COMPARATIVE SEDIMENTOLOGY

Single discipline educational activity

Course Sheet

Course code:

IMPG06

Academic Year of enrolment:

2022

Year of supply:

2022/2023

Type of Course:

Characterising

Degree:

Course of 2nd Cycle Degree in PLANETARY GEOSCIENCES

Disciplinary Sector:

Stratigraphic and Sedimentological Geology

Language:

English

Location:

PESCARA

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

ORI Gian Gabriele

Cycle:

First semester

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of sedimentology and stratigraphy.

Objectives

The course will provide the capability of observing, describing and
interpreting the different sedimentary environments in the Satellites and
Planets where the presence of an atmosphere allows surface exogenic
processes. The Solar System exhibits a huge variability in terms external
processes and the student will be able to understand the variables
controlling the sedimentation patterns. The acquired knowledge will
provide the student with scientific capabilities, but will contribute to play
a role in the planning of planetary surface missions and in controlling
surface operations.

Contents

Sedimentary environments on Earth, Mars and Titan. Comparative
analysis of sedimentary facie, and processes in the Solar Systems bodies
with atmospheres. The comparative analysis will show the differences in
sedimentary processes and environments due to differences in planetary
density and gravity, in atmosphere and liquid composition. Other bodies
will be also briefly addressed for peculiar characteristics like Venus and
Moon. The astrobiological potential of the bodies will be discussed as
well.

Extended Syllabus

Processes of sedimentation: clastic, chemical, biochemical on Earth, Mars
and Titan.
Process of sedimentation in other planetary bodies
Sedimentary environments on Earth, Mars and Titan with special
attention to continental (alluvial, lacustrine), coastal and deltaic settings.
Sedimentary rocks and the rock record in different planetary bodies: the
realms of subsidence, basins and the source to sink approach in absence
of plate tectonics.
Erosional rates in different geological settings: continuity and
discontinuities in the geological records. The problem of sedimentary unit
preservation.
Biological content in rocks. Astrobiological potential in sediments and
sedimentary rocks. The search for life and paleo-life on Mars.
Landing sites of robotic missions. Human and robotic operation on Mars
and Moon.
Mechanical sedimentary processes, sedimentary environments: aeolian,
fluvial, glacial, coastal, deltaic.
Biological-induced sedimentation.
Comparison between sedimentary environments and processes on Earth,
Mars and Titan. Fluvial-like channels on Venus.Aolian sedimentation in
the Solar System.
Atlas of depositonal features and geological structures on Earth, Mars and
Titan.
Every other year: a field trip iwill be organised in planetary analogous settings

Recommended Bibliography

Facies Models 4
edited by Noel P. James and Robert W Dalrymple, 2010, GEO text 6,
Geological Association of Canada.

Lakes on Mars, Edited by Nathalie A. Cabrol and Edmond Grin, 2010
Elsevier.

Geomorphology of Desert environments, Edited by Anthony J. Parson and
Athol D. Abrahms, Second Edition, 1994, Elsevier

Methods of Provision

Conventional

Teaching Methods

The course will consist of a mix of theoretical classes and practical
training. The former mode will deal with the explanation of concepts and
methods involved in the analysis of sedimentary environments, their
processes and this variability in the Solar Systems. The latter mode will
consists of a practical approach where the students will be able to learn
through experiencing the work on real cases both in lab and the field.

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

The assessment of the quality of learning is based on several activities.
First of all, a first verification will be carried on by a number of
intermediate tests (value 10%). The student will have to submit an essay
on a subject agreed with the teacher. The essay must be exhaustive and
detailed with images and table (value 50%). In addition to the essay, the
student must provide a detailed report on the field work (value40%). The
report must contain data collected in the field and remote sending data
from the study area. Data should be interpreted and discussed. This
activity is individual.

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

Aree

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