste - geomorfologia costiera, impatto antropico e difesa dei litorali. Zanichelli (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13).

Ricci Lucchi F. (1992) – I ritmi del mare. La nuova Italia Scientifica (Chapters 5, 6).

Seibold E. & Berger W.H. (1993) - The Sea Floor. Springer (Possible further reading).

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 evaluate the preparation concerning both theoretical and practical concepts, and technical aspects illustrated during the course. 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

AA.VV. (2007) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione costiera. APAT, Roma (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4).

Bird E.C.F. (1996) - Beach management. J. Wiley & Sons (Chapters 1, 2, 3).

Kennett J.P. (1982) - Marine Geology. Prentice-Hall Inc. (Chapters 1, 2-pages 23-47, 3, 11, 12, 13, 14).

Pranzini E. (2004) - La forma delle coste - geomorfologia costiera, impatto antropico e difesa dei litorali. Zanichelli (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13).

Ricci Lucchi F. (1992) – I ritmi del mare. La nuova Italia Scientifica (Chapters 5, 6).

Seibold E. & Berger W.H. (1993) - The Sea Floor. Springer (Possible further reading).

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 evaluate the preparation concerning both theoretical and practical concepts, and technical aspects illustrated during the course. 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.