Vincenzo Picotti: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2016 |
Name | Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Picotti |
Address | Geologisches Institut ETH Zürich, NO E 51.2 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
Telephone | +41 44 632 81 60 |
vincenzo.picotti@erdw.ethz.ch | |
Department | Earth Sciences |
Relationship | Adjunct Professor |
Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
651-3482-00L | Geological Field Course II: Sedimentary Rocks Number of participants limited to 46. Compulsory for elective majors "Geology" and "Geophysics". | 3 credits | 4P | N. Mancktelow, J.‑P. Burg, M. Frehner, A. Gilli, S. Ivy Ochs, V. Picotti | |
Abstract | Mapping of sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic units with the final production of a geological map at 1:10.000 scale. Writing a report illustrating the main facies and characters of the units, the Quaternary surficial deposits and the tectonic structures affecting the sedimentary rocks. | ||||
Objective | Students will learn how to define mappable units at the chosen mapping scale. They are able to survey, describe and map stratigraphic units and associated tectonic features, as well Quaternary deposits, mainly of alluvial, glacial and gravity-driven origin. | ||||
Content | 7-day field course, including individual time with instructors in the field, work sessions and after-dinner discussions, and report writing. | ||||
651-3602-00L | Microscopy of Rocks | 3 credits | 2P | M. W. Schmidt, M. G. Fellin, N. Mancktelow, V. Picotti | |
Abstract | Use of the polarizing microscope to indentify minerals and to give a rock its proper name. Application of the main optical properties to recognize and name the common rock-forming minerals and structures in magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. | ||||
Objective | |||||
651-3620-00L | Geology of the Alps | 3 credits | 2V + 2P | N. Mancktelow, E. Kissling, V. Picotti, E. Reusser | |
Abstract | Provides a practical, field-based introduction to the Geology of the Alps. | ||||
Objective | To understand the development of the Alpine orogen from initial rifting and sedimentation, through the period of collision, mountainbuilding, metamorphism and magmatism, to the current waning stages of exhumation and erosion. | ||||
Content | The following topics are covered in a chronological order, and with reference to plate tectonic processes: (1) Prealpine crust; (2) Paleozoic and Triassic; (3) Jurassic (rifting and ocean building); (4) Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (ocean); (5) Late Cretaceous (subduction and flysch); (6) Tertiary, including the Molasse and Foreland Basin; (7) Geometry and development of the Western Alps; (8) Geometry and development of the Central Alps; (9) Geometry and development of the Eastern Alps; (10) Tertiary metamorphism; (11) Tertiary magmatism; (12) Deep structure of the Alps; (13) Neogene tectonics and exhumation. | ||||
Lecture notes | Handouts are provided during lectures. | ||||
Literature | Suggested additional literature: Pfiffner, O.A. 2014. Geology of the Alps (Wiley) Trümpy, R. 1980. Geology of Switzerland: A Guide Book. Part A An Outline of the Geology of Switzerland. Wepf & Co., Basel, 104 p. Trümpy, R. 1980. Geology of Switzerland: A Guide Book. Part B Geological Excursions. Wepf & Co., Basel, 334 p. | ||||
651-4134-00L | Tectonic Geomorphology | 6 credits | 2V + 6P | S. F. Gallen, V. Picotti | |
Abstract | Course covers the theory and applications of tectonic geomorphology. Topics include the landscape response to an earthquake, use of fluvial terraces and other geomorphic markers to map uplift, methods of dating surfaces and landscapes, topographic evolution over active structures and landscape evolution of active mountain ranges. Methods include field mapping, DEM analysis and computer modeling. | ||||
Objective | To learn theoretical and practical aspects of modern tectonic geomorphology. Field course, classroom and computer-based analysis will be combined to provide hands-on experience with geomorphic data, analysis and modeling techniques. We will work as a group to address the practical questions regarding evidence for recent deformation of the northern Apennines as an integrated field and modeling study. We will learn to use a variety of geomorphic and tectonic data to map uplift rates and patterns and use this to infer subsurface faulting kinematics. | ||||
Content | Course includes a lecture component (in second half-semester) and a 9 day fieldtrip. Students should register for both components. Fieldtrip will involve collecting field data from active structures in the Northern Apennines. Lecture component will include theoretical background and analysis of data collected during fieldtrip. | ||||
Literature | Required Textbook: Tectonic Geomorphology, Burbank and Anderson, Blackwell. | ||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Students should register for both lecture and field components (blockcourse). They will be graded together. Fieldtrip will be held during 1 week of the semester, typically in early May. |