Download Master Degree in Applied Geological Sciences

Master in Applied Geological Sciences
Università di Pavia
The Master in Applied Geological Sciences includes two programmes of study (curriculum), termed
“Engineering and Environmental Geology” and “Geosciences and Resources”.
The curriculum “Engineering and Environmental Geology” must include at least three courses in the field
of Geomorphology and Engineering Geology (SSD GEO/04 and GEO/05), at least two courses in the field
of Geology and Paleontology (SSD GEO/01, GEO/02 and GEO/03) and at least two courses in the field of
Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry (SSD GEO/06, GEO/07, GEO/08 and GEO/09).
The curriculum “Geosciences and Resources” must include at least three courses in the field of Geology
and Paleontology (SSD GEO/01, GEO/02 and GEO/03), at least two courses in the field of Geomorphology
and Engineering Geology (SSD GEO/04 and GEO/05), and at least two courses in the field of Mineralogy,
Petrography and Geochemistry (SSD GEO/06, GEO/07, GEO/08 and GEO/09).
For both programmes of study, the second semester is devoted to the preparation of the Final
Dissertation (30 CFU). The Master in Applied Geological Sciences also includes 9 CFU for free-choice
courses. The total number of CFU in the two years is 120.
FIRST YEAR
semester CFU
teacher
SSD
Structural Geology
1
9
proff. C. Perotti, S. Seno
GEO/03
Applied Geomorphology and Geoenvironmental
1
proff. L. Pellegrini - P.L. Vercesi GEO/04
Impact
9
Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
1
9
prof. F. Zucca
GEO/04
Minerals and Materials
1
9
prof. S.C. Tarantino
GEO/06
Basin Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy*
Applied Geophysics and Underground Surveys*
Applied Hydrogeology
Applied Mineralogy
Composition of the Lithosphere
2
2
2
2
2
9
9
9
9
9
prof. A. Di Giulio
prof. P. Torrese
prof. G. Pilla
proff. F. Caucia - M. Setti
proff. R. Tribuzio - M. Tiepolo
GEO/02
GEO/05
GEO/05
GEO/06
GEO/07
SECOND YEAR
Paleoclimate and Global Change
Geology of the Hydrocarbons*
Engineering Geology for Land Planning*
Environmental Geochemistry*
Applied Petrography
1
1
1
1
1
9
9
9
9
9
proff. C. Lupi - N. Mancin
prof. F. Cazzini
prof. C. Meisina
proff. E. Sacchi - R. Vannucci
proff. M.P. Riccardi - E. Basso
GEO/01
GEO/02
GEO/05
GEO/08
GEO/09
Suggested free-choice course
Geotechnics
1
9
prof. A. Piccio
ICAR/07
Course: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY (9 CFU)
Teachers: Cesare Perotti ([email protected]), Silvio Seno ([email protected])
Module 1 (6 CFU, teacher Cesare Perotti).
Techniques of structural geology and tectonics. Geophysical techniques: seismic reflection. First
motion radiation pattern from a faulting event. Rheological behaviour of rocks. Principles of
deformation of rocks: deformation mechanisms, brittle and ductile deformation. Stress and strain: the
Mohr diagrams, stress and strain tensors. Tectonic regimes and structural styles. Extensional tectonics
and normal faulting. Structural associations of normal faults and extensional structures. Extensional
environments and regional examples. Compressional tectonics. Thrust deformation. Strike-slip
tectonics. Strike-slip fault associations. Transpression and transtension. Transcurrent environments
and regional examples. Inversion tectonics. Salt tectonics. Neotectonics. Faults, fractures and joints:
features and analysis criteria. Rock mass properties and structural classifications.
Module 1 (3 CFU, teacher Silvio Seno).
Thrust systems: geometry of thrust faults, lateral and oblique ramps, back-thrusts, pop-up structures.
Duplex and horses, imbricate stack, normal and out-of-sequence kinematic development of thrusts.
Balanced cross-sections. Geometrical techniques for reconstructing the deformation. The Busk and
kink methods for the reconstruction of folds. Examples of balanced cross-sections in compressional
deformed areas. Modelling the deformation of rocks. Numerical models. Software for 2d and 3d
graphical analysis. Analogue modelling. Applications to hydrocarbon and earthquake geology.
Course: APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEOENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT (9 CFU)
Teachers: Luisa Pellegrini ([email protected]), Pier Luigi Vercesi ([email protected])
Module 1 (6 CFU, teacher Luisa Pellegrini).
Relationships between the structural-geological environment and the landscape. Geomorphology of
coastal plain, plain and plateau, dome, folded and block mountains. Tectonic geomorphology.
