Basement Geology and Laboratory
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide: i) tools (comprehension of meso- and mega-scale geometries; individuation of a sampling strategy; microstructural analysis) for the reconstruction of the structural-metamorphic and / or structural-magmatic evolution of crystalline basement rocks; ii) the theoretical basis necessary for the microstructural analysis of crustal and mantle rocks, polymetamorphic and polydeformed, and of igneous rocks with particular regard to mafic and ultramafic systems. The practical works are devoted to the observation, at the optical microscope, of the microstructures of polydeformed metamorphic tectonites of various compositions, for the interpretation of the structural, magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the oceanic and continental lithosphere.
Expected learning outcomes
Understanding of active deformation mechanisms and correlation to the main flow laws; interpretation of the microstructural evolution of polydeformed mantle and crust rocks of metamorphic terrains; the integration of structural data acquired at various scales for the reconstruction of the tectono-metamorphic evolution. The acquisition of these notions is fundamental to investigate the evolution of chemical composition of mineral phases as a function of different microstructural sites.
Lesson period: First 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
Insegnamento erogato ad anni alterni, non erogato nell' aa 2021-22
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of general geology, structural geology, mineralogy and petrography is required as a prerequisite.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam can be taken in two ways: 6 cfu exam or 9 cfu exam. The 6 cfu exam consists of an oral examination about the topics of the course. The 9cfu exam is divided into two parts: the first part is a practical exam consisting of petrographic observations under an optic microscope and written descriptions of two thin sections studied during the entire course. The second part is an oral examination including a discussion on the thin section descriptions and on the topics of the Course.
On the base of the pandemic emergency evolution, due to Covid-19, the practical examination may be changed.
On the base of the pandemic emergency evolution, due to Covid-19, the practical examination may be changed.
Basement Geology
Course syllabus
The Course includes lectures on: multiscalar study of the polydeformed and polymetamorphosed rocks from crystalline basements; sampling strategy finalized to undertaking microstructural analysis; rheology of polycrystalline aggregates; deformation mechanisms (different types of flow and flow laws) and their respective microstructures; porphyroblast-matrix relationships; fault rock microstructure; microstructures of mantle peridotites, impregnated peridotites and consequences on their rheology; multiscalar structural features of igneous rocks with mafic and ultramafic composition; magmatic and sub-magmatic deformation.
Teaching methods
The Course (6 cfu) consists of lectures commonly supported by power point presentations to be held in classroom.
Owing to pandemic emergency due to Covid-19, the 2020-21 edition of the Course will be held entirely online. Remote lectures and excercise will be provided synchronously on "Teams". Links to Teams will be shown on Ariel.
Owing to pandemic emergency due to Covid-19, the 2020-21 edition of the Course will be held entirely online. Remote lectures and excercise will be provided synchronously on "Teams". Links to Teams will be shown on Ariel.
Teaching Resources
Students may refer to the following textbooks:
Passchier C.W. & Trouw R.A.J. (2005) "Microtectonics", Springer.
Vernon R.H. (2004). "A practical guide to Rock Microstructure", Cambridge.
Mercier J-C. C. & Nicolas A. (1975). "Textures and fabrics of upper-mantle peridotite as illustrated by xenoliths from basalts". Journal of Petrology, 16(2), 454-487.
Additional scientific papers will be suggested during classes. Finally, personal notes made by students are strongly recommended.
Passchier C.W. & Trouw R.A.J. (2005) "Microtectonics", Springer.
Vernon R.H. (2004). "A practical guide to Rock Microstructure", Cambridge.
Mercier J-C. C. & Nicolas A. (1975). "Textures and fabrics of upper-mantle peridotite as illustrated by xenoliths from basalts". Journal of Petrology, 16(2), 454-487.
Additional scientific papers will be suggested during classes. Finally, personal notes made by students are strongly recommended.
Laboratory of Basement Geology
Course syllabus
Practical exercices (mandatory for the 9 cfu exam) consist of petrographic observations under the optical microscope to be held in a training room offering several optical microscopes. Thin sections are taken from samples of polydeformed and metamorphosed rocks of crystalline basement and ophiolites, of mantle peridotites, and mafic igneous rocks from modern oceanic crust.
Teaching methods
Practical excercices (mandatory for the 9 cfu exam) includes petrographic observations of selected thin sections to be held in a training room offering several optic microscopes.
Owing to pandemic emergency, during 2020-21 practical exercises with the use of microscope will be held in a training room, in presence, for a total of 12 hours.
Owing to pandemic emergency, during 2020-21 practical exercises with the use of microscope will be held in a training room, in presence, for a total of 12 hours.
Teaching Resources
Students may refer to the following textbooks:
Passchier C.W. & Trouw R.A.J. (2005) "Microtectonics", Springer.
Vernon R.H. (2004). "A practical guide to Rock Microstructure", Cambridge.
Mercier J-C. C. & Nicolas A. (1975). "Textures and fabrics of upper-mantle peridotite as illustrated by xenoliths from basalts". Journal of Petrology, 16(2), 454-487.
Additional scientific papers will be suggested during classes. Finally, personal notes made by students are strongly recommended.
Passchier C.W. & Trouw R.A.J. (2005) "Microtectonics", Springer.
Vernon R.H. (2004). "A practical guide to Rock Microstructure", Cambridge.
Mercier J-C. C. & Nicolas A. (1975). "Textures and fabrics of upper-mantle peridotite as illustrated by xenoliths from basalts". Journal of Petrology, 16(2), 454-487.
Additional scientific papers will be suggested during classes. Finally, personal notes made by students are strongly recommended.
Basement Geology
GEO/03 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Laboratory of Basement Geology
GEO/03 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 36 hours