The objectives of this module are as follows: (i) development of understanding of how sedimentary geology can be applied in different sectors (hydrocarbons and georesources, hydrogeology, geothermal and energy storage, carbon capture and storage, geomorphological evolution of continental and coastal landscapes); (ii) familiarization with techniques for the characterization of subsurface sedimentary successions and for field mapping and facies analysis of outcropping sedimentary units; (iii) acquisition of theoretical principles and practical skills relating to physical stratigraphy of clastic successions, and their application to problems of hydrostratigraphy.
Course Prerequisites
Adequate knowledge of the Italian language. Basic notions of sedimentary geology, particularly relating to (i) the characteristics of sediments, sedimentary rocks, and successions, (ii) the genesis and evolution of sedimentary basins, and (iii) depositional processes and environments.
Teaching Methods
• Class teaching guided by MS PowerPoint slides • Case studies and assisted practical exercises on sedimentological data (subsurface data and 3D digital outcrop models) • Geological fieldtrips; analysis of outcropping sedimentary successions
Assessment Methods
Oral examination on the material taught in class, aiming to assess knowledge, critical thinking, and problem solving. The exam will involve some discussion of the material produced during the practical classes.
Texts
Reading, H. G. (Ed.). (2009). Sedimentary environments: processes, facies and stratigraphy. John Wiley & Sons.
Contents
The module will cover the following subjects, in no particular order: i) Fields of application of sedimentary geology ii) Workflows for subsurface characterization iii) Facies models and their applications iv) Geological analogues and their applications v) Hydrostratigraphy vi) Fundamentals of subsurface modelling