Relationships between climatic conditions and changes and geomophological dynamics.
Geomorphological hazard, vulnerability and risk in mountain, fluvial and coastal environment.
Geomorphological mapping and applied geomorphological mapping: principles and field survey
techniques. Geologic and geomorphological heritage. Geosites and geo-morphosites: laws and
regulations, description, assessment, surveying and mapping. Preservation and conservation of the
landscape
Module 2 (3 CFU, teacher Pier Luigi Vercesi).
Geologic-geomorphologic analysis of specific region to define the geoenvironmental features.
Reponse of the natural system to human intervention. National and regional regulations related to
V.I.A. (environmental impact assessment), and applications. Geological aspects of environmental
impact studies.
Course: REMOTE SENSING AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS (9 CFU)
Teacher: Francesco Zucca ([email protected])
Remote sensing and spatial analysis will be integrated to shape advanced expertise on Geographic data
(maps from analog to products of remote sensing, sensor networks, GPS, etc..), over analysis and on
dissemination of derived information, and able to classify and extract information from geographical
data, as well as to assess uncertainties, limitations and errors, and thus able to propose and carry out
observations and products best suited to the most diverse contexts-goals-scenarios.
Lectures. The concepts and fundamentals of Remote Sensing: energy sources and radiation principles,
energy-atmosphere interaction, energy-material/surface interaction. The ideal system of RS and
characteristics of a real systems. Elements and principles of photogrammetry. Automatic interpretation
and visual elements; supervised and unsupervised methods. RS multispectral, thermal, hyperspectral,
LIDAR and microwave systems. Systems of non-conventional RS (UAV & ROV) and proximal
remote sensing. RS of soils, minerals and geological and geomorphological contexts, the water cycle
and vegetation.
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References to data structures and 3D models, space-time and uncertainty. Processing of spatial data:
transformations of representation models and data format conversion, interpolation, resampling.
Generalization. Advanced classification. Operation on spatial databases: basic analytical and
geometrical measurements, analysis of point patterns, spatial cluster analysis, cartographic models,
multi-criteria evaluation. Surface analysis: calculation of derived and surface interpolation. Spatial
statistics and geostatistics. Network analysis: definition, descriptions, flow models. GIS on the field.
Integration with GPS, sensor networks (SENSOR WEB). Modeling of geological and environmental
processes in a GIS environment. The Spatial Data Infrastructures: components and developments.
Course: CRISTALLOGRAPHY AND ANALYTICAL METHODS (9 CFU)
Teacher: Serena Chiara Tarantino ([email protected])
The course is aimed at providing students with concepts and tools to understand the structural
complexity of inorganic solids, by using examples of minerals and technological materials. Starting
point is the description of the ideal crystal, then the course describes the transformation and
deformation mechanisms which characterize inorganic solids in order to understand the role of
structural and chemical complexity as well as of defects in determining reactivity and physical
properties in the solid state.
Program. Description of crystal structures. Inorganic crystal-chemistry. Molecular and extended
solids. Pauling rules. Eutactic structures. Defects in crystals: point defects; line defects; planar defects.
Relation between defects and physical properties. Energetics and crystals stability - solid solutions,
exsolution and ordering. Transformation processes. Structural phase transitions. Landau theory of
phase transitions (hints). Exsolution: nucleation, diffusion, spinodal decomposition. Experimental
techniques for analysing crystal structures and transformation.
Course: BASIN ANALYSIS AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY (9 CFU)
Teacher: Andrea Di Giulio ([email protected])
Sedimentary basins and their classification; basins related to divergent, convergent and strike slip
settings. Subsidence, burial and thermal history of sedimentary sequences and basins. Controlling
factors on filling of sedimentary basins. Chronostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic and sequence
stratigraphic approach to the study of sedimentary successions. The concept of eustacy, subsidence
and accomodation space. Depositional sequences and their boundaries, staking patterns, system tracts
and their boundaries. 4-5 days field trip into an Italian sedimentary basin (generally changing year by
year).
Course: APPLIED GEOPHYSICS AND UNDERGROUND SURVEYS (9 CFU)
Teacher: Patrizio Torrese ([email protected])
The aim of the course is to provide the students concepts and tools necessary for the setting up of a site
investigation survey, prospecting design (preliminary, final, executive phases), the achievement of the
survey during data collection, processing and interpretation, the understanding of the factors affecting
the choice of the prospecting method.
Lectures. Objectives and criteria for the setting up of a site investigation survey, prospecting design
(preliminary, final, executive phases), factors affecting the choice of the prospecting method,
applicability and limitations of the different surveys, national regulations. Drilling equipment and
methods, cable tool drilling, rotary drilling, hole hammer drilling, auger drilling, coring and sampling
techniques, sampling quality categories, standard procedures for the description of soils and rocks.
