Applied Geomorphology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
the course provides tools for reading in the landscape the signs of geomorphological hazards and risks, human interference and geomorphological resources
Expected learning outcomes
(1)Ability in analysing the geomorhological hazards and risks associated to geomorphic processes (2) Ability and in analysing the relationship between geomorphological processes, natural resources and environmental impacts (3) Ability in identifying geomorphic features in anthropized areas, in relation with geomorpohological heritage and hazard
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction
Applied geomorphology: definition and key concepts, fields of intervention. Methods and tools of applied geomorphology;.
Hazard, vulnerability, and geomorphological risk: definitions and basic concepts.
The geomorphological landscape as a resource. Geomorphological processes and evolution of resources.
Anthropic processes: origin, development and implications on geomorphological hazard and risk scenarios, on impacts and on the landscape.
Applied geomorphology and territorial planning.
Climate changes and effects on climate-related geomorphological processes.
Hazard and geomorphological risk
-Geomorphological hazards and risks linked with surface processes (alteration, runoff, soil erosion) and the role of gravity and mass transport. Consequences in anthropized and urban areas. Mitigation interventions.
- Atmospheric hazards and surface processes (floods, storm waves, drought, etc.)
Hazards and risks due to underground, channeled and river waters: (e.g. floods, bank erosion, subsidence); consequence of urbanization. Monitoring systems, mitigation interventions and defense work.
Hazards and risks in the coastal environment: erosion, defense works. Implications in urban areas and with high tourist use. Anthropic works and effects on coastal dynamics
Hazards and risk in the karst environment: subsidence and hydrological problems.
Hazards and risks in different morpho-climatic environments: hazards related to glacier dynamic, avalanches, flash floods and dune migration in desert environments, etc., monitoring, prevention and defense work.
The contribution of geomorphology to volcanic and seismic risk (morpho-neotectonics).
Geomorphological processes, anthropic activity, tourist use
Geomorphological landscape an tourism
Geocultural itineraries and thematic paths: hazard and risk for fruition, impacts by tourist fruition. Case studies.
Applied gemorphological cartography: reading, realization and use in territorial planning.
Intorduction to geomorphological maps: reading (with practical exercise), production (with practical exercise on a case study). Analysis of the typology of maps used in applied geomorphology (with practical exercise). Thematic maps used in applied geomorphology (e.g., sedimentary connectivity maps) and relation with the geomorphological map. Mapping of geomorphosites for territorial planning (with practical exercise). Use of maps on the field (if possible).
Applied geomorphology: definition and key concepts, fields of intervention. Methods and tools of applied geomorphology;.
Hazard, vulnerability, and geomorphological risk: definitions and basic concepts.
The geomorphological landscape as a resource. Geomorphological processes and evolution of resources.
Anthropic processes: origin, development and implications on geomorphological hazard and risk scenarios, on impacts and on the landscape.
Applied geomorphology and territorial planning.
Climate changes and effects on climate-related geomorphological processes.
Hazard and geomorphological risk
-Geomorphological hazards and risks linked with surface processes (alteration, runoff, soil erosion) and the role of gravity and mass transport. Consequences in anthropized and urban areas. Mitigation interventions.
- Atmospheric hazards and surface processes (floods, storm waves, drought, etc.)
Hazards and risks due to underground, channeled and river waters: (e.g. floods, bank erosion, subsidence); consequence of urbanization. Monitoring systems, mitigation interventions and defense work.
Hazards and risks in the coastal environment: erosion, defense works. Implications in urban areas and with high tourist use. Anthropic works and effects on coastal dynamics
Hazards and risk in the karst environment: subsidence and hydrological problems.
Hazards and risks in different morpho-climatic environments: hazards related to glacier dynamic, avalanches, flash floods and dune migration in desert environments, etc., monitoring, prevention and defense work.
The contribution of geomorphology to volcanic and seismic risk (morpho-neotectonics).
Geomorphological processes, anthropic activity, tourist use
Geomorphological landscape an tourism
Geocultural itineraries and thematic paths: hazard and risk for fruition, impacts by tourist fruition. Case studies.
Applied gemorphological cartography: reading, realization and use in territorial planning.
Intorduction to geomorphological maps: reading (with practical exercise), production (with practical exercise on a case study). Analysis of the typology of maps used in applied geomorphology (with practical exercise). Thematic maps used in applied geomorphology (e.g., sedimentary connectivity maps) and relation with the geomorphological map. Mapping of geomorphosites for territorial planning (with practical exercise). Use of maps on the field (if possible).
