The course is designed to provide students with a solid knowledge and understanding of Regional Volcanology. In particular, the main learning objectives are: To acquire knowledge of the distribution and characteristics of volcanism in relation to different geodynamic settings. To develop the ability to independently interpret complex natural processes, including magma genesis, magma evolution, volcanic eruption dynamics, and the formation of volcanic edifices. To develop the ability to measure and interpret the physical and petrophysical properties of volcanic materials in order to understand their characteristics. To acquire knowledge of the principles of geological field mapping and thematic cartography as essential tools for observing, describing, and representing geological systems, based on field data and the reconstruction of volcanological features through the observation of volcanic deposits. To develop the ability to make informed decisions when dealing with complex volcanological problems, to select appropriate methodologies according to different parameters and contexts, and to critically analyze data and models. The course also aims to foster students' independent judgment in the interpretation of volcanological data and processes, to develop the communication skills required for presenting and discussing scientific topics in volcanology, and to strengthen the learning skills necessary for independently deepening their knowledge of regional volcanology and continuously updating their professional competencies.

The course consists of 42 hours (6 ECTS credits) of lectures and 36 hours (3 ECTS credits) of field mapping activities. Should the course be delivered in a blended or fully online format, any necessary adjustments may be introduced to ensure that the syllabus and intended learning outcomes are fully achieved.

Fundamentals of Petrography, Petrology, Geochemistry, Basic Volcanology, Volcano-tectonics, Physics of Volcanism.

Distribution of Volcanism on Earth

Intraplate Volcanism

• Distribution of Hot Spots on Earth
  
• Mantle Plume Structures and Ascent Models
  
• Evolution and Growth Phases of Hawaii-Type Edifices
  
• Structures and Morphologies in Hawaii-Type Volcanoes (Magma Chambers, Rift Zones, Summit Calderas)
  
• Inflation-Deflation Cycles
  
• Structures and Morphologies in Continental Intraplate Volcanism (Examples: Yellowstone and Eifel)
  
• Compositional Variations of Intraplate Magmas (Oceanic and Continental): Magmatic Series, Differentiation Trends
  
• Source Characteristics and Processes in Magma Chambers from Trace Elements and Sr-Nd-Pb Isotope Ratios
  
• Models of Magma Origin in Intraplate Environments
  

Mid-Ocean Ridge Volcanism

• Ridge Distribution
  
• Ocean-Floor Stratigraphy
  
• Slow-, Intermediate-, and Fast: Structures and Morphologies
  
• Surtseyan and Subglacial Eruptions (Iceland Examples)
  
• Compositional Variations of Ridge Magmas (Slow and Fast): Magmatic Series, Differentiation Trends
  
• N-MORB, T-MORB, and E-MORB: Trace Element Distinction and Sr-Nd Isotope Ratios
  
• Magma Origin Models (N-MORB, T-MORB, E-MORB) in Ridge Environments
  
• Examples of H2O and CO2 Concentrations in Magmas
  
• Structure of Magma Chambers and Processes
  
• Products and Eruptions of Subaqueous Volcanism
  

Volcanism in Continental Rift Zones

• Distribution
  
• Rifting Models
  
• Types of Eruptions and Edifices
  
• Composition of Products
  

Volcanism in Subduction Zones

• Distribution of Subduction Zones and Historical Eruptions
  
• Magma Formation in Subduction Environments
  
• Types of Subduction Zones (Marianna- and Chile-type)
  
• Eruptions and products
  
• Compositional variations of magmas in subduction zones (Marianna- and Chile-type): magmatic series, differentiation trends
  
• Magma chamber processes
  
• Characteristics of trace element sources and Sr-Nd-Pb-Be-B isotopic ratios
  

Volcanism of Etna

• Geodynamic framework and models of Etna's formation
  
• Stratigraphic succession and volcanic activity
  
• Eruptive styles
  
• Main tectonic features in the Etna area
  
• Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of products
  
• Characteristics of trace element sources and isotopic ratios
  
• Magma chamber processes from recent activity
  
• Anomalous eruptive styles in the recent record
  

Volcanism of the Aeolian Arc

• Geodynamic, structural, and seismic framework of the Aeolian Arc
  
• Edifice morphologies
  
• Structures and morphologies characterizing the portions Emerging Aeolian volcanic edifices
  
• Geochemical characteristics of the products (major and trace elements, Sr-Nd isotope ratios)
  
• Models for the origin of Aeolian volcanism (arc-plume)
  

• Gill R. (2010). Igneous rocks and processes. Wiley-Blackwell, 428 pp.
• Guest J., Cole P., Duncan A., Chester D. (2003). Volcanoes of Southern Italy. Published by the Geological Society, 284 pp.
• Jerram D., Petford N. (2011). The field description of igneous rocks. Wiley-Blackwell, 238 pp.
• Lockwood J.P., Hazlett R.W. (2010). Volcanoes – Global perspectives. Wiley-Blackweel, 541 pp.
• Parfitt E.A., Wilson L. (2008). Fundamentals of physical volcanology. Blackwell Publishing, 230 pp.
• Schmincke H.U. (2004). Volcanism. Springer, 324 pp.
• Sigurdsson H. (2000). Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. Academic Press - Elsevier, 1417 pp.

The final assessment consists of an oral examination integrated with the evaluation of the fieldwork project. The oral examination consists of an interview with the Examination Committee, during which the student, upon request of the course instructor, is expected to demonstrate knowledge of at least three topics covered during the course. The assessment of theoretical knowledge during the oral examination accounts for two-thirds (2/3) of the final grade. It is intended to evaluate the student's level of understanding, ability to clearly communicate scientific concepts orally, and mastery of the scientific method. The fieldwork component requires students to prepare a geo-volcanological map, including geological profiles and stratigraphic sections, accompanied by a technical report on the volcanic area investigated during the field survey. The evaluation of this fieldwork report accounts for one-third (1/3) of the final grade.  If necessary, the assessment may also be conducted remotely using online platforms. To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, students requiring accommodations may request an individual meeting to discuss appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the course learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the Department's CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) representative, Prof. Gabriele Lanzafame.