Geomorfology

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: Giovanna PAPPALARDO

Expected Learning Outcomes

The expected learning outcomes concern the concept of geomorphological hazard linked to exogenous dynamics, morphotectonics, of all those processes that lead to the modeling of slopes such as landslides, through the acquisition of information regarding classification and their recognition; processes of retreat of slopes in coastal areas; physical and chemical degradation processes, such as karst; and river dynamics processes.

Course Structure

Traditional frontal teaching and practical test outside to carry out the geomechanical survey, with the support of multimedia material (slides projected during the lessons) and handouts. The teacher will explain to the students the procedures for calculating some topics of the program. Mandatory attendance.

If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to respect the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

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

Attendance of Lessons

628 / 5.000

Risultati della traduzione

Attendance to lessons is compulsory. For working students, reference is made to the University teaching regulations. Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview with the teacher in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, according to the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the referent teacher CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of our Department

Detailed Course Content

Geomorphology and landscape

Erodibility of soils and rocks

Morphological cartography, reading of topographic maps and morphological processing through Google Earth, DTM

Factors and processes that control the forms

Forms controlled by lithology and disposition

Morphotectonics and morphoselection

Washout processes: splash actions and runoff actions.

Slope and evolution models.

Processes and forms on the slopes: Soil, regolith and rock. Soliflux, soil creep, soil slip. Parts of a landslide. Varnes classification.

Fluvial processes and forms: the hydrological cycle at the scale of the slope and basin. Hydrographic networks. Alluvial plain. Riverbeds and typologies. Geometry of riverbeds. Hierarchization of hydrographic networks. Hypsographic curve. Flow and velocity. Fluvial solid transport. Fluvial erosion forms. Fluvial sedimentation forms.

Textbook Information

  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

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Geomorphology and landscapeErodibility of soils and rocksMorphological cartography, reading of topographic maps and morphological processing through Google Earth, DTMFactors and processes that control the formsForms controlled by lithology and dispositionMorphotectonics and morphoselectionWashout processes: splash actions and runoff actions.Slope and evolution models.lecturer slideBooks: 4, 1,2
2Processes and forms on the slopes: Soil, regolith and rock. Soliflux, soil creep, soil slip. Parts of a landslide. Varnes classification.lecturer slideBooks: 1,2
3Fluvial processes and forms: the hydrological cycle at the scale of the slope and basin. Hydrographic networks. Alluvial plain. Riverbeds and typologies. Geometry of riverbeds. Hierarchization of hydrographic networks. Hypsographic curve. Flow and velocity. Fluvial solid transport. Fluvial erosion forms. Fluvial sedimentation forms.lecturer slideBooks:  1, 3

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The final exam consists of an oral test and verification of learning of the topics covered in the practical tests performed during the course.

Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, depending on health conditions and linked to Covid-19, in compliance with current University provisions.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

morphotectonics-Morphometric analysis of river basins - slope morphology - landslide classification - geomorphological hazard - karst process - river processes - coastal retreat
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