ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

The course provides students with a solid foundation in geological, geomorphological and geochemical processes, with a specific focus on environmental dynamics and natural hazards. It contributes to the learning objectives of the Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering for the Green Transition by offering essential skills for the sustainable analysis and management of land and natural resources.

At the end of the module, students will be able to identify and describe the main geomorphological, geochemical, and environmental geological processes, critically assess natural hazards such as landslides, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and earthquakes, and use remote sensing and GIS tools to analyze and represent geospatial data in environmental contexts. In addition, these lectures provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of Earth's physical and chemical systems. Topics include the formation, distribution and abundance of elements, the role of atomic structures and isotopes, the processes shaping Earth materials, and the properties of the hydrosphere and atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between these systems and their impact on the environment.

Basic knowledge of Earth Sciences, Chemistry, sedimentology, geomorphology, and physics.

Module 1 (Blocks 1–10) covers key topics in environmental geology with a geomorphological focus, organized into ten two-hour sessions. After a general introduction to environmental geology and its relevance to society (Block 1), the course explores the Earth’s internal structure and plate tectonics, with attention to the processes that give rise to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and related landforms (Block 2). This is followed by an in-depth look at major geomorphological processes—such as weathering, erosion, and sediment transport—and the resulting landscape features (Block 3). Blocks 4 and 5 are dedicated to the study of natural hazards, particularly earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, coastal processes, and sea level rise, with examples of monitoring and management strategies. Block 6 focuses on landslides and slope stability, analyzing their causes and mitigation techniques. Block 7 introduces remote sensing applied to environmental geology, with examples of coastal monitoring and morphological analysis using satellite imagery and drone surveys. Block 8 addresses basic concepts of hydrogeology, aquifer systems, and the management of groundwater resources, with a special focus on contamination risks. In Block 9, the environmental impact of mining activities is discussed, including pollution, habitat destruction, and sustainable recovery practices. Finally, Block 10 presents real-world case studies related to landslides, floods, coastal erosion, and other phenomena of interest in environmental geology, offering tools for sustainable risk assessment and management.

Module 2 (Blocks 11-20) deals with the Geochemistry and Environmental Geochemistry. Geochemistry studies the chemical composition of the Earth and examines the chemical processes that transfer matter and energy between different geochemical spheres: rocks and soils (lithosphere), surface and groundwater (hydrosphere), gases (atmosphere), and living organisms (biosphere). Blocks 11-13 introduce atomic structure, subatomic particles, periodic properties of elements, isotopes, isotope fractionation, and the principles of radioactivity, including different types of decay, natural radioactivity, and radioactive decay chains (thorium, uranium). Nucleosynthesis and the abundance of elements in the Universe, the Solar System, and Earth are also covered. Blocks 14-15 describe Earth's materials, introducing concepts of mineralogy and petrology, the classification of minerals, silicates, and rocks. The processes of physical and chemical weathering, their role in the sedimentary cycle, and soil formation are also explored. Blocks 16-19 focus on the characteristics and composition of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. In particular, air quality monitoring and modeling are discussed, covering techniques for tracking atmospheric pollutants, analyzing air quality data, and modeling pollution dispersion. Methods for identifying pollution sources and predicting trends for regulatory decision-making are also examined. Block 20 introduces geochemical cycles and Earth's resources. This lesson explores major geochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur) and their interactions with Earth’s spheres. It also discusses the sustainable use of Earth's natural resources, including minerals, water, and fossil fuels.

The main reference materials will consist of the slides provided by the instructors during lectures. Video tutorials will also be made available to support practical exercises. Additional recommended readings and supplementary materials will be suggested during the course.

Student assessment is based on two equally weighted modules (50% each). The first is the evaluation of a group project, including a written report and an oral presentation. Assessment criteria include the quality of analysis, data interpretation, communication skills, and application of tools learned during the course. The second component is an individual written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions (32 questions), designed to assess theoretical knowledge of the course topics.

written

The final grade will be based on the results of the multiple-choice written test and the group project report, according to the following criteria:
• 18–22: basic understanding of core environmental geology concepts, with correct answers limited to the most elementary questions in the written test. The project report is minimal, offering general descriptions without critical analysis or in-depth data interpretation.
• 23–26: fair knowledge of the main geomorphological and environmental processes, with a reasonable number of correct answers in the test. The project is clearly written and structured, with an adequate analysis of the data, though some inaccuracies or lack of depth may be present.
• 27–30: good to excellent understanding of the subject, demonstrated by a high number of correct answers. The project report is detailed, well-argued, and shows strong analytical and interpretative skills regarding environmental and geomorphological data.
• With honors: outstanding mastery of the topics, with an almost perfect test. The project is excellently written, features in-depth critical analysis, appropriate use of scientific terminology, and demonstrates the ability to connect geospatial and environmental data to natural processes and management strategies.

Lectures and in-depth study with materials provided by the lecturers.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development