PhD Earth Sciences

Department

Department of Earth Sciences

Main research activities/topics/projects

Aim of the PhD Programme is to train highly qualified researchers able to independently conceive, design and carry out basic and applied research in the field of Earth Science. Original research, performed under the direction of an academic supervisor, plays a pivotal role in this programme. The PhD thesis helps the student to develop research skills, critical judgment, originality and independence. Areas of interest include:

• evolutionary models of orogenic belts and sedimentary basins, study of the relationships between tectonic events and petrogenetic processes and of the close interconnections between geosphere and biosphere;

• localization and correct use of natural resources (waters and minerals); forecast of risks from natural events (earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions) and collaborative projects for the defense of the territory from such events;

• defense of the environment from the risks arising from human activities (pollution, contamination, "greenhouse effect");

• conservation and recovery of accelerated decay, often resulting from the increase in population and industrial development, of the natural and landscape heritage, archaeological monuments and museums;

• determination of the behavior of geomaterials (minerals and rocks) at various temperatures and pressures as a contribution to the solution of both scientific and applicative problems;

• study and modeling of the processes of formation and evolution of planets;

• communication skills targeted to the literacy of citizens in general, to the training and retraining of teachers, to the preparation of professionals in the environmental field, as well as of some categories of public employees.

These aspects are developed through the application of the different disciplines of Earth Sciences, such as Paleontology, Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Geology, Structural Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry, Volcanology, Geomorphology, Applied Geology, Geophysics and Geotechnics.

Duration in months (min-max)

PhD sandwich: 3-6