Learning objectives
The course provides basic knowledge of Geology and introduces to the subsequent courses of Stratigraphy, Tectonics and Petrography.
The course teaches the practical analysis and field classification of rocks based on structural, textural and elementary mineralogical attributes.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Origin and interior of the Earth
The main evolutionary stages of the earth
Relative and absolute geochronology, the geological time scale
Interior of the earth: exploration, distribution of elements, crust, mantle and core, geothermal flux, geomagnetic field, paleomagnetism.
Lithospheric plates
The theory of Plate Tectonics
Interplay of lithospheric plates: convergent, divergent and transform margins, seismicity
Evolutionary paths of divergence and convergence: magmatism, metamorphism, tectonics and sedimentation at the scale of lithospheric plates
Geotectonic environments at the scale of lithospheric plates: suites of igneous and metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rock successions.
Depositional environments and sedimentary processes
Environments, processes and continental, transitional and marine deposits
Carbonate and non-carbonate depositional domains
Environments, processes and deposits of carbonate platforms
Structure of tractive, gravitative, and fallout deposits.
Origin and field classification of rocks
The rock cycle, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes
Structure, texture and composition of rocks, detail levels of the macroscopic analysis
Macroscopic recognition of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary terrigenous and chemical rocks.
Principles of stratigraphy
Laminae, beds, sedimentary successions and sequences
Factors controlling transgression and regression
Transgressive, stationary and regressive sequences.
Principles of tectonics
Folding and faulting
Types of folds and basic terminology of fold structures
Types of faults and basic terminology of fault structures.
Full programme
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Bibliography
BOSELLINI A., 1996. Introduzione allo studio delle Rocce Carbonatiche. Italo Bovolenta Editore Ferrara, 317 pp.
CASATI P., 1996. Scienze della Terra: Volume 1 – Elementi di Geologia Generale. Citta Studi Edizioni Milano, 615 pp.
D’ARGENIO B., INNOCENTI F., SASSI F.P., 1994. Introduzione allo Studio delle Rocce. UTET Torino, 162 pp.
MACDOUGALL D.J., 1999. Storia della Terra. Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi – Scienza 22, 312 pp.
PRESS F., SIEVER R., 2001. Capire la Terra (edizione a cura di E. Lupia Palmieri e M. Parotto). Zanichelli Editore Bologna, 648 pp.
Teaching methods
Lectures, class exercises, practical learning in the rocks-lab, two-day field trip.
Assessment methods and criteria
Individual questions during lectures, mid term test on macroscopic classification of rocks, final oral examination.
Other information
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