Vincenzo Picotti: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2024 |
| 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@eaps.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Earth and Planetary Sciences |
| Relationship | Adjunct Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 061-0101-00L | Climate / Water / Soil   | 2 credits | 3G | H. Joos, R. Kretzschmar, P. Molnar, A. Carminati, S. Dötterl, M. G. Fellin, A. Frossard, T. Galí-Izard, N. Gruber, J. P. Leitão Correia , V. Picotti, J. Riboldi, C. Steger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Lectures, exercises and excursions serve as an introduction to atmospheric sciences, soil science and hydrology. Students gain a broad vision of the cutting edge topics that are being researched and studied at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH, Eawag, WSL a.o. This will be the base for a future dialog between the field of landscape architecture and the field of sciences. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students acquire basic knowledge in atmospheric sciences, hydrology and soil science: - Understanding basic chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere that influence weather and climate - Fundamentals about the classification of soils, soil-forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biology and ecology, soil degradation and protection - Knowledge of water balance, principles of integral water management and climatic factors in the field of hydrology Students develop an understanding of the relevance of these topics in the field of landscape architecture. Temporal and physical scale, research methods, units of measurement, lexicon, modes of representation and critical literature form the framework for the joint discourse. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course unit consists of the three courses "Climate", "Soil" and "Water", which are organized in modules. Module 1 “Climate”, 23–27.09.2024 - Atmospheric dynamics: weather conditions, precipitation formation, weather forecast - Carbon Cycle: atmospheric CO2 concentrations and its interaction with the physical climate system - Land-climate dynamics: interaction between the land surface and the climate system - Hydrology and water cycle: extreme precipitation, influence of climate change on the cryosphere - Introduction to geology: formation of rocks, geologic times, structural geology Module 2 “Soil”, 30.09.–04.10.24 - Introduction to soils: definition, function, formation, classification and mapping - Soil physics: soil texture, soil structure, soil water potentials, hydraulic conductivity - Soil chemistry and fertility: clay minerals and oxides, cation exange capacity, soil pH, essential plant nutrients - Soil biology and ecology: soil fauna and microflora, fungi, bacteria, food web, organic matter - Soil degradation and threats to soil resources: erosion, compactation, sealing, contamination, salinization Module 3 “Water”, 11.11.–15.11.2024 Basics: - Water supply: water balance, groundwater, water quality (water protection) - River restoration - Flooding, evapotranspiration/cooling of landscapes - Hydropower (everything is managed - lake levels, water flows, pumping) - hydrology in the anthropocene - Water management and storage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Course material will be provided. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The course material includes a reading list. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The courses "Climate", "Water" and "Soil" are organized with the Fundamental Studio I as joint one-week modules. The weekly schedules will be provided with the course materials. Module 1 "Climate", 23.–27.09.2024 Module 2 "Soil", 30.09.–04.10.24 Module 3 "Water", 11–15.11.2024 - The courses are held in English - The written session examination covers all three courses "Climate", "Soil" and "Water". | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 651-3071-AAL | Fundamentals of Geology I: Earth's Interior Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit. | 3 credits | 6R | V. Picotti, W. Behr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The Planet Earth, its interior and the plate tectonics as unifying theory. The rock cycle and the minerals and rocks. Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks. Deformation and earthquakes. Exploration of the earth interior. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Understanding the Earth System and the multi-disciplinar approach to the Earth Sciences. Framing the various minerals and rocks into plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Discussing the main tools for exploring the earth interior and understanding the deformation of rocks at various depths. Earthquakes and volcanoes and associated danger. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of the Book: Understanding Earth (8th Edition, 2020), By John Grotzinger and Thomas Jordan. CH 1 THE EARTH SYSTEM The Scientific Method Geology as a Science Earth’s Shape and Surface Peeling the Onion: Discovery of a Layered Earth Earth as a System of Interacting Components An Overview of Geologic Time CH 2 PLATE TECTONICS: THE UNIFYING THEORY The Discovery of Plate Tectonics The Plates and Their Boundaries Rates and History of Plate Movements The Grand Reconstruction Mantle Convection: The Engine of Plate Tectonics The Theory of Plate Tectonics and the Scientific Method CH 3 EARTH MATERIALS: MINERALS AND ROCKS What Are Minerals? The Structure of Matter The Formation of Minerals Classes of Rock- Forming Minerals Physical Properties of Minerals What Are Rocks? The Rock Cycle: Interactions Between the Plate Tectonic and Climate Systems Concentrations of Valuable Mineral Resources CH 4 IGNEOUS ROCKS: SOLIDS FROM MELTS How Do Igneous Rocks Differ from One Another? How Do Magmas Form? Magmatic Differentiation Forms of Igneous Intrusions Igneous Processes and Plate Tectonics CH 5 VOLCANOES Volcanoes as Geosystems Lavas and