Exploration Geology

Origin and evolution of magmas. Physical and chemical properties of magmas and their controlling parameters. Relationships between magmatism and geodynamic settings. Classification of volcanic rock types, magmatic series, with emphasis on Quaternary potassic magmatism of central Italy. Structure of volcanoes: magma chambers, feeder conduits, volcano edifices. Positive and negative morphologies, craters and calderas. Mechanisms of magma ascent, vesiculation and fragmentation. Eruption types and their classification criteria. Eruptive and emplacement dynamics. Products of effusive eruptions: morphologic and textural aspects. Products of magmatic and hydromagmatic explosive eruptions: components, macro- and microtextural and grain size features of pyroclastic deposits. Laboratory analyses of volcanics. Principles of geology and stratigraphy of volcanic areas, field survey of volcanic terrains, regional volcanology. Applications of volcanology to geoengineering, environmental, cultural heritage, geoarchaeology, and resource aspects. Principles of physical volcanology and experimental volcanology: methods for the P, T, X parameterization of pre-eruptive systems, the reconstruction of eruptive and emplacement dynamics and related volcanic hazard. Field excursions in volcanic areas of Central Italy.

Previous knowledge (from past courses or from the educational career) Basic concepts of igneous petrology, geology and geodynamics. Essential knowledge Origin and evolution of magmas. Physical and chemical properties of magmas. Structure and morphologies of volcanoes. Eruption styles and classification. Products of effusive and explosive eruptions. Quaternary potassic magmatism.

Suggested textbooks: R. SCANDONE, L. GIACOMELLI (1998) - Vulcanologia. Ed. Liguori; R.A.F. CAS, J.V. WRIGHT (1987) - Volcanic Succession Modern and Ancient. Ed. Chapman and Hall, London; R.V. FISHER, H.U. SCHMINCKE (1984) - Pyroclastic rocks. Ed. Springer Verlag, Berlin; Notes and Power point files from the teacher.

The course will be held in person (compatible with covid-19 emergency regulations).

Attendance, although optional, is strongly recommended.

Oral examination on course topics; discussion of a scientific paper chosen by the student.

References: J.S. GILBERT, R.S.J. SPARKS (Ed.) - The Physics of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions. Geological Society Spec. Publ., 145, London; Other selected scientific papers.

The course will be held in person (compatible with covid-19 emergency regulations).