Concepts of stress, strain, rock mechanics and rheology. Brittle and ductile deformation. Composition of the Earth. Gravimetry, Isostasy, magnetism and paleomagnetism. Seismic activity and earthquakes. Internal structure of the Earth. Continental drift and plate tectonics. Physiography and distribution of current crustal structures: the continental lithosphere and oceanic lithosphere. Regional Geology: Northern Apennines. The main units of the Northern Apennines. The current structure of the Ape
CASATI P. - Scienze della Terra- CLUED
BOSELLINI A., la Tettonica delle Placche e la Geologia, Bovolenta
GUIDE GEOLOGICHE REGIONALI n° 4 e n° 6 - BEMA
KEAREY P., Klepeis K.A. & VINEF.J. Global Tectonics, Wiley –Blackwell, 482 pp.
TREVISAN L. & GIGLIA G. Introduzione alla geologia, Pacini editore, Pisa, 448 pagine
Learning Objectives
The course aims to complete the preparation of geological base of students. Will provide basic knowledge on the deformation of rocks and structural geology and then move on to the theories of evolution and the geodynamics of the Earth generally. The course ends with the fundamentals of regional geology of the Northern Apennines
Prerequisites
Frequency and assimilation of Geology I course
Teaching Methods
The course is based on frontal power point-aided lectures and practical lessons both in classroom and in the field. At the end of the course is usually programmed a three days excursion.
Further information
12 CFU. The studente are strongly recommended to follow the lessons in lab for the construiction of geological cross sections. The presence to the field excursions is also strongly recommended.
Type of Assessment
The course has a preliminar written exam consisting of the construction of a geological cross section. The oral exam, available only after passing the written test, consists of questions on the main arguments of the course, namely the structural geology, the global tectonics and the regional geology of Northern Apennines.
Course program
Elements of structural Geology
Definitions, ellipsoids, measures of stress and strain. Rocks mechanics and rheology. Rocks behavior and stress profiles of lithosphere. Brittle and ductile deformations. Fractures and faults. Folds classifications and morphology. Structural associations in contractional, extensional and transcurrent regimes.
Elements of Geophysics.
Earth origin and Solar system. Earth’s composition. Gravimetry and Isostasis. Earth’s magnetism and paleomagnetism. Heat flow. Seismics and earthquakes.
Internal structure of Earth.
Crust, Mantle and Core.
Global Tectonics
Orogenic theories before Plate Tectonics: fissism and mobilism.
Continental drift and Wegener’s revolution. Plate tectonics: physiography of oceans and continents. Oceanic and continental Lithosphere. Cratons and orogenic belts. Oceanic basins. Plate margins divergent, convergent and transform. Hot spots.
Regional Geology
Apennines orogenic system in the frame of central Mediterranean.
Main tectonic units of the Northern Apennines: internal and external Ligurian Units; Sub ligurian and Epiligurian units.
Tuscan metamorphic and non metamorphic units. Umbro-marchean units.
Neogene –Quaternary basins and element of volcanism.
Po Plain. Structure of the Nortehrn Apennines. Main theories about the development and evolution of the Northern Apenniens