Environmental Geology for Mountain Areas
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to guide the student to an effective understanding of studies concerning geological problems related to mountain environment issues (hazard, resources , development).
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to use main instruments and methods for geological hazard assessment at different scales, to undestand the importance of natural resources and their connections with sustainable development and to evaluate the environmental implications of land use. They will be able to analyze and interpret the landscape of mountainous areas, to identify agents and processes responsible for geomorphological modifications in the short and medium-term and to manage hydrogeological risks related to both natural and anthropogenic causes.
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
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
- Geographic Systems and Global Environments: Systems and scale; Uplift/Erosion and system interactions; Isostasy and uplift of the Alps; Soil systems; Runoff, streamflow and watershed systems; Groundwater systems, lakes, water resources; Glacial systems; Global scale System interactions and Global Warming
- Glaciers as Climate Change Indicators
- Rocks: types and classifications (Basics)
- Tectonics and Geodynamics
- Quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses
- Landslides: classification and case studies from the Alps, Himalaya and Tien Shan
- Geomatic approach to unstable rock cliff characterization: terrestrial and aerial-borne LIDAR.
- Landslide monitoring: instrumentation and sensors
- Surface displacement detection and monitoring with Satellite Interferometry (InSAR): theoretical principles and case studies
- Early Warning Systems: application at regional and single phenomenon scale. Case studies (Alps, Himalaya, Tien Shan)
- Landslide hazard and risk mapping at local, regional and national scale: case studies (landslide catalogues at regional and national scale, linear infrastructure hazard mapping and monitoring, landslide risk mapping)
- Remedial measures for landslide mitigation
- Glaciers as Climate Change Indicators
- Rocks: types and classifications (Basics)
- Tectonics and Geodynamics
- Quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses
- Landslides: classification and case studies from the Alps, Himalaya and Tien Shan
- Geomatic approach to unstable rock cliff characterization: terrestrial and aerial-borne LIDAR.
- Landslide monitoring: instrumentation and sensors
- Surface displacement detection and monitoring with Satellite Interferometry (InSAR): theoretical principles and case studies
- Early Warning Systems: application at regional and single phenomenon scale. Case studies (Alps, Himalaya, Tien Shan)
- Landslide hazard and risk mapping at local, regional and national scale: case studies (landslide catalogues at regional and national scale, linear infrastructure hazard mapping and monitoring, landslide risk mapping)
- Remedial measures for landslide mitigation
Prerequisites for admission
No particular prerequisites are necessary.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be the main teaching method. Slides and videos will be used as didactic material. Selected case histories will be presented in order to demonstrate the practical application of the methodological approaches illustrated during thematic lectures.
Technical visits will be planned if compatible with meteo climatic conditions. Possible sites: Regione Lombardia Landslide Early Warning System in Sondrio; a selected landslide and a rapidly evolving glacier (Belvedere Glacier, Macugnaga, Western Alps)
Technical visits will be planned if compatible with meteo climatic conditions. Possible sites: Regione Lombardia Landslide Early Warning System in Sondrio; a selected landslide and a rapidly evolving glacier (Belvedere Glacier, Macugnaga, Western Alps)
Teaching Resources
The teaching material (powerpoint presentations, videos, scientific papers) will be shared via Microsoft Teams.
Suggested textbooks:
1- Marsh W.M. and Kaufman M.M. (2012). Physical Geography. Great Systems and Global Environments. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780521764285
2- Gonzalez de Vallejo L. and Ferrer M. (2011) Geological Engineering. CRC Press. ISBN 9780415413527
Suggested textbooks:
1- Marsh W.M. and Kaufman M.M. (2012). Physical Geography. Great Systems and Global Environments. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780521764285
2- Gonzalez de Vallejo L. and Ferrer M. (2011) Geological Engineering. CRC Press. ISBN 9780415413527
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exams will consist in a written test aimed at ascertaining the acquisition of a correct understanding and the ability to re-elaborate the contents of the course. Questions will be aimed at verifying the knowledge of the subject, capacity to explain pertinent arguments, and ability to critically analyze the course contents. The exam will be graded out of thirty and the final grade will take into account the accuracy and quality of the answers, as well as communication skills and the ability to analyze, judge and correlate the topics explained during the course.
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Tamburini Andrea