GEOMORPHOLOGY

Knowledge and understanding: The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the study of surface geomorphological processes, with particular emphasis on those that influence landscape evolution. The course explores geomorphological processes linked to exogenic dynamics in coastal, volcanic and karst environments, as well as the processes responsible for slope modelling, with particular reference to landslide phenomena, their classification and their identification. It will also cover coastal slope retreat processes, the physical and chemical degradation of rocks and soils, and the main processes of river dynamics. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding By the end of the course, students will be able to recognise and classify the main groups of landforms found in the environments covered. Independent judgement Students will be able to independently interpret information derived from landscape observation and analyse the signs of morphological evolution in the short, medium and long term. Communication skills: Students will acquire the ability to explain the concepts covered using appropriate technical language to a variety of audiences, including both specialists and non-specialists. The oral examination will enable students to refine their technical language and communication skills. Learning skills Students will be able to independently expand their knowledge of the topics covered by studying recommended texts and material provided by the lecturer (e.g. slides), as well as through ideas offered by any additional learning activities organised as part of the course.

Teaching generally takes the form of classroom-based lectures, supported by multimedia materials (slides projected during lectures) and any handouts. Practical exercises and/or field trips may also be included.

Knowledge of the basic concepts of physical geography, cartography (reading and interpreting topographical maps) and basic chemistry.

Attendance at lectures is compulsory in accordance with the academic regulations. Information for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties (SLDs): to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request a personal meeting with the lecturer in order to plan any compensatory and/or adaptive measures, in line with the teaching objectives and their specific needs. You may also contact the Department’s CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Difficulties, https://www.cinap.unict.it/) liaison lecturer, Prof. Gabriele Lanzafame.

1) Geomorphology and the landscape. Erodibility of soil and rock. Morphological mapping, reading topographic maps and morphological analysis using Google Earth and DTMs. The factors and processes that control landforms. Landforms controlled by lithology and bedrock orientation. 2) Morphotectonics and morphoselection. Leaching processes: splash and runoff actions. 3) Slopes and models of evolution. Processes and landforms on slopes: soil, regolith and rock. Solifluction, soil creep, soil slip. Components of a landslide. Varnes’ classification. 4) Fluvial processes and landforms: the hydrological cycle at the slope and catchment scales. River networks. Alluvial plain. River channels and types. Geometry of river channels. Hierarchy of river networks. Hypsographic curve. Discharge and velocity. Fluvial sediment transport. Fluvial erosion landforms. Fluvial sedimentation landforms. 5) Volcanic morphology: main elementary landforms resulting from volcanic activity; volcanic structures; forms of erosion. 6) Coastal Morphology: the action of the sea on coastlines; marine erosion and coastal sedimentation; morphological classification of coastlines. 7) Karst Morphology: types and characteristics of soluble rocks; surface karst features; underground cavities

1. CASTIGLIONI G.B.- Geomorfologia. UTET, Torino. 2. PANIZZA M.- Geomorfologia. Pitagora Ed., Bologna. 3. MARCHETTI M. - Geomorfologia Fluviale. Pitagora Ed., Bologna 4. BARTOLINI C. - i fattori geologici delle forme di rilievo 5. Altro materiale didattico (slide e dispense fornite dal docente su piattaforma Studium

Assessment of learning takes place orally, through questions on the syllabus covered. The final mark will reflect a balanced assessment of the candidate’s knowledge and their ability to summarise, present and make connections, as demonstrated during the examination; account will also be taken of the commitment, diligence and interest shown by the student during lectures and practical activities. During the exam, candidates may also be asked to write down any formulas they have learnt and/or to sketch out certain concepts freehand (e.g. sections and profiles).

1) What is meant by ‘sinkhole’? 2) Which rock groups are most commonly affected by dissolution processes? 3) What is meant by a ‘wave trough’? 4) Sketch the cross-section of a beach. 5) List the types of volcanic structures. 6) Explain Varnes’ classification of landslides. 7) What are the main factors influencing river morphology?