Paleontology and Stratigraphic Geology
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Recognize and understand the processes leading to the formation of the sedimentary rocks. Leran the principles of stratigraphy. Understand the processes leading to the production of the fossil record. Encourage learning about the main groups of invertebrates commonly used in paleontology, also considering dissemination asa possible goal.
Expected learning outcomes
Capacity to recognize the main groups of sedimentary rocks and to apply the principles of stratigraphy. Capacity to recognize the transition of organic remains from the biosphere to the lithosphere. Acquisition of expertise about the main groups of animals whose fossil record contributes to the knowledge about biological evolution. Ability to disseminate the acquired knowledge on sedimentary processes and fossilization.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Stratigraphic geology
Rocks and petrogenetic processes
Classification and properties of sedimentary rocks
Processes of formation of sedimentary rocks
Terrigenous rocks
Carbonate rocks
Dolostones
Evaporites
Other types of sedimentary rocks
Stratification and sedimentary structures
Principles of stratigraphy
Stratigraphic units
Stratigraphic relationships
Palaeontology
Taphonomy: from the biosphere to the lithosphere.
The species in Paleontology: definition and problems.
Biostratinomy: from the causes of death to the burial of an organism through the physical- (bio) chemical processes that can affect its morphology and preservation.
Fossilization s.s. (fossil-diagenesis): description of the chemical-physical processes that affect the composition and structure of the organic remains in a sediment / rock. Burial conditions. Diagenesis of non-mineralized tissues. Formation of autigenous minerals in association with non-mineralized tissues. Preservation / alteration of biominerals. Types of fossils.
Fossil deposits (Fossil-Lagerstätten).
Trace fossils: systematic and interpretation in terms of biological activity
The main groups of invertebrate fossils
Main characteristics of: cnidarians, brachiopods, bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, echinoderms. Notes on the importance of individual groups in the field of Earth Sciences.
Rocks and petrogenetic processes
Classification and properties of sedimentary rocks
Processes of formation of sedimentary rocks
Terrigenous rocks
Carbonate rocks
Dolostones
Evaporites
Other types of sedimentary rocks
Stratification and sedimentary structures
Principles of stratigraphy
Stratigraphic units
Stratigraphic relationships
Palaeontology
Taphonomy: from the biosphere to the lithosphere.
The species in Paleontology: definition and problems.
Biostratinomy: from the causes of death to the burial of an organism through the physical- (bio) chemical processes that can affect its morphology and preservation.
Fossilization s.s. (fossil-diagenesis): description of the chemical-physical processes that affect the composition and structure of the organic remains in a sediment / rock. Burial conditions. Diagenesis of non-mineralized tissues. Formation of autigenous minerals in association with non-mineralized tissues. Preservation / alteration of biominerals. Types of fossils.
Fossil deposits (Fossil-Lagerstätten).
Trace fossils: systematic and interpretation in terms of biological activity
The main groups of invertebrate fossils
Main characteristics of: cnidarians, brachiopods, bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, echinoderms. Notes on the importance of individual groups in the field of Earth Sciences.
Prerequisites for admission
Chemistry, mineralogy
Teaching methods
Lessons
Teaching Resources
Stratigraphic geology
Casati, Scienze della Terra, Volume 1, Elementi di Geologia Generale, Ed. Città Studi, MI, 1996
Press, Siever, Grotzinger, Jordan Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2007
Bosellini, Mutti, Ricci Lucchi, Rocce e Successioni Sedimentarie, Ed. UTET, 1989
Slides on Ariel
Palaeontology
MANUALE DI PALEONTOLOGIA Fondamenti - Applicazioni
Formato 18×25,5 di pagine XXIV-472 con 531 figure e 9 tabelle
ISBN: 9788879477147 edito dalla Società Paleontologica Italiana, Maggio 2020
Slides on Ariel
Casati, Scienze della Terra, Volume 1, Elementi di Geologia Generale, Ed. Città Studi, MI, 1996
Press, Siever, Grotzinger, Jordan Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2007
Bosellini, Mutti, Ricci Lucchi, Rocce e Successioni Sedimentarie, Ed. UTET, 1989
Slides on Ariel
Palaeontology
MANUALE DI PALEONTOLOGIA Fondamenti - Applicazioni
Formato 18×25,5 di pagine XXIV-472 con 531 figure e 9 tabelle
ISBN: 9788879477147 edito dalla Società Paleontologica Italiana, Maggio 2020
Slides on Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam comprises two written texts:
-taphonomy and invertebrate palaeontology, open questions, 2 hours.
- stratigraphic geology, open questions, 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the
language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on palaeontology and stratigraphic geology.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA.
-taphonomy and invertebrate palaeontology, open questions, 2 hours.
- stratigraphic geology, open questions, 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the
language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on palaeontology and stratigraphic geology.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA.
Paleontology
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Angiolini Lucia
Stratigraphic Geology
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Marini Mattia
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 15.30
Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" or by email.