Unit STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
- Course
- Geology for energy resources
- Study-unit Code
- A004709
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Massimiliano Porreca
- Teachers
-
- Massimiliano Porreca
- Hours
- 42 ore - Massimiliano Porreca
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2024
- Offered
- 2024/25
- Learning activities
- Caratterizzante
- Area
- Discipline geologiche e paleontologiche
- Academic discipline
- GEO/03
- Type of study-unit
- Obbligatorio (Required)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- English
- Contents
Description, classification, and interpretation of geological structures such as faults, folds, foliations, lineations, shear zones, kinematic indicators, and the relationships between such structures and tectonic phenomena such as compressional mountain building and extensional basin formation. Visualisation and calculation of folded and faulted rock units, especially how these appear on geological maps and cross sections. Collection and interpretation of data from areas near the Apennines. Field activitities course.- Reference texts
H. Fossen: Structural geology, second edition.- Educational objectives
Understand the Basic Principles of Structural Geology:
Acquire a solid knowledge of geological structures, deformation processes, and tectonic forces that shape the Earth's crust.
Develop Practical and Analytical Skills:
Learn to use tools and techniques for analyzing geological structures, including field survey methods and laboratory analysis techniques.
Interpret Geological Data:
Be able to collect, interpret, and present geological data clearly and concisely, using appropriate software and modeling techniques.- Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geology, such as rock identification and stratigraphy.- Teaching methods
- Frontal lectures and exercises in laboratory and in the field
- Other information
- It is expected a field trip day
- Learning verification modality
- In class exercises and final exam
- Extended program
- Week 1: Introduction to Structural Geology
Lecture 1: Overview of Structural Geology
Definition, scope, and historical development
Importance and applications in earth sciences
Lecture 2: Basic Geological Structures
Folds, faults, joints, and unconformities
Classification of structures
Week 2: Stress and Strain in Rocks
Lecture 3: Concepts of Stress
Types of stress and representation (Mohr's circle)
Stress in the Earth's crust
Lecture 4: Concepts of Strain
Types of strain and strain analysis
Measurement and representation (strain ellipsoid)
Week 3: Deformation Mechanisms: Brittle Deformation
Lecture 5: Faults
Types, characteristics, and classification
Mechanisms of brittle deformation
Lecture 6: Fractures and Joints
Characteristics and significance
Week 4: Deformation Mechanisms: Ductile Deformation
Lecture 7: Folds
Types, geometry, and classification
Mechanisms of ductile deformation
Lecture 8: Flow and Creep in Rocks
Introduction to ductile flow and creep mechanisms
Week 5: Structural Mapping and Field Techniques
Lecture 9: Structural Mapping
Principles, techniques, and tools
Geological compass and GPS usage
Lecture 10: Field Techniques
Data collection and interpretation
Field trip preparation and safety
Week 6: Analysis of Geological Structures
Lecture 11: Structural Analysis
Methods and interpretation
3D visualization and modeling
Lecture 12: Quantitative Techniques
Stereographic projection and computer-aided analysis
Software tools (e.g., GIS, GOCAD)
Week 7: Regional Structural Geology
Lecture 13: Tectonic Settings
Plate tectonics and structural geology
Examples of regional structures
Lecture 14: Structural Evolution
Temporal aspects and case studies
Evolution of geological structures
Week 8: Applications of Structural Geology
Lecture 15: Resource Exploration
Structural controls on mineral deposits and hydrocarbon exploration
Geothermal energy
Lecture 16: Environmental and Engineering Applications
Structural geology in environmental assessments and geohazards
Engineering geology considerations
Week 9: Advanced Techniques and Special Topics
Lecture 17: Advanced Structural Techniques
Microstructural analysis and geochronology
Structural geology of complex terrains
Lecture 18: Recent Advances and Research Trends
Latest research and technological advances
Discussion of recent papers and case studies
Week 10: Practical Sessions
Practical Session 1: Laboratory Analysis
Hands-on activities with rock samples and microscopic analysis
Use of modeling software
Practical Session 2: Field Mapping Exercise
On-site structural mapping and data collection
Preparation of a geological report
Week 11: Review and Exam Preparation
Review Session:
Summary of key concepts
Q&A session and review of lecture materials
Exam Preparation:
Tips for exam success and practice questions