Planetary geology

This research theme focuses on deciphering the composition of Extraterrestrial Bodies (EB) through the quantitative comparison of their spectral features with spectral data of rocks of known compositions. The aim is to develop new research lines, through fundamental research activities, using a surgical approach integrating the experimental production of rock analogues, their spectral characterization, high-resolution data analysis and modelling of spectral data. Research will be carried out using the already existing experimental and analytical facilities complemented with the new equipment acquired using the funding deriving from the Progetto di Eccellenza Dipartimentale 2023-2027.

Analysis of hydrogeological and hydro-morphological processes in the context of climatic and anthropic variations

Ongoing climate change and anthropogenic pressures influence hydrogeological and hydro-morphological factors, such as aquifer recharge, surface runoff, erosion, riverbed and slope dynamics on a basin scale. There are many open problems concerning the management of surface water bodies and groundwater, such as hydro morphological alterations that may affect the interactions among groundwater and surface water bodies and slope dynamics.  Moreover, the problem of the intensification of intense rainfall phenomena and the reduction of rainfall during the autumn-winter periods (recharge periods) may determine considerable effects on the recharge of aquifers and water availability. The project aims to integrate ground-based hydrogeological and hydro morphological approaches with remote sensing retrievals to assess the influence of climatic variations and water use on selected water systems in the Mediterranean area. The final objective of the research project is to mitigate the effects about which water body managers are concerned.

Data Science Applications and Modelling in Petrology and Volcanology

Data Science is becoming increasingly pervasive in any field of research, including Earth Sciences. By using advanced exploratory data analysis techniques, new modeling tools, machine learning, and big data, researchers can gain deeper insights into the evolution of magmatic systems, magma storage regions, subsequent magma migration events within the plumbing system, and eruptive dynamics.

We accept proposals that aim at developing new data sciences applications in petrology and volcanology to better probe the evolution of volcanic plumbing systems and pre-eruptive dynamics.

Degassing in volcanic and tectonically active area: quantification, monitoring and risk assessment.

Volcanic, tectonically active and geothermal areas are characterized by the release of deep sourced volatiles, especially carbon dioxide. Characterization and quantification of the degassing is crucial for the comprehension of the source processes, of their dynamics, for the monitoring and for the evaluation of the impact of the degassing to the environments. This proposal is focused to the study of gaseous manifestations both in volcanic areas (e.g., Campi Flegrei) and in tectonically active areas (e.g., Northern and Southern Apennines) through developing a multidisciplinary approach integrating filed and laboratory measurements of geochemical composition of gases, direct measurements of diffuse and focused gas flux, concentration of the gases in air with numerical models of gas dispersion in to the atmosphere (e.g., Disgas and Twodee2) aimed to quantifying and monitoring the fluxes, to understand the evolution of the processes involved (unrest and volcanic eruptions, tectonic activity and earthquakes). The implemented methodology will also allow the estimation of the hazard associated with gaseous emissions, which represent a source of risk for human health and an impact on the environment in various natural contexts. Moreover, the developed approach finds application also in the prospection of geothermal resources. The PhD project will be carried out in collaboration with INGV.

Faults, earthquakes and mechanical stratigraphy of the upper crust of the Italian peninsula

In regions of complex and recent tectonic activity, the uppermost crust, mainly consisting of sedimentary (or low-grade metamorphic) rocks, is characterized by a high grade of lateral and vertical lithological inhomogeneity, strongly affecting its rheology and mechanical behaviour and ultimately the earthquake distribution.  Along the Italian peninsula and in the surrounding seas, different seismotectonic regions can be recognised, characterised by different types of causative faults, reflecting their complex present-day kinematics and the consequent state of stress. The research project is aimed to characterise the mechanical stratigraphy of the crust of these seismotectonic regions, collecting and integrating geological and geophysical data at different scales: regional and/or local geological maps and geophysical surveys (active and passive seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, thermic, etc..); well stratigraphy and logs from public and commercial sources; laboratory measurement of the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties on rock samples.  The final objective will be trying to understand how the structure and the mechanical stratigraphy of the crust may influence the distribution of seismicity, the maximum expected magnitude and ultimately the seismic hazard of the studied regions. This workflow might be extended to other seismically active regions in the Mediterranean area and/or worldwide.

From industrial wastes to resources: decarbonization and circular economy.

