. - Physics Of The Earth’s Environment
PROF. CLAUDIO BOSCO
COURSE AIMS
Transfer the knowledge on composition and internal structure of the Earth, its
atmosphere and their dynamics. Obtain the necessary knowledge for understanding
the geophysical and geological implications in territorial and environmental
evolution.
COURSE CONTENTS
Environment, terrestrial physics and geology. The genesis of the elements.
Earth’s origin and composition.
Earth’s Evolution. Physics of the solid Earth. Gravity. Isostasy. Earth’s magnetic
field. Geothermics. Radioactivity in nature. Relative and absolute dating
(geochronology).
Materials and lithospheric processes. Rocks and minerals. Pedogenesis.
Plate tectonics and geodynamic processes. Endogenous forces. Earthquakes and
Seismicity. Relief genesis and evolution. Volcanoes.
Geomorphology: Rock alteration. Landslides. Soil erosion and degradation.
Glaciers. Periglacial environments. Subsidence.
Greenhouse gases and climate change: Earth’s energy balance. Climate and its
control factors. Greenhouse effect. Flows and balances of greenhouse gases.
Anthropic factors influencing climate. Impacts and vulnerabilities of climate
change. Adaptation and mitigation factors. International policies and treaties.
Stratospheric ozone: the role of ozone in upper atmosphere; formation and
consumption mechanisms. Ozone-killer compounds. Environmental and Health
impacts. Strategies and control policies.
READING LIST
F. PRESS - R. SIEVER - J. GROTZINGER - T. H. JORDAN, Capire la Terra, Ed. Zanichelli.
S. MARSHAK, La Terra: ritratto di un pianeta, Ed. Zanichelli.
S. CASTELLARI – V. ARTALE: I CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI IN ITALIA: EVIDENZE, vulnerabilita’ e impatti, Ed.
Bonomia University press.
TEACHING METHOD
Lessons with power point presentations (32 hours), training (16 hours).
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Oral test (viva voce).
NOTES
Prof. Bosco will receive students after every class.