Penetrometer tests, CPT, CPTU, DCPT, SPT. Seismic methods: reflection, refraction, tomography,
SASW, MASW, REMI, Down Hole, VSP, Cross Hole, HVSR surveys. Resistivity methods: resistivity
depth sounding, resistivity profiling, ERT, self-potential, induced polarization, mise à la masses.
Electromagnetics methods: GPR CWEM, TEM, VLF-EM, MT, CSAMT. Gravity method, magnetic
method. Geophysical logging: sonic, resistivity, self potential, induction, radioactive logs.
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Practicals. Geophysical prospecting design. Seismic, resistivity, self potential, induced polarization,
electromagnetic, gravity data processing and interpretation. Fieldwork: resistivity, self potential,
induced polarization, electromagnetic survey.
Course: APPLIED HYDROGEOLOGY (9 CFU)
Teacher: Giorgio Pilla ([email protected])
Lectures. Water cycle, hydrogeological properties of the rocks, groundwater flow, aquifer and
groundwater, typology of groundwater, Bernoulli’s theorem, Darcy’s law, transmissivity, storage
coefficient, groundwater’s discharge, discharge rate and effective flow rate. Cartography, shallow
waters-groundwaters relationships. Mentions of hydrochemistry and isotopic hydrology. Fractured and
karstic aquifers. Groundwater capture. Aquifer exploitation and pumping tests on wells and boreholes.
Pollutant migration and transport into the groundwater. Water catchment’s safeguard areas (wells and
springs) and methods for the detection of the safeguard areas. Main methodologies to evaluate the
ground water’s pollution vulnerability.
Practicals. Piezometric heads map construction. Exploitation and pumping tests processing. Creation
of a hydrogeologic report regarding a concession request for ground water exploitation. Creation of a
vulnerability map.
Course: APPLIED MINERALOGY (9 CFU)
Teachers: Franca Caucia ([email protected]), Massimo Setti ([email protected])
Module 1 (6 CFU, teacher Franca Caucia).
Lectures. Concepts of “natural gemstone” and “synthetic material”. Methods to synthesize gems:
flame-fusion processes (Verneuil process, Czochralski process); flux-fusion; hydrothermal processes;
HP-HT methods. Synthetic gemstones. Methods to obtain manipulated gemstone: heating, irradiance,
thermal diffusion. Idiochromatic gemstone (tourmaline, garnet) and allochromatic gemstone (diamond,
beryl, corundum). LA-ICP-MS in-situ microanalysis to estimate trace-content chromophores in
gemstones. Genetic conditions for the principal families of gem-quality minerals. Inclusions in
gemstones and their relations to genetic conditions. Italian gemstones. Organic materials. Rare
gemstones.
Practicals. Gemmological laboratory: the hydrostatic balance and the measure of specific gravity with
heavy-weight liquids; the immersion microscope and the optical analysis of inclusions; the
refractometer and the measure of the refractive indexes of gemstones; the polariscope, the dichroscope
and the identification of optical sign of gemstones and of pleochroism for coloured materials; the
optical spectroscope. Compilation of a gemmological diagnostic card for identification of natural
gemstones and synthetic products. Destructive analyses suitable to identify opaque gemstones: IR and
Raman spectroscopy; RX powder diffraction. Heating experiment of quartz and beryl (aquamarine)
gemstones.
Module 2 (3 CFU, teacher Massimo Setti).
The characteristics of the natural and artificial materials, the use of stone materials in monuments of
great historical and architectonical relevance and their present state of conservation. The rocks, the
most important rock-forming minerals and their most relevant processes of transformation/alteration.
The characterisation of the petrophysical properties of the rocks and their use as indicators of the
degree of decay. The natural causes of the decay: humidity, rain, freeze-thaw cycle, temperature
variation, wind, biological factors. The human-induced causes of the decay: atmospheric pollution, air
composition in strong anthropic areas, the effects of acid rain and pollutants. The effects of the decay:
lost of materials, fissuration, fracturation, crusts formation, salts, efflorescence, and others. The
classification of the different forms of decay following the Normal recommendations. The sampling
procedures, the invasive and non-invasive chemical-physical analyses. The methodologies for the
diagnosis of the “pathologies” and for the interventions of restoration of lithoid materials, potteries,
terra cotta, bricks and mortars: porosimetry, colour determination, optical microscopy, Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The
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techniques for the restoration of the materials: protection, cleaning, consolidation, substitution. The
different topics of the course will be explained and discussed also considering some real examples of
monuments or buildings of great historical and artistic importance. At the end of the course one or
more guided excursions to visit some monuments and relevant historical buildings of the town of
Pavia are planned; during these tours the students will learn how to apply their theoretical knowledge
by analysing the decay forms and by using the different sampling techniques.
