Paleontology and Stratigraphic Geology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Recognize and understand the processes leading to the formation of the sedimentary rocks. Learn the principles of stratigraphy. Understand the processes leading to the production of the fossil record. Encourage learning about the main groups of invertebrates commonly used in paleontology, also considering dissemination as a possible goal
Expected learning outcomes
Capacity to recognize the main groups of sedimentary rocks and to apply the principles of stratigraphy. Capacity to recognize the transition of organic remains from the biosphere to the lithosphere. Acquisition of expertise about the main groups of animals whose fossil record contributes to the knowledge about biological evolution. Capacity to recognize the main invertebrate fossil groups. Ability to disseminate the acquired knowledge on sedimentary processes and fossilization.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Paleontology
Taphonomy: from the biosphere to the lithosphere.
The species in Paleontology: definition and problems.
Biostratinomy: from the causes of death to the burial of an organism through the physical- (bio) chemical processes that can affect its morphology and preservation.
Fossilization s.s. (diagenesis): description of the chemical-physical processes that affect the composition and structure of the organic remains in a sediment / rock. Burial conditions. Diagenesis of non-mineralized tissues. Formation of autigenous minerals in association with non-mineralized tissues. Preservation / alteration of biominerals. Types of fossils.
Fossil deposits (Fossil-Lagerstätten).
Trace fossils: systematic and interpretation in terms of biological activity
The main groups of invertebrate fossils
Main characteristics of: cnidarians, brachiopods, bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, echinoderms. Notes on the importance of individual groups in the field of Earth Sciences.
Practicals.
Description and identification of invertebrate fossil specimens.
Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
Sedimentary rocks and their genesis
Sedimentary rock fabric and sedimentary structures
Composition, texture, and principles used in classification of sedimentary rocks
Composition and texture of clastic rocks and their environmental meaning
Composition and texture of carbonatic rocks and their environmental meaning
Evaporites, freshwater tufa and speleothems
Other sedimentary rock types
Principles of modern stratigraphy
Stratigraphic units
Stratigraphic relationships
Practicals
Textural analysis of representative rock specimens covering the full range of sedimentary rocks
Application of basic stratigraphic principles to real-life examples
Taphonomy: from the biosphere to the lithosphere.
The species in Paleontology: definition and problems.
Biostratinomy: from the causes of death to the burial of an organism through the physical- (bio) chemical processes that can affect its morphology and preservation.
Fossilization s.s. (diagenesis): description of the chemical-physical processes that affect the composition and structure of the organic remains in a sediment / rock. Burial conditions. Diagenesis of non-mineralized tissues. Formation of autigenous minerals in association with non-mineralized tissues. Preservation / alteration of biominerals. Types of fossils.
Fossil deposits (Fossil-Lagerstätten).
Trace fossils: systematic and interpretation in terms of biological activity
The main groups of invertebrate fossils
Main characteristics of: cnidarians, brachiopods, bivalves, cephalopods, trilobites, echinoderms. Notes on the importance of individual groups in the field of Earth Sciences.
Practicals.
Description and identification of invertebrate fossil specimens.
Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
Sedimentary rocks and their genesis
Sedimentary rock fabric and sedimentary structures
Composition, texture, and principles used in classification of sedimentary rocks
Composition and texture of clastic rocks and their environmental meaning
Composition and texture of carbonatic rocks and their environmental meaning
Evaporites, freshwater tufa and speleothems
Other sedimentary rock types
Principles of modern stratigraphy
Stratigraphic units
Stratigraphic relationships
Practicals
Textural analysis of representative rock specimens covering the full range of sedimentary rocks
Application of basic stratigraphic principles to real-life examples
Prerequisites for admission
Chemistry. Mineralogy.
Teaching methods
Lessons and practicals.
Teaching Resources
Palaeontology
MANUALE DI PALEONTOLOGIA Fondamenti - Applicazioni
ISBN: 8879477781 Edited by Società Paleontologica Italiana, 2022
Slides published in Ariel
Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
Casati, Scienze della Terra, Volume 1, Elementi di Geologia Generale, Ed. Città Studi, MI, 1996
Press, Siever, Grotzinger, Jordan Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2007
Bosellini, Mutti, Ricci Lucchi, Rocce e Successioni Sedimentarie, Ed. UTET, 1989
Slides published in Ariel
MANUALE DI PALEONTOLOGIA Fondamenti - Applicazioni
ISBN: 8879477781 Edited by Società Paleontologica Italiana, 2022
Slides published in Ariel
Sedimentary geology and stratigraphy
Casati, Scienze della Terra, Volume 1, Elementi di Geologia Generale, Ed. Città Studi, MI, 1996
Press, Siever, Grotzinger, Jordan Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2007
Bosellini, Mutti, Ricci Lucchi, Rocce e Successioni Sedimentarie, Ed. UTET, 1989
Slides published in Ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam comprises two written texts:
-taphonomy and invertebrate palaeontology, open questions, 2 hours.
- stratigraphic geology, open questions, 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on palaeontology and stratigraphic geology.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA
-taphonomy and invertebrate palaeontology, open questions, 2 hours.
- stratigraphic geology, open questions, 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters: understanding, correctness, appropriateness of the language, ability to apply the acquired knowledge on palaeontology and stratigraphic geology.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
Results will be available on SIFA
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 5
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY - University credits: 4
GEO/02 - STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY - University credits: 4
Practicals: 24 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 14.30
Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" or by email.