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basic concepts of Earth Sciences, in particular of physical geography and geomorphology. Basic knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.
Teaching methods
The course will use different methods and techniques to achieve educational and training objectives, in particular:
- frontal lessons;
- laboratory activities (practical exercises on geomorphological and applied geomorphological maps relating to case studies);
- outdoor teaching activities: urban and extra-urban environments (when possible);
- multimedia tools;
- individual and/or group projects;
- discussion activities in small groups.
- frontal lessons;
- laboratory activities (practical exercises on geomorphological and applied geomorphological maps relating to case studies);
- outdoor teaching activities: urban and extra-urban environments (when possible);
- multimedia tools;
- individual and/or group projects;
- discussion activities in small groups.
Teaching Resources
Personal notes, scientific publications indicated in class, pdf of the lessons, reference texts.
Suggested textbooks:
Panizza M., Manuale di geomorfologia applicata, Ed. Franco Angeli
Fred G. Bell, Geologia ambientale Teoria e pratica, Ed. Zanichelli
D'Orefice M., Graciotti R. (2021) Rilevamento geomorfologico e cartografia: realizzazione, lettura, interpretazione. Ed. Flaccovio Dario
For basic concepts of geomorphology:
Gutierrez M. Geomorphology. Ed. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group
For further information
Reynard E., Brilha J.- Geoheritage. Assessment, Protection, and Management, Ed. Elsevier
Suggested textbooks:
Panizza M., Manuale di geomorfologia applicata, Ed. Franco Angeli
Fred G. Bell, Geologia ambientale Teoria e pratica, Ed. Zanichelli
D'Orefice M., Graciotti R. (2021) Rilevamento geomorfologico e cartografia: realizzazione, lettura, interpretazione. Ed. Flaccovio Dario
For basic concepts of geomorphology:
Gutierrez M. Geomorphology. Ed. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group
For further information
Reynard E., Brilha J.- Geoheritage. Assessment, Protection, and Management, Ed. Elsevier
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam aims to:
- ascertain the student's knowledge of applied geomorphology issues in natural and anthropic contexts;
- ascertain the student's ability to read in the landscape the evidence of surface processes responsible for geomorphological hazards and risks as well as the impact on the environment and on natural resources also through interpretation of case studies
- ascertain the student's ability to organize, describe and present a topic of applied geomorphology and to identify possible mitigation interventions
- ascertain the ability to know how to read applied geomorphological maps and thematic maps useful in applied geomorphology.
The exam consists of an oral test on the teaching contents (lessons, laboratory and field activities).
The knowledge of the contents and the ability to interpret case studies and the specific cartography will be evaluated; the presentation ability will also be assessed.
For attending students, the discussion can begin with the presentation of a topic of applied geomorphology agreed with the teachers (case study, scientific articles, etc.) supported by a short report and power point presentation. Detailed indications will be presented in class.
The exam consists of 3 questions, the first one may be substituted by a presentation (as mentioned before for attending students). The three parts have the same weight for final evaluation. The exam can be passed with an evaluation greater than or equal to 18/30.
- ascertain the student's knowledge of applied geomorphology issues in natural and anthropic contexts;
- ascertain the student's ability to read in the landscape the evidence of surface processes responsible for geomorphological hazards and risks as well as the impact on the environment and on natural resources also through interpretation of case studies
- ascertain the student's ability to organize, describe and present a topic of applied geomorphology and to identify possible mitigation interventions
- ascertain the ability to know how to read applied geomorphological maps and thematic maps useful in applied geomorphology.
The exam consists of an oral test on the teaching contents (lessons, laboratory and field activities).
The knowledge of the contents and the ability to interpret case studies and the specific cartography will be evaluated; the presentation ability will also be assessed.
For attending students, the discussion can begin with the presentation of a topic of applied geomorphology agreed with the teachers (case study, scientific articles, etc.) supported by a short report and power point presentation. Detailed indications will be presented in class.
The exam consists of 3 questions, the first one may be substituted by a presentation (as mentioned before for attending students). The three parts have the same weight for final evaluation. The exam can be passed with an evaluation greater than or equal to 18/30.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Bollati Irene Maria, Pelfini Manuela
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment arranged through e-mail
Room 54 or 59, First Floor