Subsurface Sedimentary Systems for the Energy Transition
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Deepening the concepts of sedimentary rock reservoirs and seals, their different origins and heterogeneities.
Exploring the direct and indirect tools to investigate rock petrophysical properties in sub-surface exploration.
Constructing a 2D conceptual reservoir model based on wells/cores data correlation and evaluating the major factors controlling the distribution of heterogeneities.
Discussing the origin and occurrence of the different types of fluid resources exploitable from (or storable in) sedimentary rock reservoirs (hydrocarbons, geothermal waters, CO2, natural hydrogen, Li-brines).
Introducing and evaluating the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rock reservoirs including case histories from industry.
Exploring the direct and indirect tools to investigate rock petrophysical properties in sub-surface exploration.
Constructing a 2D conceptual reservoir model based on wells/cores data correlation and evaluating the major factors controlling the distribution of heterogeneities.
Discussing the origin and occurrence of the different types of fluid resources exploitable from (or storable in) sedimentary rock reservoirs (hydrocarbons, geothermal waters, CO2, natural hydrogen, Li-brines).
Introducing and evaluating the main numerical approaches to model heterogeneity distribution in sedimentary rock reservoirs including case histories from industry.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will have acquired knowledge on the different origins of sedimentary rock reservoirs, the investigation methods of their petrophysical properties, their economically valuable resources and their storage potential to mitigate global warming, the approaches to characterize and model their heterogeneities.
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
A) Introduction to plate tectonics, rock types, rock deformation. Processes that lead to the origin of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Description and classification of sedimentary rocks. Main types of sedimentary basins in different settings.
B) Depositional environments (continental, transitional, marine) and corresponding sediments/rocks. Basic rules that control the nature and architecture of sedimentary successions. Introduction to stratigraphy and chronostratigraphy. How to construct age models of deposition by integrating biostratigraphy, radiometric dating and magnetostratigraphy.
C) Climate of the past: paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental proxies recorded in sedimentary rocks, analyses of the processes controlling climate changes in Earth history; how Earth climate varied in the geological record at short, medium and long term time scales.
D) Physical properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks: concepts of porosity and permeability, and identification of the major governing factors. Indirect methods of sub-surface geology investigation.
Resources exploration and exploitation in sedimentary successions: processes that control the distribution of socially and economically valuable fluids in sediments and sedimentary rocks. Water systems in the shallow subsurface. Hydrocarbon systems in the deep sub-surface. Shallow and deep and geothermal reservoirs.
Sustainability of resources exploitation in sedimentary basins and energy transition: CO2 and methane storage; H2 and Li resources.
B) Depositional environments (continental, transitional, marine) and corresponding sediments/rocks. Basic rules that control the nature and architecture of sedimentary successions. Introduction to stratigraphy and chronostratigraphy. How to construct age models of deposition by integrating biostratigraphy, radiometric dating and magnetostratigraphy.
C) Climate of the past: paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental proxies recorded in sedimentary rocks, analyses of the processes controlling climate changes in Earth history; how Earth climate varied in the geological record at short, medium and long term time scales.
D) Physical properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks: concepts of porosity and permeability, and identification of the major governing factors. Indirect methods of sub-surface geology investigation.
Resources exploration and exploitation in sedimentary successions: processes that control the distribution of socially and economically valuable fluids in sediments and sedimentary rocks. Water systems in the shallow subsurface. Hydrocarbon systems in the deep sub-surface. Shallow and deep and geothermal reservoirs.
Sustainability of resources exploitation in sedimentary basins and energy transition: CO2 and methane storage; H2 and Li resources.
Prerequisites for admission
See Programme description 2025-2026
Teaching methods
Frontal (teacher-student) lectures (8 CFU). Practical activities will also be integrated during the course (description of rock samples, microscope observations, visits to laboratories).
Teaching Resources
· Understanding Earth. Grotzinger J.P. and Jordan, H.J.. 7th Edition.
· Teaching material provided during the course (lecture slides, book chapters, scientific articles)
· Teaching material provided during the course (lecture slides, book chapters, scientific articles)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test (2 hours) composed of in 10 open questions.
Intermediate tests (3 to 4 open questions each) will be organized to consolidate the student learning and facilitate the passing of the exam.
Intermediate tests (3 to 4 open questions each) will be organized to consolidate the student learning and facilitate the passing of the exam.
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Gasparrini Marta
Professor(s)