Regional Geology
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Understanding of the geologic evolution of collisional belts through the use of structural data integrated with stratigraphic, petrologic, geochronological, geochemical and geophysical data.
Reconstruction of the regional tectonic evolution of a part of an orogen, with examples from the Alps and Apennines, and comparison with models on tectonic devices active in unsteady zones of the lithosphere.
Use of regional data synthesis for a field-comparison with structural characters of tectonic units from different structural levels, finalised to a critical discussion with geological models from the literature.
Autonomy in acquisition of bibliographic material to address specific problems of regional geology.
Reconstruction of the regional tectonic evolution of a part of an orogen, with examples from the Alps and Apennines, and comparison with models on tectonic devices active in unsteady zones of the lithosphere.
Use of regional data synthesis for a field-comparison with structural characters of tectonic units from different structural levels, finalised to a critical discussion with geological models from the literature.
Autonomy in acquisition of bibliographic material to address specific problems of regional geology.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will learn to discriminate analytical techniques critical for applying an integrated and correct approach within tectonic units developed at different structural levels in collisional belts. Also he/she will gain capabilities on synthesizing the different types of data in order to elaborate the tectonic and geodynamic evolution at the regional scale of orogenic processes. He/she will develop capabilities in presenting written and oral reports on these topics synthesizing original field data collected during excursions and critically comparing them with different types of data from the literature.
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
Classes
Introduction and check of the students' knowledge through questions and discussions.
Relationships of tectonics and magmatism in the western and eastern Mediterranean area and Pannonic basin. Integration with geophysical data of the lithosphere.
Comparison of tectonic setting of the Alps, Corsica, and Calabria and models of plate kinematics for the Mediterranean area.
Diachronic evolution of the tectonic units of the Western Alps. Tectonic mechanisms of evolution and emplacement of periadriatic magmas.
Possible scenarios for the Periadriatic magmatism: collisional vs subductive. Role of the oceanic lithosphere detachment on the exhumation of Alpine tectonic units. Comparison of models of horizontal and vertical mass transfer: micro-plate kinematics in the Mediterranean in comparison with tectono-metamorphic evolution of Alpine units.
Methods for estimating the fabric evolution and metamorphic reactions with examples from Languard-Campo units and Sesia-Lanzo Zone. Practical tips for the study of polydeformed rocks.
Field schools
Analysis of oceanic and orogenic structures in the Apennine and Alpine ophiolites (Northern Apennines and Western Alps)
Analysis of the relationships of Permian clastic rocks and Variscan metamorphic basement; analysis of relationships pf volcano-clastic covers and intrusive magmatism; central and western Southalpine.
Analysis of structural relationships of Periadriatic intrusiives and their host rocks in central and western Alps and relationships with Oligocene clastic covers and Periadriatic structures.
Subduction of oceanic and continental lithosphere and analysis of pre-Alpine relicts (Sesia-Lanzo Zone and Zermatt-Saas Zone).
Panoramic view over the Western Alps and live comparison with stereograms representing the structuration of tectonic units.
Introduction and check of the students' knowledge through questions and discussions.
Relationships of tectonics and magmatism in the western and eastern Mediterranean area and Pannonic basin. Integration with geophysical data of the lithosphere.
Comparison of tectonic setting of the Alps, Corsica, and Calabria and models of plate kinematics for the Mediterranean area.
Diachronic evolution of the tectonic units of the Western Alps. Tectonic mechanisms of evolution and emplacement of periadriatic magmas.
Possible scenarios for the Periadriatic magmatism: collisional vs subductive. Role of the oceanic lithosphere detachment on the exhumation of Alpine tectonic units. Comparison of models of horizontal and vertical mass transfer: micro-plate kinematics in the Mediterranean in comparison with tectono-metamorphic evolution of Alpine units.
Methods for estimating the fabric evolution and metamorphic reactions with examples from Languard-Campo units and Sesia-Lanzo Zone. Practical tips for the study of polydeformed rocks.
Field schools
Analysis of oceanic and orogenic structures in the Apennine and Alpine ophiolites (Northern Apennines and Western Alps)
Analysis of the relationships of Permian clastic rocks and Variscan metamorphic basement; analysis of relationships pf volcano-clastic covers and intrusive magmatism; central and western Southalpine.
Analysis of structural relationships of Periadriatic intrusiives and their host rocks in central and western Alps and relationships with Oligocene clastic covers and Periadriatic structures.
Subduction of oceanic and continental lithosphere and analysis of pre-Alpine relicts (Sesia-Lanzo Zone and Zermatt-Saas Zone).
Panoramic view over the Western Alps and live comparison with stereograms representing the structuration of tectonic units.
Prerequisites for admission
Geology knownoledge gained during the BSc program
Teaching methods
Classes and field-schools
Teaching Resources
Didactic material and scietific publications assigned during the course
Assessment methods and Criteria
Writing and discussion of a report on one of the course topics.
GEO/03 - STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY - University credits: 6
Field activity: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Zanoni Davide
Professor(s)
Reception:
Ask for an appointment via email
Via Mangiagalli 34, 3rd floor