Quaternary Landscapes and Human Landuse
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
To provide the student with scientifically updated knowledge of the methodological aspects and contents related to the evolutionary history of the planet during the Quaternary, highlighting the natural aspects and those related to human activity, with particular attention to the interference of the latter with natural processes. To also provide the knowledge needed to understand and reconstruct the climate change of the Quaternary period, as well as the knowledge necessary to tackle the field survey of the Quaternary formations and related forms, with particular reference to the continental ones. Emphasis will also be given to the study and description of continental sequences both in outcrop and investigated through cores.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire expertise on the climate change that occurred in the Quaternary period and will be able to understand the terms of the current debate on the causes of global climate warming, and the role of human activity in this context and to apply them to the study of environmental and archaeological contexts. He will acquire skills in field surveying and in the description of Quaternary units, which will complete the training of the field geologist and surveyor.
Lesson period: First semester
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
teaching not active in the academic year 2025-26
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction and fundamental concepts of Quaternary Geology
The chronology of the Quaternary from the end of the Pliocene to the establishment of glacial-interglacial cycles; the Pleistocene, the Holocene and their subdivisions.
Geochronological methods applied to the Quaternary: concepts, materials and datable contexts, problems.
The cyclicity of the climate according to Milankovitch; concept of feedback, albedo, greenhouse effect, sunspots.
Methods of investigation for the reconstruction of past climates: the search for proxy data.
Interactions between oceans and ice caps; isotopic study of oceanic and glacial sediments, the concept of Marine Isotopic Stage.
Sea level variations in the Quaternary: evidence and mechanisms.
Continental proxies for the Quaternary: landforms, lake deposits, fluvial deposits, paleosols, speleothems and tufa. The concepts of biostasis and resistasis.
The theory of the glacial from the four-party model to polyglacialism; current knowledge. The Lateglacial and the transition to the Holocene.
The study of the Quaternary in Italy, with particular attention to the Po Valley margin: marine regression in the Lower Pleistocene, the formation of glacial amphitheatres and the filling of the Po Valley.
The study of the Quaternary through surface deposits and landforms and the study of geognostic cores.
The survey of the Quaternary and its cartographic representation (concepts of allostratigraphy and field survey).
From the Quaternary to the Anthropocene. Concepts of species dispersion and land use.
Human use of natural resources and impact on the territory starting from prehistory; current trends and models for the future.
The chronology of the Quaternary from the end of the Pliocene to the establishment of glacial-interglacial cycles; the Pleistocene, the Holocene and their subdivisions.
Geochronological methods applied to the Quaternary: concepts, materials and datable contexts, problems.
The cyclicity of the climate according to Milankovitch; concept of feedback, albedo, greenhouse effect, sunspots.
Methods of investigation for the reconstruction of past climates: the search for proxy data.
Interactions between oceans and ice caps; isotopic study of oceanic and glacial sediments, the concept of Marine Isotopic Stage.
Sea level variations in the Quaternary: evidence and mechanisms.
Continental proxies for the Quaternary: landforms, lake deposits, fluvial deposits, paleosols, speleothems and tufa. The concepts of biostasis and resistasis.
The theory of the glacial from the four-party model to polyglacialism; current knowledge. The Lateglacial and the transition to the Holocene.
The study of the Quaternary in Italy, with particular attention to the Po Valley margin: marine regression in the Lower Pleistocene, the formation of glacial amphitheatres and the filling of the Po Valley.
The study of the Quaternary through surface deposits and landforms and the study of geognostic cores.
The survey of the Quaternary and its cartographic representation (concepts of allostratigraphy and field survey).
From the Quaternary to the Anthropocene. Concepts of species dispersion and land use.
Human use of natural resources and impact on the territory starting from prehistory; current trends and models for the future.
Prerequisites for admission
To follow this class profitably, it is recommended to have a knowledge of the basics of geomorphology, sedimentology, stratigraphy required for the Bachelor in geology.
Teaching methods
Lessons and seminars; suggested readings; non mandatory field classes.
Teaching Resources
Material distributed by the teacher, suggested readings.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam with a grade expressed out of thirty. The actual understanding of the contents provided and the processes described will be assessed. The ability to summarize and use appropriate terminology will also be taken into consideration. Possibility of carrying out a seminar supplementing the final exam on a topic agreed with the teacher.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Field activity: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours