Theoretical course with laboratory exercises on the main applications of quantitative geomorphology. Geomorphological hazard and risk. Method for hazard forecasting and mapping. Land systems. River dynamics. Soil erosion, basics and numerical modeling. Fundamentals of optical and radar remote sensing for geomorphological applications including SAR interferometry.
Lecture notes provided by the teacher, laboratory material and notes, plus the following basic textbooks:
Cook R.U., Doornkamp (1990) Geomorphology in environmental management. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
M. Panizza (2005) Manuale di Geomorfologia Applicata.
Selby M.J. 1993, Hillslope materials and processes
Dainelli (2010), Telerilevamento, Dario Flaccovio Editore
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course the student shall be able to: analyse given landscapes from the point of view of the geomorphological processes conditioning them using state-of-the-art techniques in geomorphometry, remote sensing, data mining, build simple forecasting scenarios for modelling the evolution of hillslope processes, know how to select and gather the data needed for the analysis of morphogenetic processes at large scale, also using GIS and remote sensing tools.
Frequency of lessons is highly recommended, but not mandatory;
Type of Assessment
ORAL and WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Course program
Geomorphological processes reminder with practical examples and exercises. Definition of risk and risk parameters for slope processes. Hazard analysis and mapping using statistical and deterministic methods. Land systems, land units and land elements with exercises. Fluvial dynamics fundamentals with focus on mapping and monitoring of river bank stability. Soil erosion. Causes, effects, analysis and tools. Empirical and deterministic numerical models for the prediction and mapping of soil losses. Optical remote sensing, main available space-borne sensors, data acquisition, errors and use of data for geomorphological applications. Radar remote sensing with focus on space-borne and ground-based SAR interferometry (InSAR) and multi-interferometry (PS-InSAR). Ground deformation monitoring using InSAR and PS-InSAR.