Course: COMPOSITION OF THE LITHOSPHERE (9 CFU)
Teachers: Riccardo Tribuzio ([email protected])
Alessio Sanfilippo ([email protected]), Alberto Zanetti (C.N.R.)([email protected])
Module 1 (3 CFU, teacher Riccardo Tribuzio)
The fossil oceanic lithosphere (ophiolites). Main geological characteristics of Northern Apennines, Western
Alps and Corsica. Geology and petrology of the Jurassic ophiolites that will be visited in the field excursions
(Northern Apennine and Ligurian/Western Alps). Ophiolites with subduction-related tectono-metamorphic
overprint. Practicals will include the micro-structural analysis at the optical microscope of the rocks examined
during the field excursions.
Module 2 (3 CFU, teacher Alessio Sanfilippo)
State of the art knowledge of the composition, structure and architecture of Mid-Ocean Ridges. Using
petrological and geochemical investigations, the course will focus on i) models of partial melting of the upper
mantle; ii) current models of accretion of the lower oceanic crust at fast and slow spreading ridges; iii) tectono
metamorphic evolution of the lower oceanic crust. In addition, the course will examine the main techniques
used for oceanic exploration, together with discussions on the modern instruments used to acquire geophysical
data and seafloor samples. The classroom activity is combined with a field excursion to the Jurassic ophiolites
exposed in Corsica (France).
Module 3 (3 CFU, teacher Alberto Zanetti)
Hypotheses on the genesis of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle and the continental crust, and their secular
evolution. Structure and petrology of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle and the continental crust in
different geodynamic settings. Permo-Jurassic evolution of the lithosphere in the Mediterranean area. Presentday evolution of the lithosphere in the Mediterranean area.
Field excursion aimed at studying the nearly complete section of continental crust of the Adria plate exposed in
the Southern Alps close to the Insubric Line. The field work will be focused on the characterization of
magmatic processes correlated with the rising of large volumes of mantle-derived melts in the Permian. This
determined the emplacement of a giant gabbroic intrusion in the lower crust (Ivrea-Verbano Zone), which was
associated with granitic intrusions in the upper-intermediate crust and acid volcanism at the surface (Serie dei
Laghi). Evidence for Triassic magmatism in the Finero area will be also shown and discussed.
Course: PALEOCLIMATE AND GLOBAL CHANGE (9 CFU)
Teachers: Claudia Lupi ([email protected]), Nicoletta Mancin ([email protected])
The course presents a multidisciplinary approach concerning the study of the global climate change
through the tools of the Earth Sciences. Specifically, the topics include: geological time (biostratiphic
unit, biostratigraphic correlation, ecostratigraphy and ecobiostratigraphy and calibration between
biostratigraphy and other chemical and physical methods); biotic response to Global Change (role of
the main modern and fossil Protista with particular attention for foraminifera and calcareous
nannofossils); components, external causes and feedback mechanisms of the climate system; carbon
cycle and Milankovitch cycles, climate models and Earth Sciences proxies; Earth climate history;
anthropogenic Global Warming in the context of Paleoclimate.
Practical. Individual laboratory exercises will be assigned on peculiar key-studies from the literature
and on selected stratigraphic sections in order to probe the application of Micropaleontology to
paleoclimate reconstructions. Reading from scientific journals of articles considered as cornerstones.
Individual and/or group report on case studies assigned (Bibliographic research, outline of the surveys
conducted, the results obtained and the possible problems still unresolved). Critical reading and group
discussion of the information taken from the media on climate changes taking place.
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The teaching material, the bibliography references and the suggested manuals are provided in English.
The final examination could be in English.
Final exam: laboratory microfossil recognition, written report on one studied case and oral discussion
Course: GEOLOGY OF THE HYDROCARBONS (9 CFU)
Teacher: Ferdinando Franco Cazzini ([email protected])
Composition of petroleum fluids; physical properties of hydrocarbons; heavy petroleum fraction;
reservoir fluids and formation water; origin of petroleum; migration of petroleum; Accumulation of
petroleum; alteration of petroleum; reservoir rocks; cap rocks; hydrocarbon traps; sedimentary basins;
source rocks formation and distribution; selecting areas; acquiring mineral rights; programming direct
and indirect surveys; analysing petroleum potential; economic aspects of petroleum exploration;
subsurface geology; applied geochemistry; gravimetric surveys, magnetometric surveys;
magnetotelluric surveys; seismic reflection surveys; logs electric-acoustic-radioactive recording in the
well; basin modelling for petroleum exploration; drilling and completion of wells; oil field
characteristics and relevant studies; phase behavior; fluid classification; PVT analyses (laboratory
procedures and parameters measured); equations of state; hydrocarbon transport and gas storage;
underground structures for natural gas storage.
