Geomorfology
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GIOVANNA PAPPALARDOExpected Learning Outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in relation to the study of geomorphological processes related to exogenous dynamics in coastal, volcanic and karstic environments and
of all those processes that lead to the shaping of slopes such as landslides, through the acquisition of information regarding their classification and recognition; processes of slope retreat in coastal areas; physical and chemical degradation processes, river dynamics processes.
At the end of the course, students will be able to recognise, interpret and classify the main groups of forms present in the treated environments, to analyse their evolution in the short, medium and long term.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
LAttendance at classes is compulsory. For working students, please refer to the University's teaching regulations.
Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA:
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students may request a personal interview with the teacher in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, depending on the teaching objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact theCInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs) reference teacher in ourDepartment, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.
Detailed Course Content
1) Geomorphology and the landscape. Erodibility of soils and rocks. Morphological cartography, map reading and morphological processing through google earth, DTM. Factors and processes controlling shapes. Shapes controlled by lithology and bedding.
2) Morphotectonics and morphoselection. Runoff processes: splash and runoff actions.
3) Slope and evolution models. Processes and forms on slopes: Soil, regolith and rock. Soliflux, soil creep, soil slip. Parts of a landslide. Varnes classification.
4) River processes and forms: the hydrological cycle at the slope and basin scale. Hydrographic networks. Floodplain. Riverbeds and types. Geometry of riverbeds. Hierarchization of hydrographic networks. Hypsographic curve. Flow rate and velocity. Fluvial solid transport. Fluvial forms of erosion. Fluvial forms of sedimentation.
5) Volcanic morphology: main elemental forms due to volcanic activity; volcanic buildings; forms of erosion.
6) Coastal Morphology: the action of the sea on coasts; marine erosion and coastal sedimentation; morphological classification of coasts.
7) Karst Morphology: types and characteristics of soluble rocks; surface karst forms; underground cavities.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presentation of the programme, objectives and assessment methods. | |
| 2 | Coastal MorphologyCatiglioni, handouts/slides provided by the lecturer | |
| 3 | Karst morphologyCatiglioni, handouts/slides provided by the lecturer | |
| 4 | Volcanic MorphologyCatiglioni, handouts/slides provided by the lecturer | |
| 5 | Geomorphology and landscapeCatiglioni, Panizza, Bartolini Handouts/slides provided by the lecturer | |
| 6 | Processes and forms on the slopesCatiglioni, Panizza, handouts/slides provided by the lecturer | |
| 7 | River processes and formsCatiglioni, Marchetti, handouts/slides provided by the lecturer |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1) What is meant by 'sinkhole'?
2) Which rock groups are predominantly affected by solution processes?
3) What is meant by 'strike-slip groove'?
4) Outline the cross-sectional profile of a beach.
5) List the types of volcanic buildings.
6) Explain the classification of Varnes landslides.
7) What are the main factors influencing river morphology?