Introduction to Geology and Laboratory

A.Y. 2018/2019
7
Max ECTS
68
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/01 GEO/02 GEO/03 GEO/07
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding Basic knowledge of Earth Sciences and the main processes operating on the surface and within the Earth. Ability to understand the elementary processes that will be deepened and implemented during the following years
Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to translate the skills acquired in the reading and use of topographic and geological maps, and in the basic description of rocks.
Expected learning outcomes
Making judgements: Distinction between acquiring data in Earth Sciences and models-interpretations-theories; Evaluation of macroscopic characters of rocks; Understanding of topographic and simple geological maps.
Communication skills: Ability to describe and explain in writing the knowledge gained during the course both in terms of theory and exercises and in the field.
Learning skills: Ability to advancing knowledge in basic geological studies Ability to advance knowledge and processes in the context of subsequent fundamental geological studies.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO EOLOGY

Building a Planet. The origin of our system of planets. Early Earth and the formation of a layered planet. Earth as a system of interacting components. Earth through geologic time.
The Earth System. Componente. Feedbacks. Equilibrium states. Perturbations and forcings. A quantitative approach.
Earth atmosphere and climate. Structure and composition of the atmosphere. Energy distribution and balance. Atmospheric circulation. Climatic zones. Climate natural variability. Introduction to paleoclimatology
Oceanography. Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the oceans., Oceanic circulation.
Exploring Earth's interior. Exploring the interior with seismic waves. Layering and composition of Earth's interior. Earth's internal heat and temperature. The three-dimentional structure of the mantle. Earth's magnetic field.
Plate tectonics. The discovery of plate tectonics. The mosaic of plates. Rates and history of plate motion. The grand reconstruction. Mantle convection: the engine of plate tectonics.
Rocks: records of geological processes. Principal genetic processes. Igneous rocks. Metamorphic rocks. Sedimentary rocks. The rock cycle.
Geological time scale. Chronology of the Earth system. Relative chronology. Radiometric dating. Absolute chronology. Geochronologic time scales (GPTS and ATS)
Folds, faults and other records of rock deformation. How rocks become deformed. How rocks fracture: joints and faults. How rocks fold.
Earth beneath the oceans. Basic differences in the geology of oceans and continents. Introduction to marine geology.
Biogeochemical cycles. Reservoirs, fluxes and feedbacks. Long-term and short-term cycles. The carbon cycle: reservoirs and fluxes
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY
GEO/03 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Shifts:
I Turno
Professor: Zanoni Davide
II Turno
Professor: Zanoni Davide
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 12.30 - 13.30
Via Botticelli 23, Milano
Reception:
Ask for an appointment via email
Via Mangiagalli 34, 3rd floor