Geomorphological Heritage and Geodiversity
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course has the main aim of illustrating the role of geodiversity in the landscape modeling and withìn the management of natural resources of the landscape, the inventory, assessment and valorisation of geomorphosites and the analysis of the geomorphological heritage evolution respect to climate change and human impact
Expected learning outcomes
Analize geosites and geomorphosites in relation with their census, valorization, conservation and protection, evolution in relation with climatic and anthropic factors. Analyze and evauate the local geodiversity
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
The programme is divided in the following thematic sections, and the order may vary, despite maintaining the coherence of the topics sequence:
1) Geodiversity: geodiversity concept, geosystem services, methods for geodiversity quantification (exercise);
2) Geoheritage sites: definition of geodiversity site, geosites and geoheritage site, geosite inventories, methodology for the assessment of the global value of the geosites (scientific value, additional values, potential for use) with an emphasis on the ecological and cultural value (exercise); geosite mapping for territorial planning (exercise);
3) Geoconservation: geoconservation concept, geoheritage site classification according to their fragility and vulnerability, national and regional laws for geoheritage conservation; geoheritage sites in protected areas and in geoparks of the UNESCO IGGP Programme, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO Global Geoparks;
4) Geoheritage for the Geosciences outreach: strategies and targets (school students, amateurs, tourists), innovative techniques, outdoor activities and digital tools;
5) Guided fieldwork (3 single days): places and date to be defined.
1) Geodiversity: geodiversity concept, geosystem services, methods for geodiversity quantification (exercise);
2) Geoheritage sites: definition of geodiversity site, geosites and geoheritage site, geosite inventories, methodology for the assessment of the global value of the geosites (scientific value, additional values, potential for use) with an emphasis on the ecological and cultural value (exercise); geosite mapping for territorial planning (exercise);
3) Geoconservation: geoconservation concept, geoheritage site classification according to their fragility and vulnerability, national and regional laws for geoheritage conservation; geoheritage sites in protected areas and in geoparks of the UNESCO IGGP Programme, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO Global Geoparks;
4) Geoheritage for the Geosciences outreach: strategies and targets (school students, amateurs, tourists), innovative techniques, outdoor activities and digital tools;
5) Guided fieldwork (3 single days): places and date to be defined.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of Physical geography, Geomorphology, Geology.
Ability of reading topographic maps.
Basic knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.
Ability of reading topographic maps.
Basic knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal lessons, individual or working-group activities on the topics of assessment, mapping and promotion of sites of geological and geomorphological sites, with report to be evaluated. Moreover, 3 days of mandatory guided fieldwork are organized; they can be replaced by virtual activities if strictly needed. Lectures by experts could be planned from remote using the Microsoft Teams app or in presence if possible.
Teaching Resources
Slides uploaded on the Ariel website
Scientific papers and guidelines indicated and examined during lessons
Students annotations
Textbooks
Reynard, E., & Brilha, J. (Eds.). (2017). Geoheritage: assessment, protection, and management. Elsevier.
Gray, M. (2013). Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature. John Wiley & Sons.
Scientific papers and guidelines indicated and examined during lessons
Students annotations
Textbooks
Reynard, E., & Brilha, J. (Eds.). (2017). Geoheritage: assessment, protection, and management. Elsevier.
Gray, M. (2013). Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature. John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of two sections.
The first one concerns a mandatory oral discussion starting from two report properly prepared by the candidate and requested along the development of the course on the topics of the assessment and mapping of sites of geological and geomorphological interest.
The second one concerns additional questions to the candidate on the program done in the classroom.
From these aspects it will be possible to verify, regarding the candidate, the understanding of the basic concepts of geosite, geodiversity and geoconservation, of the strategies for mapping, promoting and conserving sites of geological and geomorphological interest, the ability in re-elaborating the concepts, the ability of making judgements in relation to the typologies of areas (protected or not). Also the communication skills will be evaluated.
Assessment score: 18 to 30/30 of which 45% is related to the geomorphological map and the related technical report and the other 45% is related to the theory, while the remnant 10% is related to the exercises produced during the course.
The first one concerns a mandatory oral discussion starting from two report properly prepared by the candidate and requested along the development of the course on the topics of the assessment and mapping of sites of geological and geomorphological interest.
The second one concerns additional questions to the candidate on the program done in the classroom.
From these aspects it will be possible to verify, regarding the candidate, the understanding of the basic concepts of geosite, geodiversity and geoconservation, of the strategies for mapping, promoting and conserving sites of geological and geomorphological interest, the ability in re-elaborating the concepts, the ability of making judgements in relation to the typologies of areas (protected or not). Also the communication skills will be evaluated.
Assessment score: 18 to 30/30 of which 45% is related to the geomorphological map and the related technical report and the other 45% is related to the theory, while the remnant 10% is related to the exercises produced during the course.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Bollati Irene Maria
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Bollati Irene MariaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment arranged through e-mail
Room 54 or 59, First Floor