Geomorphology and Laboratory

A.Y. 2024/2025
10
Max ECTS
96
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/04
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
To give the basic information and scientific tools to identify and interpret landforms and to reconstruct the time and steps of surface processes triggering present-day landscapes. To teach how to identify and describe landforms in the field and onto topographic maps.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire competency in the filed of Physical Geography and Geomorphology. They will learn how to identify and describe landforms and to interpret their formation processes forming linear and complex systems.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Introduction: definition of Geomorphology and its relationship with Physical Geography; geomorphological processes.
Basic concepts: climate, erosion, transport, sedimentation, pedogenesis, biostasy, rhesistasy. Endogenous and exogenous processes.
Endogenous processes: morphotectonic
Structural landforms: tabular and monoclinal reliefs, bends and faults.
Weathering of rock (and soils): mechanical, chemical, physical and biologic processes; factors and processes of pedogenesis.
Slope processes: types of landslide; DSGSD
Fluvial processes: fluvial landforms and deposits; fans, alluvial plains; hydrographic net.
Glacial and periglacial (and paraglacial) landforms and deposits.
Karst processes: surface and underground karst processes, forms, and deposits.
Weathering of crystalline rocks.
Volcanic landforms.
Coastlines and coastal landforms.
Practical: basic concepts on cartography (shape of Earth, projections, scale); interpretation of landforms on IGM and CTR topographic maps.
Prerequisites for admission
Basics acquired in the first semester
Teaching methods
Lessons and practical on topographic maps and online mapping software.
Teaching Resources
Slides distributed during the class and online available at Ariel. Suggested book: Dramis-Ollier, Genesi ed evoluzione del rilievo terrestre. Pitagora Editrice.
McKnight-Darrel, Geografia Fisica: comprendere il paesaggio, Piccin-Nuova Libraria
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam with a grade expressed out of thirty. The actual understanding of the contents provided and the processes described will be assessed. The ability to summarize and use appropriate terminology will also be taken into consideration. The exam will include the description and interpretation of one of the topographic maps seen during the exercises. You will also be given the opportunity to take an ongoing test relating to the first part of the programme; if passed, this part of the program will not be asked during the final exam and the final grade will be the average of the two partials.
GEO/04 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY - University credits: 10
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Professor: Zerboni Andrea
Attività Alternative
Professor: Roda Manuel
Didattica Obbligatoria di Terreno
Professors: Fumagalli Patrizia, Marini Mattia, Merlini Marco, Zanoni Davide, Zerboni Andrea
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor
Reception:
Ask for an appointment via email
Via Mangiagalli 34, 3rd floor
Reception:
Mon-Fri, 9-11.
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra "Ardito Desio", Via L. Mangiagalli 34, 20133 Milano