The aim of this course is to provide the basis on the dynamics (i.e. forces) controlling the evolution of the earth. In this class, we will introduce and use continuum mechanics to study and understand cause-effect relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics of the solid earth, to allow the students to identify and quantitatively analyze the relations between causes (i.e. forces and stresses) and effects (i.e., tectonics). The subjects include the role played by volume (e.g. gravity) and surface forces (e.g. plate tectonics, lithospheric stresses) and their interactions with the materials and structures of the Earth lithosphere and mantle.
Subjects will be presented from the basic theoretical background up to their applications to selected natural cases, also thanks to the active involvement of the students (e.g., reading selected articles, on line sources, exercises)
Subjects will be presented from the basic theoretical background up to their applications to selected natural cases, also thanks to the active involvement of the students (e.g., reading selected articles, on line sources, exercises)
Curriculum
scheda docente
materiale didattico
Introduction to geodynamics and to the relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics. Structure and dynamics of the Earth's surface and interior.
Overview of the main mantle-plume models.
Earth energetics: heat, temperature, energy sources and the main mechanisms of heat transfer. Role of the thermal state in the dynamics of the lithosphere and mantle.
Mechanics and rheology: force, stress and strain; elastic, viscous and plastic behaviour; fundamental constitutive relationships; dependence of mechanical behaviour on temperature, pressure, composition and time scale.
Rheology of the lithosphere and mantle.
Forces acting on lithospheric plates and force balance. Volume and surface forces, gravity, and the driving and resisting forces associated with plate tectonics and lithospheric stresses.
Principles of fluid dynamics applied to Earth materials: flow, viscosity, pressure, buoyancy and convection. Connections with mantle dynamics and mantle plumes.
Faulting: conditions for fault initiation and reactivation, the role of normal and shear stress, friction, and fault orientation within the stress field.
APPLICATIONS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Progressive application of theoretical principles through exercises on heat and temperature, rheology, force balance, material flow and faulting. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of geodynamic problems and selected natural examples, including discussion of assumptions, simplifications and limitations.
Guided reading of scientific articles, bibliographic and online research, exercises in class and at home, discussions and seminars designed to connect theory, calculations and natural observations.
• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Schubert, G. (ed.) (2007), Treatise on Geophysics, vols. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9, Elsevier.
Scientific articles and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the lecturer according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Programma
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONSIntroduction to geodynamics and to the relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics. Structure and dynamics of the Earth's surface and interior.
Overview of the main mantle-plume models.
Earth energetics: heat, temperature, energy sources and the main mechanisms of heat transfer. Role of the thermal state in the dynamics of the lithosphere and mantle.
Mechanics and rheology: force, stress and strain; elastic, viscous and plastic behaviour; fundamental constitutive relationships; dependence of mechanical behaviour on temperature, pressure, composition and time scale.
Rheology of the lithosphere and mantle.
Forces acting on lithospheric plates and force balance. Volume and surface forces, gravity, and the driving and resisting forces associated with plate tectonics and lithospheric stresses.
Principles of fluid dynamics applied to Earth materials: flow, viscosity, pressure, buoyancy and convection. Connections with mantle dynamics and mantle plumes.
Faulting: conditions for fault initiation and reactivation, the role of normal and shear stress, friction, and fault orientation within the stress field.
APPLICATIONS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Progressive application of theoretical principles through exercises on heat and temperature, rheology, force balance, material flow and faulting. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of geodynamic problems and selected natural examples, including discussion of assumptions, simplifications and limitations.
Guided reading of scientific articles, bibliographic and online research, exercises in class and at home, discussions and seminars designed to connect theory, calculations and natural observations.
Testi Adottati
• Turcotte, D. L. and Schubert, G. (2002), Geodynamics, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons.• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Schubert, G. (ed.) (2007), Treatise on Geophysics, vols. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9, Elsevier.
Scientific articles and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the lecturer according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Modalità Erogazione
The course can be provided in English Frontal teaching, practicals both in class and at home, reading of scientific papers, seminars In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, this course will be provided in a virtual mode.Modalità Frequenza
Attendance is mandatory. Minimum attendance requirements, monitoring procedures and any provisions for specific categories of students are governed by the Degree Programme Regulations, to which reference should be made.Modalità Valutazione
The final assessment consists of an oral examination comprising a presentation followed by discussion and questions on the course content. Active and documented participation in learning activities also contributes to the final grade. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF A GEODYNAMIC PROBLEM - 30% The student selects a problem not covered in class from the Turcotte and Schubert textbook and presents it for a maximum of 10 minutes. The subsequent discussion assesses the ability to formulate the problem, state the relevant assumptions and quantities, apply the appropriate concepts, interpret the result and evaluate its limitations. The following are assessed: scientific accuracy; coherence of the procedure; ability to connect theory with the case examined; critical independence; clarity, concision and appropriate use of language. ORAL EXAMINATION ON THE THEORETICAL PROGRAMME - 60% The oral examination includes questions on the course content and may begin with concepts, diagrams, quantitative relationships or natural examples. Assessment considers mastery of the foundations, the ability to establish connections between geometry, kinematics and dynamics, soundness of reasoning and appropriate use of disciplinary language. PARTICIPATION IN LEARNING ACTIVITIES - 10% Participation is assessed on the basis of the student's effective contribution to exercises, the reading and discussion of articles, seminars and classroom discussion. DETERMINATION OF THE FINAL GRADE The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, is the weighted sum of the three components. A minimum grade of 18/30 is required to pass. Taken together, the assessment components evaluate theoretical knowledge, application and analytical skills, independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to pursue further study independently.
scheda docente
materiale didattico
Introduction to geodynamics and to the relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics. Structure and dynamics of the Earth's surface and interior.
