Geology and geomorphology

Cluster

Land and Environment (AT)

Description

The research group works in the field of geological surveys and land monitoring based on high-resolution topographic instruments and techniques.

It is divided into two main research topics. The first concerns the Safety of the mountain basins, with the aim of developing a reference framework and an operational protocol to optimise the effectiveness of risk prevention and of structures in mountain basins. The studies are carried out in the Geoinformatic Environment (GIS) integrating remote sensing techniques, like digital photogrammetry (SfM), aerial and terrestrial laser scanning, satellite positioning (GNSS), georeferenced databases, and digital cartography. The aim is to develop innovative operational approaches using mathematical models to simulate events and to support the technical-political decision-makers for a responsible land management. In addition to national and international research, the group provides consultancy services to public bodies, private organisations and companies.

The second line of research concerns the Morphotectonic and seismotectonic characterisation of areas with a high seismic risk and is based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes morphotectonic analysis, geological soil survey, industrial seismic line analysis and paleoseismological analysis. The research therefore aims at the identification of active faults for risk assessment and with the use of deep and shallow geognostic data. The group also deals with thermometamorphic evolution of crystalline basements, in collaboration with other Italian universities (e.g. University of Milano Statale and Milano Bicocca). In parallel, there is teaching and participation in the study and development of cognitive processes in the learning of Science, and of Earth Sciences.

Research subjects

Geological and geo-thematic cartography
Alpine Cryosphere Dynamics
Earthquake geology
Hydrological mountain land security
Land use change and ecosystem services

ERC panels

PE10_3 Climatology and climate change
PE10_4 Terrestrial ecology, land cover change
PE10_5 Geology, tectonics, volcanology
PE10_10 Mineralogy, petrology, igneous petrology, metamorphic petrology
PE10_13 Physical geography, geomorphology
PE10_14 Earth observations from space/remote sensing
PE10_17 Hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering and environmental geology, water and soil pollution
PE10_18 Cryosphere, dynamics of snow and ice cover, sea ice, permafrosts and ice sheets