Earth Surface Dynamics and Applied Geology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding: 1) main processes responsible for the dynamics that influence the evolution of the Earth's physical landscape and its landforms; 2) skills in the application of geomorphological approaches and tools for assessing surface dynamics of the Earth; 3) main instruments and methods for geological hazard assessment at different scale, 4) technical and numerical solutions for geological engineering design and geo-environmental management.
Expected learning outcomes
Applying knowledge and understanding: apply selected solutions for environmental planning and design of structures interacting with soil, rocks and groundwater. Making judgements: ability to collect and analyse geomorphological, geotechnical and hydrogeological data for environmental planning and design of structures interacting with soil, rocks and groundwater. Communication skills: improving the ability to produce technical report and to present results of technical project. Learning skills: improving the ability for acting as an engineering geology planner and designer.
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
1) Geomorphological processes and dynamics in hillslope, glacial, and fluvial environments, with an overview of associated landforms and deposits.
2) Geomorphological approaches and tools for assessing Earth surface dynamics:
- reconstruction of evolutionary trajectories of glaciers and river systems, and mapping of recent morphological changes
- calculation of indices related to morphological quality and geomorphological dynamics for hazard mapping purposes, particularly in fluvial contexts
3) Engineering geology for environmental planning (prevention)
- analysis and identification of landslide susceptibility areas (parametric methods, point and count system, statistical approach)
- groundwater vulnerability evaluation (parametric methods, analytical and numerical solution, statistical methods)
4) Engineering geology for civil engineering (design)
- Underground works (hydraulic tunnel and transport tunnel)
- Managed Aquifer Recharge Infrastructure
2) Geomorphological approaches and tools for assessing Earth surface dynamics:
- reconstruction of evolutionary trajectories of glaciers and river systems, and mapping of recent morphological changes
- calculation of indices related to morphological quality and geomorphological dynamics for hazard mapping purposes, particularly in fluvial contexts
3) Engineering geology for environmental planning (prevention)
- analysis and identification of landslide susceptibility areas (parametric methods, point and count system, statistical approach)
- groundwater vulnerability evaluation (parametric methods, analytical and numerical solution, statistical methods)
4) Engineering geology for civil engineering (design)
- Underground works (hydraulic tunnel and transport tunnel)
- Managed Aquifer Recharge Infrastructure
Prerequisites for admission
1) Proficiency in reading and analyzing topographic and geological maps; 2) Basic knowledge of geomorphology and engineering geology (bachelor level); 3) Basic knowledge of Geographical Information Systems.
Teaching methods
Lessons in classroom and exercises, including the use of Geographic Information Systems, with some discussions on real case problems. Two daily excursions for field analyses of selected applied geomorphological items
Teaching Resources
Course Notes on MyAriel
Scientific papers on specific topics (geomorphological dynamics, landslide hazard and aquifer vulnerability), available on MyAriel
Books:
- Bierman, P.R and Montgomery, D.R. (2020). Key Concepts in Geomorphology. 2nd Edition, Macmillan Learning
- Gutiérrez, F., and Gutiérrez, M. (2016). Landforms of the Earth: an illustrated guide. Springer
- L. Gonzalez de Vallejo, M. Ferrer: (2007) Geological Engineering, Taylor and Francis
- Gordon A. Fenton and Griffiths - Risk Assessment in Geotechnical Engineering (2008).
Scientific papers on specific topics (geomorphological dynamics, landslide hazard and aquifer vulnerability), available on MyAriel
Books:
- Bierman, P.R and Montgomery, D.R. (2020). Key Concepts in Geomorphology. 2nd Edition, Macmillan Learning
- Gutiérrez, F., and Gutiérrez, M. (2016). Landforms of the Earth: an illustrated guide. Springer
- L. Gonzalez de Vallejo, M. Ferrer: (2007) Geological Engineering, Taylor and Francis
- Gordon A. Fenton and Griffiths - Risk Assessment in Geotechnical Engineering (2008).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam including the discussion on case studies analysed in classroom activities.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 5
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 4
GEO/05 - ENGINEERING GEOLOGY - University credits: 4
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Brenna Andrea, Masetti Marco
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 10.30 - 12-30
Via Mangiagalli 34, Ground Floor