1010986 - ELEMENTI DI SCIENZE DELLA TERRA
Expected Learning Outcomes
Provide general knowledge on the structure and dynamics of Planet Earth and on the control factors of tectonic and geographical domains on a global scale;
Develop basic skills for the interpretation of regional geological, geodynamic and morphological characteristics and their connection with the endogenous dynamics of Planet Earth;
Develop autonomous ability to recognize the effects of processes that have been active in a specific region and their role on environmental balances and their variations over time.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Introduction to the Earth system Planet Earth and its fundamental characteristics: geodesy and reference systems
The interior of the earth
Heat and magnetism
Dynamics of the lithosphere and plate tectonics; divergent and convergent margins, ocean floor spreading.
Subduction zones, collision zones and mountain ranges.
Plate tectonics and magmatism.
Volcanism: types of volcano; the different types of volcanic activity and effects on the environment: examples of Italian volcanoes. Etna and its landscape
Rocks and lithogenetic cycle
Sedimentary rocks: nature and origin
Rock deformation: extensional, compressive and strike-slip tectonic structures
Plate tectonics and the rock cycle.
Earthquakes and faults; meaning of intensity and magnitude and relationships with movements along faults. Examples of historical earthquakes and their impact on the environment
Orogeny: geological evolution of Italy and Sicily
Notes on exogenous dynamics: hydrosphere and processes of modeling of the earth's surface by gravity
Climatic variations
Textbook Information
1. J. P. GROTZINGER, T. H. JORDAN - Understanding the Earth. Third Italian edition based on the seventh American edition. Edited by Elvidio Lupia Palmieri, Maurizio Parotto. Ed. Zanichelli.
2. Lupia Palmieri & Maurizio Parotto "The Terrestrial Globe and its evolution" Ed. Zanichelli
Alfonso Bosellini "The Sciences of the Earth and the universe around us" Italo Bovolenta publisher
* The teaching material illustrated during the lessons is made available on the studium platform on the page dedicated to teaching.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. J. P. GROTZINGER, T. H. JORDAN - Understanding the Earth. Third Italian edition based on the seventh American edition. Edited by Elvidio Lupia Palmieri, Maurizio Parotto. Ed. Zanichelli.2. Lupia Palmieri & Maurizio Parotto "The Terrestrial Globe and its evolution" Ed. ZanichelliAlfonso Bosellini "The Sciences of the Earth and the universe around us" Italo Bovolenta publisher* The teaching material illustrated during the lessons is made available on the studium platform on the page dedicated to teaching. |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral interview, with the aid of geographical maps, ocean floor maps, Google Earth, illustrative material and exercises available on the studium platform. The test also includes the verification of the ability to read a topographic map.
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.
It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact professor of our Department, prof. George De Guidi.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Examples of frequently asked questions and/or exercises
The exam is generally divided into:
a question about endogenous geological processes (plate tectonics, seismicity or volcanism)
a question about exogenous processes (climate, weathering and pedogenesis, climatic variations)
Versione in italiano