Other Volcanic Deposits Eruptive Styles and Landforms Interactions of Volcanoes with Other Geosystems The Global Pattern of Volcanism Volcanism and Human Affairs CH 6 SEDIMENTATION: ROCKS FORMED BY SURFACE PROCESSES Surface Processes of the Rock Cycle Sedimentary Basins: The Sinks for Sediments Sedimentary Environments Sedimentary Structures Burial and Diagenesis: From Sediment to Rock Classification of Siliciclastic Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks Classification of Chemical and Biological Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks CH 7 METAMORPHISM: ALTERATION OF ROCKS BY TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE Causes of Metamorphism Types of Metamorphism Metamorphic Textures Regional Metamorphism and Metamorphic Grade Plate Tectonics and Metamorphism CH 8 DEFORMATION: MODIFICATION OF ROCKS BY FOLDING AND FRACTURING Plate Tectonic Forces Mapping Geologic Structure How Rocks Deform Basic Deformation Structures Styles of Continental Deformation Unraveling Geologic History CH 10 EARTHQUAKES What Is an Earthquake? How Do We Study Earthquakes? Earthquakes and Patterns of Faulting Earthquake Hazards and Risks Can Earthquakes Be Predicted? CH 11 EXPLORING EARTH’S INTERIOR Exploring Earth’s Interior with Seismic Waves Layering and Composition of Earth’s Interior Earth’s Internal Temperature Visualizing Earth’s Three-Dimensional Structure Earth’s Magnetic Field and the Geodynamo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-3072-AAL | Fundamentals of Geology II: Surface of the Earth Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit. | 3 credits | 6R | V. Picotti, W. Behr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The surface of the Planet Earth, main processes and formation of Sedimentary rocks in various environments. Time in Geology, stratigraphy and fossils, relative and absolute ages. Surface processes, water in the surface and subsurface, Ice and glaciers. Climate systems, Carbon cycle. Impact of human activities, anthropogenic climate change. Geobiology and early history of Planet Earth. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Understanding the processes and environments of Planet Earth. The peculiar way of reading the fossil record in Geology: understanding stratigraphy and time in the frame of the actual sedimentary environments. Mineral/life interactions and the impact of anthropic activities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Chapters 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 22 of the Book: Understanding Earth (8th Edition, 2020), By John Grotzinger and Thomas Jordan. CH 6 SEDIMENTATION: ROCKS FORMED BY SURFACE PROCESSES Surface Processes of the Rock Cycle Sedimentary Basins: The Sinks for Sediments Sedimentary Environments Sedimentary Structures Burial and Diagenesis: From Sediment to Rock Classification of Siliciclastic Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks Classification of Chemical and Biological Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks CH 12 THE CLIMATE SYSTEM What Is Climate? Components of the Climate System The Greenhouse Effect Climate Variation The Carbon Cycle CH 13 CIVILIZATION AS A GLOBAL GEOSYSTEM Growth and Impact of Civilization Fossil-Fuel Resources Alternative Energy Resources Our Energy Future CH 14 ANTHROPOGENIC GLOBAL CHANGE Rise of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere: The Keeling Curve Types of Anthropogenic Global Change: Chemical, Physical, and Biological Climate Change Ocean Acidification Loss of Biodiversity Managing the Carbon Crisis CH 15 GLACIERS: THE WORK OF ICE Types of Glaciers How Glaciers Form How Glaciers Move Isostasy and Sea Level Change Glacial Landscapes Glacial Cycles and Climate Change CH 16 EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT Controls on Weathering Chemical Weathering Physical Weathering Soils: The Residue of Weathering Erosion and Formation of Stream Valleys Mass Wasting Classification of Mass Movements Geomorphology and Landscape Development CH 17 THE HYDROLOGIC CYCLE AND GROUNDWATER The Geologic Cycling of Water Hydrology and Climate The Hydrology of Groundwater Erosion by Groundwater Water Quality Water Deep in the Crust CH 18 STREAM TRANSPORT: FROM MOUNTAINS TO OCEANS The Form of Streams Where Do Channels Begin? How Running Water Erodes Soil and Rock How Currents Flow and Transport Sediment Deltas: The Mouths of Rivers Streams as Geosystems CH 19 COASTLINES AND DESERTS Coastal Processes The Shaping of Shorelines Hurricanes and Coastal Storm Surges Desert Processes Windblown Sand and Dust The Desert Environment Tectonic, Climatic, and Human Controls on Deserts CH 20 EARLY HISTORY OF THE TERRESTRIAL PLANETS Origin of the Solar System Early Earth: Formation of a Layered Planet Diversity of the Planets What’s in a Face? The Age and Complexion of Planetary Surfaces Mars Rocks! Exploring the Solar System and Beyond CH 22 GEOBIOLOGY: LIFE INTERACTS WITH EARTH The Biosphere as a System Microorganisms: Nature’s Tiny Chemists Geobiological Events in Earth’s History Evolutionary Radiations and Mass Extinctions Astrobiology: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4041-00L | Sedimentology I: Physical Processes and Sedimentary Systems | 3 credits | 2G | V. Picotti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Sediments preserved a record of past landscapes. This courses focuses on understanding the processes that modify sedimentary landscapes with time and how we can read this changes in the sedimentary record. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The students learn basic concepts of modern sedimentology and stratigraphy in the context of sequence stratigraphy and sea level change. They discuss the advantages and pitfalls of the method and look beyond. In particular we pay attention to introducing the importance of considering entire sediment routing systems and understanding their functionning. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Details on the program will be handed out during the first lecture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The sedimentary record of sea-level change Angela Coe, the Open University. Cambridge University Press | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4043-00L | Sedimentology II: Biological and Chemical Processes in Lacustrine and Marine Systems Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L). | 3 credits | 2G | V. Picotti, A. Gilli, I. Hernández Almeida, H. Stoll | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The course will focus on biological amd chemical aspects of sedimentation in marine environments. Marine sedimentation will be traced from coast to deep-sea. The use of stable isotopes palaeoceanography will be discussed. Neritic, hemipelagic and pelagic sediments will be used as proxies for environmental change during times of major perturbations of climate and oceanography. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | -You will understand chemistry and biology of the marine carbonate system -You will be able to relate carbonate mineralogy with facies and environmental conditions -You will be familiar with cool-water and warm-water carbonates -You will see carbonate and organic-carbon rich sediments as part of the global carbon cycle -You will be able to recognize links between climate and marine carbonate systems (e.g. acidification of oceans and reef growth) -You will be able to use geological archives as source of information on global change -You will have an overview of marine sedimentation through time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | -carbonates,: chemistry, mineralogy, biology -carbonate sedimentation from the shelf to the deep sea -carbonate facies -cool-water and warm-water carbonates -organic-carbon and black shales -C-cycle, carbonates, Corg : CO2 sources and sink -Carbonates: their geochemical proxies for environmental change: stable isotopes, Mg/Ca, Sr -marine sediments thorugh geological time -carbonates and evaporites -lacustrine carbonates -economic aspects of limestone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | no script. scientific articles will be distributed during the course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | We will read and critically discuss scientific articles relevant for "biological and chemical processes in marine and lacustrine systems" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4113-00L | Sedimentary Petrography and Microscopy | 2 credits | 2G | V. Picotti, M. G. Fellin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Microscopy of carbonate (1st half of semester) and sliciclastic rocks (2nd half) rocks as well as siliceous, phosphatic and evaporitic sediements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Description of grains and cement/matrix, texture, classification of the main sedimentary rocks. Discussion and interpretation of the environment of sedimentation. Diagenetic Processes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Microscopy of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, siliceous and phosphatic rocks, their origin and classification. Diagenesis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | English textbooks recommended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Tucker, M.E. (2001): Sedimentary Petrology-An introduction to the Origin of Sedimentary Rocks, 3rd Editition. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, 262 p. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The earlier attendance of other MSc microscopy courses (e.g. magmatic and metamorphic rocks) is not required if during the BSc a general course on microscopy of rocks was completed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4117-00L | Sediment Analysis Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L). | 3 credits | 2G | M. G. Fellin, A. Gilli, V. Picotti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Theoretical background and application of some basic methods for sediment analysis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The main goal is to learn how to apply the analysis of the texture and grain-size of sediments to constrain the sedimentary processes and environments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | A one-day fieldtrip to a local outcrop to learn how to describe sediments in the field and to collect samples for grain-size and compositional analysis. Application of the same analytical techniques on samples of unknown origin: the sampling sites will be revealed at the end of the course. Discussion of the theoretical background and of the results in class. At the end of the course, the student will have to hand in a report with the presentation and discussion of all the data produced during the course. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | For the various analytical methods English texts will be provided in class. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Introduction to clastic sedimentology. R.J. Cheel, Brock University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 651-4132-00L | Field Course IV: Alpine Field Course Does not take place this semester. Priority is given to D-EAPS students. If space is available UZH Geography and Earth System Sciences students may attend this field course at full cost. No registration through myStudies. The registration for excursions and field courses goes through http://exkursionen.erdw.ethz.ch only. | 4 credits | 6P | W. Behr, V. Picotti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Prerequisites / Notice | Students who want to participate hand in a short motivation letter (max. 1 page A4). The final selection will be based on this motivation letter. Deadline for motivation letter: Final decision: Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-EAPS https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/erdw/department/dokumente/studium/exkursionen/AGB_ERDW_Exkursionen_en.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||