Unit SEDIMENTARY PETROGRAPHY

Course
Geology for energy resources
Study-unit Code
55A00030
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Simonetta Cirilli
Teachers
  • Simonetta Cirilli
Hours
  • 52 ore - Simonetta Cirilli
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2024
Offered
2024/25
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Academic discipline
GEO/02
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
English
Contents
Basic concepts and methodologies. Composition, classification, environmental and diagenetic interpretation of the sedimentary rocks. Diagenetic processes: causes and effects, types of textures. Porosity and permeability: relationships with textural parameters and diagenetic processes.
Reference texts
Tucker M.E.: Sedimentary Petrology. An Introduction, Blackwell Scientific Pubblications, Oxford, 1982.

Slides by the professor uploaded on the Ateneo web site: UNISTUDIUM
Adams A.E, Mackenzie W.S. & Guilford C.: Atlante delle rocce sedimentarie al microscopio. Zanichelli, Bologna 1988.
Sholle P.A.: Constituents, Textures, Cements and Porosity of Sandstones and associated rocks. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Memoir 28, Tulsa (Oklaoma), 1979.
Sholle P.A.: Carbonate Rocks Constituents, Textures, Cements and Porosity. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., Memoir 27, Tulsa (Oklaoma), 1978.
Educational objectives
The course is recommended as one of the elective courses for the Master's Degree in Geology for Energy Resources and aims to provide, as its main objective, practical and theoretical knowledge on the main textural aspects and petrophysical properties of sedimentary rocks.
The primary knowledge and skills acquired by students will be:
• Specific knowledge of sedimentary rocks
• Ability to evaluate their textural properties
• Ability to reconstruct, through textural analysis, the depositional areas and provenance of the textural components
• Ability to reconstruct, through the most significant textural parameters, the diagenetic evolution and the implications in variations of porosity and permeability trends
• Ability to connect the acquired knowledge to the exploration of geo-resources.
Prerequisites
To understand topics related to sedimentary petrography and to be able to apply the acquired knowledge, the following prerequisites are necessary:

- essential basic knowledge of general geology
- basic knowledge of sedimentary geology
- basic knowledge of rocks in general and sedimentary rocks in particular, as well as the basic processes of their formation
- basic knowledge of the classification schemes of sedimentary rocks
- familiarity with field geology (in making geologic observations and interpretations)

These prerequisites apply to both attending and non-attending students.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods:
• Lectures on all topics of the program
• Practical laboratory exercises: thin section analysis under the microscope and macroscopic examination of rock samples
• Seminars and work groups.
Other information
The course is recommended for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the genesis, textural characteristics, and evolution of sedimentary rocks, as well as the understanding of diagenetic processes. The knowledge and methodologies acquired during the course find application in various fields of sedimentary geology and, in particular, in applied geological topics. Among these, the characterization of the textural and petrophysical properties of sedimentary units is of significant importance, such as reservoirs for hydrocarbons, water, and for the storage of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and other elements useful for the sustainable use of renewable energies.
Learning verification modality
Oral exam:
The exam will:
• Determine the level of knowledge and understanding the student has achieved regarding the theoretical and methodological content of the program.
• Verify the student’s ability to communicate with proper terminology.
• Assess the student’s ability to understand the proposed issues and suggest hypothetical solutions.
For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders, visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Extended program
Introduction to sedimentary petrography: basic concepts and analysis methodologies. Physics of sedimentary processes: geological cycle of sediments; evaluation of the physical characteristics, granulometric, morphometric, and textural parameters of sediments; characterization of fabric, packing, porosity, and permeability. Composition, classification, and interpretation of sedimentary rocks: terrigenous-siliciclastic, carbonate, evaporitic-sulfate, and siliceous rocks.
Porosity and permeability, primary and secondary porosity; diagenetic domains: early diagenesis and deep diagenesis. Main diagenetic processes: causes and effects in relation to the texture and composition of sedimentary rocks. Diagenetic processes in carbonates (limestones and dolomites) with particulate texture, in bioconstructed carbonates, and in terrigenous clastic rocks. Nature of cements. Recognition and interpretation of cements in sedimentary rocks. Evaluation of porosity and permeability trends in relation to the textural parameters of sedimentary rocks and early and burial diagenetic processes.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
4
7
13
Condividi su