Learning objectives
Students will understand how rock forms in the framework of the lithosphere-hydrosphere-atmosphere interactions and will become able to classify them at the mesoscopic scale. Students will acquire a background on the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, on how they are quarried, and on the laws governing rock evaluation and quality certification. In this way, students will get the proper skills for a correct use of building stones in their activity. Students will also learn how to classify landscape types and what factors drive their evolution. This will allow them to acquire the geological feeling necessary for the harmonic insertion of human settlements in the landscape.
Prerequisites
- - -
Course unit content
Outline of the interior of the Earth and of plate tectonics. Rocks as products of the interaction between inner (mantle convection and deformation of the lithosphere) and outer Earth dynamics (surface processes: hydrosphere and atmosphere). Intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. Sediments, diagenesis and sedimentary rocks: clastic, organogenic and chemical rocks. Genetic environments of sedimentary rocks. Physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Ductile and brittle deformation: fractures, faults, thrusts and folds. Rock masses: Beniawsky classification. Quarrying techniques. Marbles of the Alpi Apuane: main commercial varieties. Rules to certify the quality of natural stones. Soils: grain size, physical properties, uses in building. The water cycle, rivers, glaciers, seas. Geomorphology: rock types, landslides, climate and landscape. Vocanoes and earthquakes. Human impact on resources, energy and environment.
During the couse we will visit Parma downtown to look what kind of rocks were used, how and where. We will also visit the rock collection available at the Earth Sciences Department. Finally, we will discuss on reports provided by the students on the rocks that are used in their house and neighbourings.
Full programme
Outline of the interior of the Earth and of plate tectonics. Rocks as products of the interaction between inner (mantle convection and deformation of the lithosphere) and outer Earth dynamics (surface processes: hydrosphere and atmosphere). Intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. Sediments, diagenesis and sedimentary rocks: clastic, organogenic and chemical rocks. Genetic environments of sedimentary rocks. Physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Ductile and brittle deformation: fractures, faults, thrusts and folds. Rock masses: Beniawsky classification. Quarrying techniques. Marbles of the Alpi Apuane: main commercial varieties. Rules to certify the quality of natural stones. Soils: grain size, physical properties, uses in building. The water cycle, rivers, glaciers, seas. Geomorphology: rock types, landslides, climate and landscape. Vocanoes and earthquakes. Human impact on resources, energy and environment. Description and use of topographic and geological maps.
During the couse we will visit Parma downtown to look what kind of rocks were used, how and where. We will also visit the rock collection available at the Earth Sciences Department. Finally, we will discuss on reports provided by the students on the rocks that are used in their house and neighbourings.
Bibliography
Alberto Clerici - Francesco Sfratato, LA GEOLOGIA NELLA PRATICA EDILIZIA, 2010, Dario Flaccovio Editore
Teaching methods
Class lessons, visit to downtown Parma, discussion of short presentations produced by students
Assessment methods and criteria
Discussion of presentatins produced by students and oral exams
Other information
- - -
