Climate and Hydro-Geological Hazard
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides students with theoretical and practical tools to understand the interactions between climate and hydrogeological processes, analyze related natural hazards, and design mitigation interventions. Particular attention is given to the effects of climate change on water availability, slope stability, and the integrated management of environmental risks.
Expected learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and
understanding Understand the climate system and main hydrogeological and geomorphological processes
2. Applying knowledge Model extreme events, assess risk scenarios, plan monitoring campaigns
3. Independent
judgment Interpret and critically evaluate environmental data from monitoring of hydrometeorological and geological-technical variables
4. Communication skills Effectively communicate risk scenarios and mitigation strategies, also in multidisciplinary contexts
5. Learning skills Acquire autonomous learning methods, useful for continuous professional development in the field
understanding Understand the climate system and main hydrogeological and geomorphological processes
2. Applying knowledge Model extreme events, assess risk scenarios, plan monitoring campaigns
3. Independent
judgment Interpret and critically evaluate environmental data from monitoring of hydrometeorological and geological-technical variables
4. Communication skills Effectively communicate risk scenarios and mitigation strategies, also in multidisciplinary contexts
5. Learning skills Acquire autonomous learning methods, useful for continuous professional development in the field
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
LECTURES (4 CFU - 32 hours)
Module 1 - Basic Climatology and Climate Change (16 hours, 2 CFU)
· Structure of the Earth's climate system (atmosphere, ocean, biosphere)
· Energy balance, natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effect, introduction to radiative forcing and feedback loops
· Climate change indicators: temperature, precipitation, ice, extreme events
· Introduction to climate models and IPCC scenarios (projections, uncertainty)
· Climate downscaling and local impacts
Module 2 - Hydrology, Basin Response, and Hydraulic Hazard (8 hours, 1 CFU)
· Hydrological cycle and climate stress
· Floods and inundations: impacts of climate change
· Rainfall probability curves and intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves
· Basics of hydrological modelling and examples of monitoring networks
Module 3 - Slope Instability and Landslides Related to Climate (8 hours, 1 CFU)
· Slope sensitivity to anomalous climatic conditions (precipitation, temperature) for different landslide types
· Adaptation and mitigation of landslide risk in different geographic and climatic contexts
PRACTICALS (2 CFU - 24 hours)
Problem-based learning exercises covering all three thematic modules
Module 1 - Basic Climatology and Climate Change (16 hours, 2 CFU)
· Structure of the Earth's climate system (atmosphere, ocean, biosphere)
· Energy balance, natural and anthropogenic greenhouse effect, introduction to radiative forcing and feedback loops
· Climate change indicators: temperature, precipitation, ice, extreme events
· Introduction to climate models and IPCC scenarios (projections, uncertainty)
· Climate downscaling and local impacts
Module 2 - Hydrology, Basin Response, and Hydraulic Hazard (8 hours, 1 CFU)
· Hydrological cycle and climate stress
· Floods and inundations: impacts of climate change
· Rainfall probability curves and intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves
· Basics of hydrological modelling and examples of monitoring networks
Module 3 - Slope Instability and Landslides Related to Climate (8 hours, 1 CFU)
· Slope sensitivity to anomalous climatic conditions (precipitation, temperature) for different landslide types
· Adaptation and mitigation of landslide risk in different geographic and climatic contexts
PRACTICALS (2 CFU - 24 hours)
Problem-based learning exercises covering all three thematic modules
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in climatology, hydrogeology, applied geology, and geomorphology is required (it is recommended to have attended and passed Earth Surface Dynamics and Applied Geology).
Teaching methods
The course will consist of 32 hours of lectures (4 CFU) and 24 hours of practicals (2 CFU). Slides and videos will be used as teaching materials. In addition to the theoretical aspects, several case studies will be presented to demonstrate the practical application of methodological approaches. The practicals will be based on problem-based learning.
Teaching Resources
Materials provided by the instructors on the course's MyAriel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be required to present a case study of their choice (based on guidelines provided by instructors on MyAriel and explained in class) through a PowerPoint presentation (12-14 minutes) and submit a technical report in advance. The presentation will be followed by a discussion covering theoretical concepts presented during the course. The final grade, on a scale of thirty, will be based on the accuracy and quality of responses, communication skills (presentation quality, clarity, correct use of scientific terminology during the presentation and in response to questions), and the ability to critically analyze, discuss, and apply course content in various technical contexts.
Exam sessions are typically scheduled as follows: 1) mid-June, 2) mid-July, 3) first half of September, 4) mid-November, 5) mid-January, 6) mid-February, 7) late April-early May. Registration opens two months before each exam date and closes one week prior.
For students interested by Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) the regulations provided by the Athenaeum are followed (https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld).
Exam sessions are typically scheduled as follows: 1) mid-June, 2) mid-July, 3) first half of September, 4) mid-November, 5) mid-January, 6) mid-February, 7) late April-early May. Registration opens two months before each exam date and closes one week prior.
For students interested by Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) the regulations provided by the Athenaeum are followed (https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld).
GEOS-03/A - Physical Geography and Geomorphology - University credits: 3
GEOS-03/B - Applied Geology - University credits: 3
GEOS-03/B - Applied Geology - University credits: 3
Exercises: 24 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Azzoni Roberto Sergio, Camera Corrado Alberto Sigfrido
Professor(s)
Reception:
Appointment to be taken by email
Office or Microsoft Teams