Applied Geomorphology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The main objectives of the course are: 1) to give the fundamentals for recognizing landforms and related geomorphological processes; 2) to analyze geomorphological hazard and risk associated to surface and endogenous processes; 3) to analyze the relationship between geological-geomorphological processes natural resources and environmental impacts; 4) to analyze geomorphological applications in different morphoclimatic environments, using the appropriate investigation techniques.
Expected learning outcomes
The students through the acquired knowledge will be able to 1) recognize hazardous processes related to geomorphological landforms and the vulnerability of the territory; 2) assess the contribution of geomorphology in the resource management; 3) read hazard and risk maps; 4) collect information and critically analyze the environmental conditions where geomorphological hazard can take place.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course deals with the applications of Physical Geography and Geomorphology to environmental problems. Geomorphological hazard and risk related to superficial and endogenous processes will be analyzed. The Relationship between geomorphology and resources will be illustrated.
Topics:
Geological and geomorphological hazard and risk: environmental hazard, vulnerability, of impact and risk. Land-use planning, cartography.
Hazard/risk and superficial processes (weathering processes, running water, soil erosion).
Landslide hazard and risk: mass movements and landslides; landslide causes; slopes stability, intervention of prevention, monitoring activities, defense actions; Slope instability and landslide in Italy.
Hydrogeological and fluvial hazard and risk: flood risk; flood return time, urbanization effects, statistic prediction and zonation, monitoring, mitigation actions and defense actions.
Coastal environment hazard and risk: geomorphological processes and coastal dynamic, coastal erosion, defense actions.
Atmospheric hazard and its influence on geomorphological processes. Drought hazard and risk
Karstic hazard and risk: geologic and hydrogeological problems.
Morphological indicators of subsidence; subsidence: natural and anthropic causes.
Hazard and risk in glacial and periglacial environments. Processes and events, prevision and prediction, prevention and defense actions. Avalanches hazard, classification, causes and defense actions.
Hazard and risk in arid and desert environments: aeolian dynamic, mitigation actions, desertification.
The contribution of geomorphology to volcanic and seismic hazard and risk; morphoneotectonic.
Geomorphological hazard and risk related to tourism.
Geomorphological hazard assessment and thematic maps.
Geomorphology and natural resources (water, soil etc.): impact of natural and anthropic processes.
Anthropic activities and consequences on geomorphological processes. Geomorphological landscapes as a resource.
Hazard and risk maps; hazard on touristic paths and trails.
Dendrogeomorpholgical reconstruction of hazardous processes.
Topics:
Geological and geomorphological hazard and risk: environmental hazard, vulnerability, of impact and risk. Land-use planning, cartography.
Hazard/risk and superficial processes (weathering processes, running water, soil erosion).
Landslide hazard and risk: mass movements and landslides; landslide causes; slopes stability, intervention of prevention, monitoring activities, defense actions; Slope instability and landslide in Italy.
Hydrogeological and fluvial hazard and risk: flood risk; flood return time, urbanization effects, statistic prediction and zonation, monitoring, mitigation actions and defense actions.
Coastal environment hazard and risk: geomorphological processes and coastal dynamic, coastal erosion, defense actions.
Atmospheric hazard and its influence on geomorphological processes. Drought hazard and risk
Karstic hazard and risk: geologic and hydrogeological problems.
Morphological indicators of subsidence; subsidence: natural and anthropic causes.
Hazard and risk in glacial and periglacial environments. Processes and events, prevision and prediction, prevention and defense actions. Avalanches hazard, classification, causes and defense actions.
Hazard and risk in arid and desert environments: aeolian dynamic, mitigation actions, desertification.
The contribution of geomorphology to volcanic and seismic hazard and risk; morphoneotectonic.
Geomorphological hazard and risk related to tourism.
Geomorphological hazard assessment and thematic maps.
Geomorphology and natural resources (water, soil etc.): impact of natural and anthropic processes.
Anthropic activities and consequences on geomorphological processes. Geomorphological landscapes as a resource.
Hazard and risk maps; hazard on touristic paths and trails.
Dendrogeomorpholgical reconstruction of hazardous processes.
Prerequisites for admission
Key concepts of Physical Geography
Teaching methods
Lessons and activities on study cases
Teaching Resources
Personal notes and scientific articles indicated in class
Suggested texts:
Panizza M., Manuale di geomorfologia applicata, Franco Angeli
Fred G. Bell, Geologia ambientale Teoria e pratica, Zanichelli
for geomorphology:
Panizza Mario, Geomorfologia quarta edizione, Pitagora Ed. Bologna
(Advanced textbooks):
Pranzini Enzo La forma delle coste Zanichelli (cap. 5-13)
Marchetti Mauro, geomorfologia fluviale Pitagora Ed. Bologna(cap. 9-12)
Suggested texts:
Panizza M., Manuale di geomorfologia applicata, Franco Angeli
Fred G. Bell, Geologia ambientale Teoria e pratica, Zanichelli
for geomorphology:
Panizza Mario, Geomorfologia quarta edizione, Pitagora Ed. Bologna
(Advanced textbooks):
Pranzini Enzo La forma delle coste Zanichelli (cap. 5-13)
Marchetti Mauro, geomorfologia fluviale Pitagora Ed. Bologna(cap. 9-12)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test focusing on the proposed contents and topics.
The knowledge of the contents and the ability to interpret geomorphological and applied geomorphological maps will be evaluated.
The knowledge of the contents and the ability to interpret geomorphological and applied geomorphological maps will be evaluated.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Bollati Irene Maria, Pelfini Manuela
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment arranged through e-mail
Room 54 or 59, First Floor