The Earth system and its dynamics over time; Llithogenetic processes: igneous , metamorphic and sedimentary rocks . The rocks over time : basic principles of stratigraphy ; The rocks in space : geological structures and reading geological maps
Frank Press, Raymond Siever, John Grotzinger, Thomas H Jordan, CAPIRE LA TERRA seconda edizione italiana, Zanichelli
Learning Objectives
The course is introductory and aims to address the topics of the magistral degree providing the basic knowledge on the rocks and their genesis, stratigraphy and the fundamentals of the historical geology, geological structures and maps.
The student describes and discusses the genesis of the rocks, knows of the main geological events of the evolution of the Earth and their chronology, reads and interprets the geological maps, knows the fundamentals of the natural environments and the mechanisms of the sedimentation.
Skills acquired at the end of the course: the students will be capable to collect and describe rocky samples in the field , to reconstruct the structural and stratigraphical scheme and the rock-forming mechanisms of the sequences observed in the field or mapped in a geological map.
Prerequisites
Courses recommended: Physical Geography
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons: 72 h.
Laboratori: 36 h.
There will be two/three field excursions
Further information
PowerPoint slides will be available for the students
Type of Assessment
During the course the students must complete four exercises; their evaluation will considered before the final oral examination.
Course program
The Earth System in a geological perspective. Composition and internal structure of the Earth. The rocks and their genesis (rock cycle,: weathering, transportation and deposition of sediments; diagenesis). Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks: mineral composition, classification and processes. Geologic structures: joints, faults and folds. Introductory notes of Historical Geology. Principles of Stratigraphy and the Geologic Time Scale. Earth's resources.