Geological Mapping and Fieldwork Practicals

Part 1 Geological maps and cross-sections (6 cfu, classroom lectures and practice exercises)
Lectures:

1) Introductory notes on contents, scale and types of geological maps
2) Using the geological map and other specific maps;
3) Geological maps as deduced from outcrops and fair copy maps
4) Law aspects and technical report writing
5) Key to map tools: legend (types, meaning, how it is constructed, etc.), schemes (stratigraphy, structure, etc.), geological cross-sections
6) Computerized maps and GIS (Geographic Information System)
7) Mapping Methodology:
· Sedimentary environments and rocks
· Crystalline basements and rocks
· Intrusive and Volcanic environments and rocks
· Continental Quaternary sediments and rocks

Practice exercises

1) Using the tools of Geological maps/specific maps (e.g., legend, schemes, morphology, symbols)
2) Understanding the geometry (attitude, true dip and apparent dip, thickness, shape) of geologic objects
3) Overlapping and juxtaposition relationships, heteropy
4) Understanding cross-cutting relations: unconformities, dykes, faults, folds
5) Understanding the tectonic structures and structural styles (fold and fault systems, their associations, local vs. regional structural elements, their continuity and geometry)
6) Chronological relations between geologic objects and their geologic evolution
7) Geologic cross-sections:
· Introduction, simple structures, horizontal and vertical scales
· Continuity, discontinuity, intersection, overlapping relations
· Geologic cross-section in regions with simple folding pattern
· Geologic cross-section in folded and faulted geological settings
· Geologic cross-sections in regions affected by polyphase deformation
8) Writing of the technical report on the geological map and cross-section.

Part 2 Fieldwork Practice (3 cfu, fieldwork)
This unit includes the Geological Mapping Stage (compulsory, 7 days in the field) and 2 compulsory single-day Field Trips (total amount of 9 field-work days, 3 cfu).
During the Geological Mapping Stage (to be held every year in September), different groups of Students will be led by the Teachers of the Geological mapping Course, with the help some additional Colleagues, to make the geological survey of a small territory.
This stage aims to promote the achievement of autonomy in geological mapping, data elaboration (geological map and sections, geological report, map explanatory notes) and applications.
The Field Trips (compulsory, 2 single-days) lead the whole class of Students to compare the map representation of geology with the real world geology, directly on site. The main aims are to refine the comprehension of the geological architectures in the field and on the correlative geological maps and to promote the understanding of the scale effects on the representation of geology on a map.