The course provides basic knowledge in a broad spectrum of geological topics: tectonics, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. It also provides the basic tools for the recognition and description of the main geological structures and stratigraphic units in the field.

- The internal structure of Planet Earth (thermal, compositional, rheological zoning).

- Plate tectonics: lithospheric plates, margins, plate dynamics.

- Elements of Geodynamics: oceanic ridges, subduction areas, suture areas, orogenic areas; brief notes on the orogenetic system; introduction to the different types of orogens.

- Deformations: concept of force and pressure. Stress and deformation. Types of deformations. Elastic and plastic behavior, influence of temperature and pressure. Ductile deformations: classification and geometric elements of folds. Brittle deformations: faults and fractures. Classification and geometric elements of faults; Kinematic indicators. Associations of faults.

- Classification and description of geodynamic environments.

- The rock cycle: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

- Sedimentary geology. Facies concept, stratigraphy principle, Walter's rule.

- Sedimentary environments and classification of sediments: chemical, terrigenous and biogenic. Sedimentation processes and sedimentary structures, polarity indicators; stratigraphic continuity and discontinuity: stratigraphic gaps and discrepancies. Depositional environments: main depositional environments, processes, and characteristic sediments. Interpretation from the geological record. Representation of stratigraphic data: stratigraphic series, lithostratigraphic schemes and chronostratigraphic schemes Stratigraphic correlations with exercises, construction of chrono and lithostratigraphic schemes.

The course includes a daily exercise in the field dedicated to the survey of a detailed stratigraphic section.

It also includes educational excursions in the field aimed at verifying and consolidating the knowledge acquired during the lectures and laboratory.

Participation in training activities by attending lectures, classroom exercises and activities on the ground will allow the student to acquire general knowledge of Geodynamics, Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy, as a preparatory basis for continuing the course of study.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

· Describe the internal structure of the earth Understand the theory of plate tectonics

- Describe and interpret the main deformation elements (folds and faults)

· Describe the main elements of sedimentary geology

· Describe the main elements of stratigraphic geology

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

Teaching

The teaching consists of lectures and exercises in the classroom and in the field. Attendance to all the planned activities is strongly recommended.

    Lectures in the classroom are taught through multimedia presentations, made available through the University's moodle platform. Student-centered exercises are aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lectures.

    The exercises in the field take place on the regional territory and are aimed at recognizing the rocks, the main types of geological structures, and the stratigraphic organization of the outcropping units.

Attendance

No mandatory attendance

Course books

Capire la Terra. John P. Grotzinger,Thomas Jordan; Zanichelli - ISBN: 9788808821232

Bosellini, Mutti & Ricci Lucchi - Rocce e successioni sedimentarie - UTET Torino

Assessment

The expected learning outcomes will be evaluated through a written test with nine open questions and the aid of graphics and figures for the execution of a simple geological section, which will be followed by an oral test. This examination method has been chosen to adequately verify the student's preparation.

    The evaluation will be based on the level of mastery of the knowledge acquired, the degree of articulation of the response, the level of mastery in the knowledge of the different research methodologies, assigning a final score according to the following criteria:

    • <18: insufficient level of competence

    • 18-20: sufficient skill level

    • 21-23: satisfactory level of competence

    • 24-26: good level of competence

    • 27-29: very good level of competence

    • 30-30 cum laude: excellent level of competence

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.