APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY

General Module

Course Sheet

Course code:

AI710

Academic Year of enrolment:

2021

Year of supply:

2022/2023

Type of Course:

Related/Supplementary

Degree:

Course of 1st Cycle Degree in BUILDING ENGINEERING

Disciplinary Sector:

Physical Geography and Geomorphology

Is part of:

INTEGRATED COURSE IN LAND MANAGEMENT

Location:

PESCARA

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

MICCADEI Enrico

Cycle:

First semester

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

Prerequisites:

None

Objectives

The purpose of Applied Geomorphology is to achieve an understanding of the nature of the landforms of the terrestrial landscape, suitable for engineering works to be constructed safely, predictable and efficient. This stems from concept that the Earth's surface is a sensitive indicator of the most recent geological and geomorphological events and that its surface’s morphology is an extremely valuable source of information (Hutchinson, 1979).

Contents

Knowledge of the fields of application of engineering geomorphology. Analysis and management of the environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Principles and methods of geomorphological analysis for the realization of studies for engineering works, for local and regional analysis and for environmental impact assessment. Knowledge of the main geomorphological hazards, and related risks, connected to different types of geomorphological environments and for the proper land management.
Tools for applied and engineering geomorphology: geomorphological mapping applied to land management and geomorphological hazards. Examples of studies and applications of engineering geomorphology.

Extended Syllabus

Introduction
Knowledge of the fields of application of engineering geomorphology. Environmental management: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Principles and methods of geomorphological analysis for the realization of studies for engineering works, for local and regional analysis and for environmental impact assessment. Knowledge of the main geomorphological hazards, and related risks, connected to different types of geomorphological environments and for the correct land management.
Geomorphological tools for applied and environmental issues; geomorphological mapping applied to land management and geomorphological hazards.
Examples of studies and applications of engineering geomorphology.
Engineering geomorphology for the management of the mountain environment, including glacial and periglacial environment.
Geomorphological assessment of slopes stability.
Engineering geomorphology for the management of the river environment.
Engineering geomorphology for the management of the coastal environment.
Engineering geomorphology for the management of the karst environment.
Fundamentals of hazard, vulnerability and risk in connection to geomorphological processes.
Geomorphological hazards in Abruzzo. Examples from the mountain area, the piedmont hills and the coastal area. Examples in tropical and polar environments.
Laboratory: Activities in the lab and in the field, methods of applied geomorphological analysis and mapping.

Recommended Bibliography

Handouts provided by the teacher.
Textbooks
- Fookes, P. G. , Lee, E. M., Griffiths, J. S; Engineering geomorphology : theory and practice; Whittles Publishing, 2007.
- Cooke R.U. and Doornkamp J.C.. (1990) - Geomorphology in environmental management: a new introduction. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
- Panizza M. (2005) - Manuale di geomorfologia applicata. Franco Angeli.
- Summerfield M. (1991) - Global Geomorphology. Longman Scientific & Technical.
- APAT (2002) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione dei versanti. APAT Manuali e linee guida 10/2002. http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/manuali-e-linee-guida/at...
- APAT (2003) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione fluviale. APAT Manuali e linee guida 27/2003. http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/manuali-e-linee-guida/at...
- APAT (2007) - Atlante delle opere di sistemazione costiera. APAT Manuali e linee guida 44/2007. http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/manuali-e-linee-guida/at...
- Rinaldi M., Surian N., Comiti F., Bussettini M. (2014): IDRAIM – Sistema di valutazione idromorfologica, analisi e monitoraggio dei corsi d'acqua – ISPRA – Manuali e Linee Guida 113/2014. Roma, giugno 2014. http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/manuali-e-linee-guida/id...
- Highland L.M., & Bobrowsky P. (2008) - The landslide handbook—A guide to understanding landslides. Geological Survey Circular 1325, 129 p. http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/

Teaching Methods

Lectures.
Field and laboratory activities; field activities of geomorphological analysis and mapping for quantitative characterization of the main physiographic units and geomorphological environments.

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

Exam consisting of a written test and an oral exam.
Oral exam: It will verify the knowledge and understanding of the student, as well as the ability in collecting data and in its subsequent analysis and in making appropriated judgements.
Written test: written essay on a regional and local area (and related topographic and geotematic maps) chosen during the year with the professor. It will include the elements acquired during the course showing the ability of applying knowledge and understanding and the data communication/presentation skills. Importance will be given to the mapping of a drainage basin area on the chosen topographic map.
The grade is in thirtieths. The oral exam is worth 40% of the exam and the written exam is 60%.

Contacts/More Information

Two or three field trip and exercises will be organized.
Reception of students at the teaching office according to the scheduled times (or by appointment via email).

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

Aree