Course: ENGINEERING GEOLOGY FOR LAND PLANNING (9 CFU)
Teacher: Claudia Meisina ([email protected])
The geological risk: definitions and basic concepts (hazard, elements at risk, vulnerability). Landslide
risk. Classification and characteristics of landslides. Deep seated gravitational slope deformations.
Shallow landslides. Predisposing and triggering factors. Different methodologies for the landslide
hazard and risk assessment: empirical, heuristic, statistical deterministic approaches. Monitoring and
mitigation of landslides. Seismic risk : the seismic microzonation, site effects, coseismic phenomena
(landslides and liquefaction). Subsidence: causes and typology of land subsidence (aquifer-system
compaction, drainage of organic soils, underground mining, shrinkage of clay soils, sinkholes), land
subsidence mapping and monitoring. Land planning at regional, provincial, municipal scale (landscape
plans, municipal urban plans). Technical specifications for geological studies in support of planning
instruments.
Course: ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY (9 CFU)
Teachers: Elisa Sacchi ([email protected])
Element cycles and atmospheric pollution Introduction: flow diagrams, steady state and anthropogenic
perturbations. Phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen and metal cycles. Atmospheric structure,
atmospheric pollution (gases and particulate matters), main consequences (atmospheric deposition,
acid rains, greenhouse effects, climate change). Petroleum geochemistry The carbon cycles:
production, accumulations and transformations of the organic matter. Kerogen formation and
characteristics. Chemical characterisation of the source rock: quality, quantity and maturity of the
organic matter, biomarkers, main parameters and analytical techniques. Hydrocarbon classification: oil
and gas generation, oil-oil and oil-source rock correlations, biogas. Introduction to pollution
phenomena Types of pollutants and perturbations induced, sources, main inorganic and organic
pollutants, movement in soils and groundwater, advection and diffusion, delay, solid-liquid-gas
partition coefficients. Pollution phenomena Urban waste disposals: genesis and composition of
leachate and biogas, groundwater pollution. Soil pollution: contaminant retention, detection of the
anthropogenic input, heavy metals, organic compounds, remediation techniques. Surface water
pollution and eutrophication. Sea water composition and marine pollution. Groundwater pollution:
inorganic and organic compounds, remediation techniques (reactive barriers, bioremediation). Mine
waste and acid mine drainage. Underground pollution and radioactive waste management.
Environmental data treatment and geochemical modelling Statistical data treatment e geostatistics.
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Course: APPLIED PETROGRAPHY (9 CFU)
Teachers: Maria Pia Riccardi ([email protected])
Students will learn to (i) understand industrial processes (ceramics, mortars, and plasters), as well as
pre-industrial (historical and archaeological materials); (ii) manage multianalytical techniques and
study and diagnostics protocols applied to natural and artificial materials; (iii) read and interpret thin
sections of both natural and artificial materials (ceramics, mortars and plasters, stones) and write a
petrographic report.
Modern and historical natural building stones and artificial stone materials (mortars and plasters).
Petrographic versus business classification. Industrial and pre-industrial methods of quarrying.
Material properties and uses. Textural and compositional investigations. Study of microstructural
defects. Production economy.
Study of both modern and archaeological ceramics. Classification principles. The production cycle of
ceramics: the raw materials and their industrial and pre-industrial processing (production recipes, raw
materials provenance). Microscopic approach for the investigation of ceramic materials through the
thin section analysis. Fabrics and microstructures of ceramics.
At the end of each module, the student will incur a written exam focusing on the practice exercises
carried out during the course. The exam will consist of the study of a thin section and writing a
petrographic report. At the end of the course, the student will make an oral exam focusing on the
topics treated during the two modules. The final grade will be the average grade of the three exams
(two written and one oral).
Course: GEOTECHNICS (9 CFU)
Teacher: Achille Piccio ([email protected])
Soils: composition and index properties. Classifications. Permeability. Effective stress. Mechanical
behaviour of the soils: deformability and shear strength. Compaction. In situ tests. Rock mechanics:
principles. Applications: seepage; walls; shallow foundations (bearing capacity and settlement); deep
foundations. The course includes frontal lessons, written exercises and laboratory tests.
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