Educational offer - University of Padova

Syllabus

Prerequisites:	Basic concepts of geology (structural geology, geodynamic settings, lithology (different types of rocks) and geomorphology (geomorphic configuration of the main depositional environments) Basic knowledge concerning sedimentology (textural features of the main types of sediments and sedimentary rocks) and stratigraphy (temporal and spatial variability of depositional systems)
Target skills and knowledge:	The course will provide the expertise to analyze sediments and sedimentary successions in terms of sediment transport/deposition, geometry of sedimentary bodies and sequence stratigraphy principles. The skills provided in the frame of the course will allow to deal with subsurface exploration and environmental management.
Examination methods:	Written test with open questions on the main themes illustrated in the frame of the course (processes of sediment transport, depositional environments, sequence stratigraphy)
Assessment criteria:	The knowledge concerning the three main topics (processes of sediment transport, depositional environment, sequence stratigraphy) treated during the course will be evaluated. Skill of students in describing and interpret specific deposits or sedimentary succession will be evaluated. The syntax and clarity of the written text will be also considered.
Course unit contents:	Introduction to Sedimentology (credits: 0.2) - facies and facies associations - textural features of sediments, stratal geometries and terminology Sediment transport/deposition and post-depositional modifications (credits: 1.8) - tractional transport from unidirectional currents - tractional transport from oscillatory currents - mass transport - soft-sediment deformations - icnofossils Depositional environment (credits: 2.5) - continental depositional environments (alluvial fan, fluvial, lacustrine, eolian) - coastal depositional environment (wave-dominated coasts, deltas, tidal flats/lagoons ) - deep marine depositional environment (turbidites, conturites) Sequence stratigraphy (credits: 0.5) - base level and accommodation space - systems tracts - sequences - incised valleys - non-marine sequence stratigraphy
Planned learning activities and teaching methods:	The course will be mainly based on class teaching, which will be integrated with a field excursion. After dealing with the main topics of the course, a summary will be proposed through discussion of instructive photos or specific cases of study selected from literature. The field trip which will close the course will focus on collection and discussion of data from different sedimentary successions and related depositional environments.
Additional notes about suggested reading:	Pdf. files of lessons
Textbooks (and optional supplementary readings)	Bridge J. and Demicco R., Earth Surface Processes, Landforms and Sediment Deposits. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Reading H.G, Sedimentary Enviroments: Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy. London: Blackie, 2006.