BASIN ANALYSIS

The course introduces the Basin Analysis methods used in georesources exploration and the increased use of renewable energy (solar, wind).

The course will contribute (by lectures, seminars and scientific papers) to the Sustainable Development Goal of Agenda 2030 n. 7: Affordable and clean energy, Target 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

At the end of the course the student will gain knowledge and understanding of:

geological processes in space and time;

the geometry of geological and sedimentary bodies and the relationships between tectonics and sedimentation;

sedimentary basins in their plate tectonic environment and global tectonics; 

sedimentary basin formation.

Applying knowledge and understanding to:

collect and analyse surface and subsurface geological data;

reconstruct the evolution of sedimentary basins.

Making judgements

Through practical activities, performed in classroom or in the field, the students will learn to:

select and interpret collected data making judgements on basin analysis topics (georesources exploration and storage, energy transition). 

Communication skills

Students will acquire good communication skills and appropriate technical and scientific terminology. They will be invited to talk and to discuss scientific and technical topics.

Learning skills

Students will acquire methodological skills to be used in their research and professional careers. Students will learn to improve their knowledge reading scientific papers, books and professional reports in English.

The course will consist of lectures, active and practical work also using interactive platforms (Mentimeter) and Basin Analysis software (Backstrip), field excursions, small group research projects on defined topics, seminars on selected topics. This will enhance knowledge and comprehension of course contents and acquisition of abilities.

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.

Plate tectonics. Makeup of the Earth: compositional division, rheological division. Basins in their plate tectonic environment. Classification schemes of sedimentary basins. The mechanics of sedimentary basin formation. Basins due to lithospheric stretching: pure shear, simple shear. Basins due to flexure. Isostasy. Foreland basins. Basins associated with strike-slip deformation. Tectonic control on sedimentation. Basin stratigraphy. Relative sea level change and accommodation. Driving mechanisms for stratigraphic patterns. Sequence stratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy. Seismic interpretation concepts. Basin analysis. Subsidence and thermal history. Energy resources and sedimentary basins.

Laboratory

The use of bathymetric maps and Google Earth to understand and classify sedimentary basins. Exercises on isostasy principle. Seismic stratigraphy: construction of chronostratigraphic diagrams (Wheeler). Exercises on geohistory and backstripping of sedimentary basins. Introduction to the interpretation of seismic profiles.

2) Plate Tectonics – Haakon Fossen,  Christian Teyssier. Cambridge University Press

Students may ask for compensatory tools and dispensatory measures if needed contacting Prof. Giorgio De Guidi (CInaP delegate of Department SBGA).

MID-TERM EXAMS

The exams are written and consist of exercises on practical contents exposed during the course. The acquired scores, if passed, will be considered in the final mark. 

FINAL EXAM

The final assessment is oral and will deal with all contents (theory and practice) of the course. It may also take into account the development of a project. All the acquired knowledge and abilities will be evaluated.