The course provides the fundamentals for the realization of geological maps, the construction of geological cross-sections and the compilation of reports and explanatory notes. The course is developed taking into account the main basic techniques of geological mapping, and also provides the basic tools for geological maps reading and interpretation. The acquired knowledge are necessary elements for the cultural background of the graduate in Geological Sciences.

First semester

Introduction - Aim of Geological Mapping - The Geological map.

Basic elements of stratigraphy: Criteria for the subdivision of the geological column - Stratigraphic units - Unconformities - Geological boundaries - Determination of the stratigraphic way-up of beds.

Geological structures: Folds and faults and their representation and recognition in geological maps - Fault displacement - Kinematic indicators - Thrust faults - Fault-related folds - Folding with cleavage - Bedding-cleavage relationships - Tectonic systems and tectonic styles - Synsedimentary tectonics.

Field data measurements: Use of the geological compass - Orientation and measurement of planar surfaces and linear elements.

Exercises and practical applications (classroom activities and geological field excursions).

Second semester

Geometry and reconstruction of geological bodies: Relationships between geological surfaces and the topographic surface - Apparent thickness and true thickness - Representation of geological surfaces by means of contour lines (structure contours) - Determination of attitude and traces of geological surfaces on maps using structure contours - Three-point problem - Reconstruction of the intersection line between planar surfaces - Stereographic projections - Main geological mapping techniques - Representation of field data on maps - Elements of stratimetry - Stratigraphic sections - Geological maps reading and interpretation - Relative dating of stratigraphic and tectonic events - Geological cross sections.

Recognition in the field of the units of the Umbria-Marche-Romagna Succession.

Exercises and practical applications (classroom activities and geological field excursions), and geological field mapping at the end of the course.

Paleontology and Petrography are required as preliminary teaching. Moreover, students are advised to follow the teaching after passing the Geology I and Geology II exams.

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

Applying knowledge and understanding. The student must be able to correctly use the acquired knowledge, demonstrating the ability to collect and process geological field data, and to read geological maps.

Making judgements. The student must demonstrate its ability to reason following the logic of teaching, and according to its contents. In particular he must be able to plan a geological mapping activity and to realize a geological map. Moreover he must have the ability to deduce useful information from geological maps at different scales.

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 materials defined also 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

Exercises and practical applications (classroom activities and geological field excursions), and geological field mapping at the end of the course, organized and carried out by the teacher.

Teaching

Classroom lectures, exercises and practical applications (classroom activities and geological field excursions), and geological field mapping at the end of the course with the realization of a geological map and the related explanatory report.

Innovative teaching methods

Face-to-face lectures are integrated through both individual and group exercises and practical applications (classroom activities and geological field excursions)

Attendance

To attend at least 2/3 of exercises, including participation to the geological field mapping carried out at the end of the course. Realization of the geological map and of the explanatory report resulting from the geological mapping.

Course books

AA.VV., 2003 - Guida italiana alla classificazione e alla terminologia stratigrafica. Quaderni serie III, Volume 9, APAT Roma (In particular, Chapters 2, 5, 6, 8, 9).                             

BUTLER B.C.M. & BELL J.D., 1991 - Lettura e interpretazione delle carte geologiche. Zanichelli Ed., Bologna (Possible further reading).                                                                  

CREMONINI G., 1994 - Rilevamento Geologico. Pitagora Editrice Bologna (Entire book).                                                                                                                             

LISLE R.J., 1988 - Geological structures and maps - A practical guide. Pergamon Press, Oxford (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7).

MARSHAK S. & MITRA G., 1988 - Basic methods of Structural Geology. Prentice Hall (Chapter 1, 5 and Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.5, 11.3-pages 226-232).

VENTURINI C., 2012 - Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche. Dario Flaccovio Ed. (Entire book).

Didactic material provided by the teacher.

Assessment

The assesment of learning is based on the realization by the students of an original geological report of the area concerned by the geological field survey carried out at the end of the course (including an original detailed geological map), the realization of a geological cross-section and an oral examination concerning at least 3 subjects falling in the course program or concerning to the documents delivered by the student (geological map etc.).

The tests used were chosen because they represent the best way to verify the preparation reached by the student. The purpose is to evaluate the preparation concerning the theoric concepts presented during lectures and the knowledge of technical aspects of the geological mapping. The oral test involves an evaluation, which is expressed as a grade of out of 30 determined taking into account also the different geological documents realized. 

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

To attend at least 2/3 of exercises, including participation to the geological field mapping carried out at the end of the course. Realization of the geological map and of the explanatory report resulting from the geological mapping.

Course books

AA.VV., 2003 - Guida italiana alla classificazione e alla terminologia stratigrafica. Quaderni serie III, Volume 9, APAT Roma (In particular, Chapters 2, 5, 6, 8, 9).                             

BUTLER B.C.M. & BELL J.D., 1991 - Lettura e interpretazione delle carte geologiche. Zanichelli Ed., Bologna (Possible further reading).                                                                  

CREMONINI G., 1994 - Rilevamento Geologico. Pitagora Editrice Bologna (Entire book).                                                                                                                             

LISLE R.J., 1988 - Geological structures and maps - A practical guide. Pergamon Press, Oxford (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7).

MARSHAK S. & MITRA G., 1988 - Basic methods of Structural Geology. Prentice Hall (Chapters 1, 5 and Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 8.5, 11.3-pages 226-232).

VENTURINI C., 2012 - Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche. Dario Flaccovio Ed. (Entire book).

Didactic material provided by the teacher.

Assessment

The assesment of learning is based on the realization by the students of an original geological report of the area concerned by the geological field survey carried out at the end of the course (including an original detailed geological map), the realization of a geological cross-section and an oral examination concerning at least 3 subjects falling in the course programme or concerning to the documents delivered by the student (geological map etc.).

The tests used were chosen because they represent the best way to verify the preparation reached by the student. The purpose is to evaluate the preparation concerning the theoric concepts presented during lectures and the knowledge of technical aspects of the geological mapping. The oral test involves an evaluation, which is expressed as a grade of out of 30 determined taking into account also the different geological documents realized. 

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.