Learning objectives
The Geology course is aimed to provide the student with an integrated and dynamic view of the Earth and of its evolution. The final goal of the course is providing an updated framework of the scientific knowledges and of the methodologies necessary for the correct comprehension of natural systems and of the factors controlling their evolution and change through the time. The course deals with basic geology arguments and with the mechanisms controlling environmental change, and particularly the global climate change.
Frontal lessons are integrated with seminars of specific arguments, field excursions and exercises.
Expected results:
rock classification, geological reading of natural landscapes, reading and interpretation of geological maps, knowledge of the interactions between physical and biological systems on Earth
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
- Time and environmental change: a geological perspective
- The Earth as a self-regulated system: the Gaia hypothesis
- Rocks and geological processes
- Elements of mineralogy
- Rock classification: igneous and metamorphic rocks; sedimentary rocks and surface processes
- Principles of stratigraphy
- Meaning and importance of sedimentary successions
- Rock dating techniques
- Origin and meaning of sedimentary cyclicity
- The structure and processes of the Earth's interior
- Rock deformation
- Plate tectonics and geodynamics
- The geological evolution of the Alps and the Apennines
Practical exercises (some of them carried out in the field) concern rock classification, geological map reading and elements of cartographic representation
Full programme
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Bibliography
Libro di Testo:
Press F., Siever R., Gotzinger J., Jordan T.H. – Capire la Terra - Zanichelli, Bologna
Altri testi consigliati
Ricci Lucchi F. – La Scienza di Gaia – ambienti e sistemi naturali visti da un geologo – Zanichelli, Bologna
Bosellini A., Mutti E. e Ricci Lucchi F. – Rocce e Successioni sedimentarie – UTET, Torino (fuori produzione, disponibile in visione presso la biblioteca del Dip. di Scienze della Terra)
Bosellini A. - Storia geologica d'Italia Gli ultimi 200 milioni di anni - Zanichelli, Bologna
Lovelock J. – Gaia, nuove idee sull’ecologia – Bollati Boringhieri
Lovelock J. – Le nuove eta’ di Gaia – Bollati Boringhieri Altre letture
Ricci Lucchi F. – I ritmi del mare – La Nuova Italia Scientifica, Roma
A.A.V.V – La Vena del Gesso – Regione Emilia-Romagna, Collana naturalistica
Ricci Lucchi F. – Sedimentografia – Zanichelli, Bologna
Hallam A. – Le grandi dispute della Geologia – Zanichelli, Bologna
Teaching methods
frontal lessons, class exercises and field work
Assessment methods and criteria
intermediate test (optional), oral examination
Other information
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