Overview of the main mantle-plume models.
Earth energetics: heat, temperature, energy sources and the main mechanisms of heat transfer. Role of the thermal state in the dynamics of the lithosphere and mantle.
Mechanics and rheology: force, stress and strain; elastic, viscous and plastic behaviour; fundamental constitutive relationships; dependence of mechanical behaviour on temperature, pressure, composition and time scale.
Rheology of the lithosphere and mantle.
Forces acting on lithospheric plates and force balance. Volume and surface forces, gravity, and the driving and resisting forces associated with plate tectonics and lithospheric stresses.
Principles of fluid dynamics applied to Earth materials: flow, viscosity, pressure, buoyancy and convection. Connections with mantle dynamics and mantle plumes.
Faulting: conditions for fault initiation and reactivation, the role of normal and shear stress, friction, and fault orientation within the stress field.
APPLICATIONS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Progressive application of theoretical principles through exercises on heat and temperature, rheology, force balance, material flow and faulting. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of geodynamic problems and selected natural examples, including discussion of assumptions, simplifications and limitations.
Guided reading of scientific articles, bibliographic and online research, exercises in class and at home, discussions and seminars designed to connect theory, calculations and natural observations.
• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Schubert, G. (ed.) (2007), Treatise on Geophysics, vols. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9, Elsevier.
Scientific articles and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the lecturer according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Programma
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONSIntroduction to geodynamics and to the relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics. Structure and dynamics of the Earth's surface and interior.
Overview of the main mantle-plume models.
Earth energetics: heat, temperature, energy sources and the main mechanisms of heat transfer. Role of the thermal state in the dynamics of the lithosphere and mantle.
Mechanics and rheology: force, stress and strain; elastic, viscous and plastic behaviour; fundamental constitutive relationships; dependence of mechanical behaviour on temperature, pressure, composition and time scale.
Rheology of the lithosphere and mantle.
Forces acting on lithospheric plates and force balance. Volume and surface forces, gravity, and the driving and resisting forces associated with plate tectonics and lithospheric stresses.
Principles of fluid dynamics applied to Earth materials: flow, viscosity, pressure, buoyancy and convection. Connections with mantle dynamics and mantle plumes.
Faulting: conditions for fault initiation and reactivation, the role of normal and shear stress, friction, and fault orientation within the stress field.
APPLICATIONS AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Progressive application of theoretical principles through exercises on heat and temperature, rheology, force balance, material flow and faulting. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of geodynamic problems and selected natural examples, including discussion of assumptions, simplifications and limitations.
Guided reading of scientific articles, bibliographic and online research, exercises in class and at home, discussions and seminars designed to connect theory, calculations and natural observations.
Testi Adottati
• Turcotte, D. L. and Schubert, G. (2002), Geodynamics, 2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons.• Davies, G. F. (1999), Dynamic Earth: Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Cambridge University Press.
• Schubert, G. (ed.) (2007), Treatise on Geophysics, vols. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 9, Elsevier.
Scientific articles and supplementary teaching materials are identified or provided by the lecturer according to the topics and case studies addressed.
Modalità Erogazione
The course can be provided in English Frontal teaching, practicals both in class and at home, reading of scientific papers, seminars In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, this course will be provided in a virtual mode.Modalità Frequenza
Attendance is mandatory. Minimum attendance requirements, monitoring procedures and any provisions for specific categories of students are governed by the Degree Programme Regulations, to which reference should be made.Modalità Valutazione
The final assessment consists of an oral examination comprising a presentation followed by discussion and questions on the course content. Active and documented participation in learning activities also contributes to the final grade. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF A GEODYNAMIC PROBLEM - 30% The student selects a problem not covered in class from the Turcotte and Schubert textbook and presents it for a maximum of 10 minutes. The subsequent discussion assesses the ability to formulate the problem, state the relevant assumptions and quantities, apply the appropriate concepts, interpret the result and evaluate its limitations. The following are assessed: scientific accuracy; coherence of the procedure; ability to connect theory with the case examined; critical independence; clarity, concision and appropriate use of language. ORAL EXAMINATION ON THE THEORETICAL PROGRAMME - 60% The oral examination includes questions on the course content and may begin with concepts, diagrams, quantitative relationships or natural examples. Assessment considers mastery of the foundations, the ability to establish connections between geometry, kinematics and dynamics, soundness of reasoning and appropriate use of disciplinary language. PARTICIPATION IN LEARNING ACTIVITIES - 10% Participation is assessed on the basis of the student's effective contribution to exercises, the reading and discussion of articles, seminars and classroom discussion. DETERMINATION OF THE FINAL GRADE The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, is the weighted sum of the three components. A minimum grade of 18/30 is required to pass. Taken together, the assessment components evaluate theoretical knowledge, application and analytical skills, independent judgement, communication skills and the ability to pursue further study independently.