Geology

The course deals with the fundamental principles of Geology, with particular reference to the description of sedimentary sequences and their time-space correlation. In summary students will:

1. acquire the elements to define the original environmental conditions;

2. describe and classify the depositional sequences on the basis of the main stratigraphic units; 

3. know the main dating methods of a sedimentary succession;

4. read a geological map

4.  draw a simple geological profile.

Lessons take place mainly in classroom and slides in .ppt or .pdf format will be made available. Practicals on course contents and exercises on geological maps will be carried out. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

https://www.unict.it/sites/default/files/files/regolamenti_didattici_22_23/lauree/L%2032_ScienzeAmbientaliNaturali.pdf

Lectures (Prof. Rosanna Maniscalco)

Part 1: - Definition and goals. The sedimentary process. Composition and texture of terrigenous rocks. Sedimentary transport: selective and massive processes.

Part 2: The stratigraphic record. Stratigraphic principles. Principle of superposition and exceptions. Polarity of the layers. Principle of horizontality of layers and exceptions. Principle of lateral continuity and exceptions. Elements of tectonics. Faults and folds. Relationship between orientation of strata and morphology. Drawing a geological profile. Lithostratigraphic and lithological unit. Continuous and discontinuous sedimentary successions. Concept of stratigraphic hiatus. Stratigraphic boundaries and their variation in space and time. 

Part 3: Transgression and Regression. Relative variations in sea level. Unconformities: definition and types. Elements of sequence stratigraphy.

Part 4: Biostratigraphic Unit. The guide fossils and biostratigraphic correlation. Radiometric dating. Radioactive Decay and half-life. Geological time scale. Chronological Units and Chronostratigraphy. Relations between Chronostratigraphic Units and the other Units.

Laboratory (Prof. Salvatore Distefano A-L, Prof. Francesco Sciuto M-Z)

Part V 

Dip and orientation of strata. Relationship between strata dip and orientation and topography. Stratigraphic boundaries on maps. Unconformities. Structural elements on maps: faults and folds. Drawing topographic and simple geological profiles. Drawing a stratigraphic log. Reading a geological map. 

1. Casati P.: Scienze della Terra. Elementi di Geologia generale. CLUP

2. Venturini C.: Realizzare e leggere carte e sezioni geologiche. Flaccovio Dario Ed. 

3. Nichols G.: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Second Edition. Wiley-Blackwell

4. Notes provided by the teachers.

Learning assessment may consist of a written mid-term exam and oral final exam. Candidates may in any case participate in the final exam even without attending the mid-term exam. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Students may ask assistance to Disability Advisory Centre CInAP https://www.unict.it/en/university/disability-advisory-centre-cinap and to Dept. delegate, prof. Giorgio De Guidi deguidi@unict.it

5. Draw a simple geological profile