Geomorphology and Laboratory
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
To give the basic information and scientific tools to identify and interpret landforms and to reconstruct the time and steps of surface processes triggering present-day landscapes. To teach how to identify and describe landforms in the field and onto topographic maps.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire competency in the filed of Physical Geography and Geomorphology. They will learn how to identify and describe landforms and to interpret their formation processes forming linear and complex systems.
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
Introduction: definition of Geomorphology and its relationship with Physical Geography; geomorphological processes.
Basic concepts: climate, erosion, transport, sedimentation, pedogenesis, biostasy, rhesistasy. Endogenous and exogenous processes.
Endogenous processes: morphotectonic
Structural landforms: tabular and monoclinal reliefs, bends and faults.
Weathering of rock (and soils): mechanical, chemical, physical and biologic processes; factors and processes of pedogenesis.
Slope processes: types of landslide; DSGSD
Fluvial processes: fluvial landforms and deposits; fans, alluvial plains; hydrographic net.
Glacial and periglacial (and paraglacial) landforms and deposits.
Karst processes: surface and underground karst processes, forms, and deposits.
Weathering of crystalline rocks.
Volcanic landforms.
Coastlines and coastal landforms.
Wind-related landforms and deposits and the desert environments.
Few considerations on Quaternary climate changes and their effects of landforms and deposits. Dating Quaternary landforms and deposits.
Practical: basic concepts on cartography (shape of Earth, projections, scale); interpretation of landforms on IGM and CTR topographic maps.
Basic concepts: climate, erosion, transport, sedimentation, pedogenesis, biostasy, rhesistasy. Endogenous and exogenous processes.
Endogenous processes: morphotectonic
Structural landforms: tabular and monoclinal reliefs, bends and faults.
Weathering of rock (and soils): mechanical, chemical, physical and biologic processes; factors and processes of pedogenesis.
Slope processes: types of landslide; DSGSD
Fluvial processes: fluvial landforms and deposits; fans, alluvial plains; hydrographic net.
Glacial and periglacial (and paraglacial) landforms and deposits.
Karst processes: surface and underground karst processes, forms, and deposits.
Weathering of crystalline rocks.
Volcanic landforms.
Coastlines and coastal landforms.
Wind-related landforms and deposits and the desert environments.
Few considerations on Quaternary climate changes and their effects of landforms and deposits. Dating Quaternary landforms and deposits.
Practical: basic concepts on cartography (shape of Earth, projections, scale); interpretation of landforms on IGM and CTR topographic maps.
Prerequisites for admission
Basics acquired in the first semester
Teaching methods
Lessons and practical on topographic maps
Teaching Resources
Slides distributed during the class and online available at Ariel. Suggested book: Dramis-Ollier, Genesi ed evoluzione del rilievo terrestre. Pitagora Editrice.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 10
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor
Reception:
Mon-Fri, 9-11.
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra "Ardito Desio", Via L. Mangiagalli 34, 20133 Milano