GEOLOGIA

The course aims to acquire the fundamental principles of Geology, with particular reference to the description of rock sequences and their time-space correlation. In summary:

1. to acquire the elements to define the original environmental conditions;
2. to describe and classify the depositional sequences on the basis of the main stratigraphic units;
3. to know the main dating methods of a rocky succession;;
4. to perform a topographical profile.

Lessons take place mainly in the classroom with the help of slides in .ppt or .pdf format. Exercises on topographic and geological maps will be carried out.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Part 1: - Definition and goals. The sedimentary process. Composition and texture of terrigenous rocks. Sedimentary transport: selective and massive processes.

Part 2: The stratigraphic record. Stratigraphic principles. Principle of superposition and exceptions. Polarity of the layers. Principle of horizontality of layers and exceptions. Principle of lateral continuity and exceptions. Elements of tectonics. Faults and folds. Relationship between the lay of the layers and the morphology of the slopes. Realization of a topographical profile. Lithostratigraphic and lithological unit. Continuous and discontinuous sequences. Concept of Stratigraphic hiatus. The stratigraphic limit: vertical and horizontal. Elements of geomorphology.

Part 3: Transgression and Regression. Relative variations in sea level. Discordances: definition and types. Elements of sequence stratigraphy.

Part 4: Biostratigraphic Unit. The guide fossils and the biostratigraphic correlation. Radiometric dating. Radioactive Decay and half-life. Geological time scale. Chronological Units and Chronostratigraphy. Relations between Chronostratigraphic Units and the other Units.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.