VOLCANO-TECTONICS
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GIORGIO DE GUIDIExpected Learning Outcomes
Upon passing the exam, the student will have achieved the following outcomes:
1. Knowledge and Understanding (Descriptor 1)
Knowledge of the mechanical principles of rock fracturing and the interaction between tectonic stress and magma ascent.
Understanding of the organization of igneous hydraulic systems (dykes, magma chambers, conduits) and volcano-tectonic structures (calderas, faults) in different geodynamic settings, with a focus on the Mediterranean context.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding (Descriptor 2)
Ability to recognize and interpret the main volcano-tectonic structures in relation to their regional tectonic domain.
Ability to analyze and integrate multidisciplinary data (geological, geophysical, geodetic) to understand volcanic deformation processes and dynamics.
3. Making Judgements (Descriptor 3)
Ability to critically evaluate volcano-tectonic models and interpret real datasets, developing independent judgment through the analysis of concrete case studies (e.g., Mt. Etna) and classroom discussion.
4. Communication Skills (Descriptor 4)
Ability to effectively communicate complex volcano-tectonic concepts, the results of an analysis, and one's own conclusions using appropriate terminology and multimedia supports.
5. Learning Skills (Descriptor 5)
Acquisition of the methodological tools and bibliographic foundations to autonomously stay updated on the scientific literature in the field and to undertake subsequent specialized studies (e.g., PhD research)
Course Structure
42 hours (6 CFU) teacher-led discussion
If the teaching is given in mixed mode or telematic mode, the necessary variations can be introduced with respect to what was previously reported, in order to respect the program provided and reported in the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Detailed Course Content
The course combine results frackture mechanics, rock mechanics structural geology, and fluid transport in the crust to explore and explain fracture processes and the basic concepts of fluid dynamics. The topics covered were developed in relation to the basic principles of physics and are illustrated with numerous worked examples that link models of tectonics and volcanoes to actual observations and measurements in the field.
Textbook Information
Rock Fractures in Geological Processes. Agust Gudmundsson Cambridge Univeristy Press
Volcanotectonics: Understanding the Structure, Deformation and Dynamics of Volcanoes. Agust Gudmundsson Cambridge Univeristy Press
Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outline of the course: The topics enclosed are strictly related to volcanic environments, the application of the laws of structural geology and rock mechanics are discussed using the methodologies and experiences provided by the international scientific community that discussed the topics in experimentation and knowledge in the volcanic environment. | |
| 2 | What is a volcano ? What are the main types of volcano ? | 1. Volcanoes and Volcanic Activity - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 3 | Structural geology and Volcanic features | 2. Crustal Deformation - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 4 | Volcano-tectonics domains in the Mediterranean geodynamic contest | 10. Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 5 | Geophysical information: Deformation of volcanoes, Earthquakes in the volcanoes | 8. Volcano Monitoring - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 6 | Igneous and volcanic Plumbing systems | 3.- 4. - The Rise of Magma Through the Crust - Magma Emplacement and Accumulation: from Sills to Magma Chambers - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 7 | THEORIES OF BRITTLE FAILLURE OF ROCKS, STRESS CONCENTRATION | 1. Rock Fractures in Geological Processes.Volcanotectonics: Understanding the Structure, Deformation and Dynamics of Volcanoes Agust Gudmundsson Cambridge Univeristy Press. |
| 8 | EXTENSION FRACTURES, SHEAR FRACTURES AND HYDROFRACTURES | 1. Rock Fractures in Geological Processes.Volcanotectonics: Understanding the Structure, Deformation and Dynamics of Volcanoes Agust Gudmundsson Cambridge Univeristy Press. |
| 9 | Reservoir and shallow Magma chamber | 3.- 4. - 7. -The Rise of Magma Through the Crust - Magma Emplacement and Accumulation: from Sills to Magma Chambers - Shallow Magma Transfer -Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 10 | Hydrofracture: start and propagation | 1. Rock Fractures in Geological Processes.Volcanotectonics: Understanding the Structure, Deformation and Dynamics of Volcanoes Agust Gudmundsson Cambridge Univeristy Press. |
| 11 | Calderas | 5. - Calderas - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 12 | VOLCANO-TECTONICS IN THE ETNA VOLCANO DOMAIN | 6.8.1 - Mont Etna - Volcano-Tectonic Processes- Valerio Acocella - Springer Press |
| 13 | VOLCANO-TECTONICS IN THE CAMPI FLEGREI VOLCANO DOMAIN | Dispense fornite dal docente (The copy of teaching material will be provided by the teacher) |