EARTH SCIENCES: PRINCIPLES AND LABORATORY - 1

The main purpose of the course is to underline how the study of the environment is not the heritage of a single discipline, but requires the collaboration of many knowledge first of all that of the natural part of Planet Earth (Mineralogy, Petrography, Geology). Only after having clarified the fundamental characteristics of an undisturbed system, in fact, is it possible to evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment.
With this objective, the teaching of earth sciences involves the acquisition of general knowledge about the materials that make up the earth's crust. The theoretical course is therefore supplemented by practical activities.

The graduate will be able to use the knowledge acquired in the basic courses, on the analysis of natural resources (geological-petrographic, geomorphological, pedological) to accurately determine the multiple vulnerabilities of the territory using specific and interdisciplinary laboratories to be carried out also with inspections in field. Through his knowledge of environmental dynamics, he will not only be able to understand specific technical reports, but will also be able to write his own.

The application skills will be evaluated through laboratory activities and field exercises.

General and Inorganic Chemistry.

Students should be able to identify the general characteristics of the mineral world: shapes, color, physical and chemical properties; Describe and classify the morphological point of view: groups, systems and classes, laws that determine growth, regardless of amorphous and crystalline concept of isotropy and anisotropy. Magnetic and piezoelectric.
A thorough understanding will be reserved for the classification of silicates, minerals fundamental rocks.
Rocks and petrogenetic processes:
Magmatic, equilibrium crystallization and fractional crystallization. Types of magmatic intrusive bodies. Accommodation and products of volcanic activity. The pyroclastic deposits. Classification and macroscopic identification of the main types of intrusive and extrusive volcanic rocks.
Classification and macroscopic description of Sedimentary rocks Weathering, erosion, sediment transport, deposition and diagenesis. Classification and macroscopic description of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic processes of formation and control factors, gradient, and facies metamorphic grade. Brief introduction to the rock cycle.

The checks will be divided into two parts.
Written:
- identify the symmetry of a crystallographic form and determine its classification (Group, System). Identify if the symmetry belongs to the holoedrica or meroedrica class of the identified system.
- Classification of a rock through the recognition of the minerals that compose it.
Oral:
Discussion on the processes that determine the formation of Magmatic, intrusive and effusive, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks.

Lessons in classroom and in laboratory. There are external excursions.

Italian

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development