The ecological transition is a necessary path towards sustainable development and one of the goals of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda. The concepts of decarbonization and circular economy are among the key points to ensure this. The present research proposal is dedicated to the development of strategies to improve the sustainability of industrial processes using geomaterials. The fine-tuned technologies will be optimized along the path of (i) decarbonization of production processes, (ii) ex-situ carbon storage and (iii) reuse of waste geomaterials that will reach the status of end-of-waste and become second-generation geomaterials. The characterization and optimization of waste feedstocks and products will be carried out using both in-house instrumentations, national/international facilities and collaborations with public and private laboratories/industries.

Geomorphological mapping on emerged and submerged lacustrine features and on alluvial landforms in a semi-natural environment

The research theme focuses on the study, recognition and mapping of lacustrine features both emerged and submerged and of drainage networks connected to them and subject to strong anthropization. The study case is the Trasimeno Lake (Umbria, central Italy) and the fluvial network with the adductors and emissaries connected to it.

The results will be used to update the legend of the Italian Geomorphological Map at a scale of 1:50.000 and the relative Geomorphological Database.

Geophysical characterization of Quaternary extensional basins in Umbria through microtremors: a contribution to seismic hazard assessment.

The Quaternary basins in Umbria (e.g., Gubbio, Colfiorito and Norcia) have been historically damaged by medium to high-intensity earthquakes. Several studies have attempted to address the stratigraphic and structural complexities that complicate both geological modeling at various scales as well as the determination of site response. Unfortunately, an accurate definition of the geometry of the basins and the hierarchy of the bordering active faults are still open questions within the scientific community.

During the study, that will be carried out in collaboration with national and international institutions, new and extensive passive seismic data will be acquired on selected sites in Umbria. Single-station measurements, as well as 2D seismic arrays will be used, and the data analyzed and interpreted together with already available geophysical, geological, and satellite data. The study goal will be the detailing the 3D basins architecture of the infilling Quaternary sediments. This work will be crucial for contributing to a better definition of seismic hazard and to reveal local ground motion amplifications.

Integrated platform/basin biostratigraphy (foraminifers and palynomorphs) across the “mid-Cretaceous”

This PhD project examines the changes in plant diversity and abundance during the Cretaceous (Aptian to Turonian), focusing on microfloristic and foraminifera analyses of key sections in the Umbria-Marche Basin and Turkey. The Cretaceous period was generally characterized by a warm, super-greenhouse climate with weak latitudinal temperature gradients and no ice sheets, although intermittent cooling periods were identified. The study aims to link vegetational changes to global environmental shifts, such as oceanic anoxic events triggered by massive volcanic activities. These events caused major disturbances in the carbon cycle and climate. Collaboration with national and international institutes will help improve temporal correlation and apply interdisciplinary approaches.

Marine response to climate changes during the Quaternary

Climate variability reflects the interactions between natural forcing and external forcing and has   an important influence on the socio-economic development, ecological systems and human issues.   For a better prediction and understanding of possible future climate evolution, it is essential to understand the mechanisms, causes, and amplitude of natural climate variability. Paleoclimate information facilitates understanding of Earth system feedbacks on time scales longer than a few centuries, which cannot be evaluated   from   short instrumental records. In this framework, the Mediterranean area is considered one of the most responsive regions to global   change. In the Mediterranean area the effects of the climate change, likely supplemented by human activities, are rapidly transferred to the deep sea via an effective thermohaline circulation, pointing to the exceptional sensitivity of the coupled ocean and atmosphere dynamics to combined anthropogenic   and natural climate forcing in the region.  In this framework, planktonic foraminifera represent the most important tool for monitoring for paleoceanographic, paleoecological and sea-surface temperature reconstructions through the properties of their fossil assemblages or as a substrate for extraction of geochemical signals. The high abundance and the excellent preservation of planktonic foraminifera in marine sediment make them probably the best fossil record on Earth, providing unparalleled archives of morphological change, habitat and ecological variations.   

Mineral physics for technological materials: new frontiers for the clean energy transition

The global transition to clean energy is accelerating demand for critical minerals, prompting the need to identify alternative, non-critical materials. A fundamental understanding of their mineral physics is key to enabling the development of high-performance materials for next-generation energy technologies. Mineral physics examines the behavior of materials at the atomic scale under extreme pressure and temperature conditions—environments relevant not only to the Earth's interior but also to advanced functional applications, such as superconductivity and materials with optical, magnetic, or energy-related properties.

This research focuses on the physical and chemical properties of emerging semiconductor and energy storage materials, particularly sulfosalts, hybrid perovskites, and high-entropy oxides. Their behavior under ambient and high-pressure/high-temperature conditions will be studied by using data from local laboratories and large-scale research facilities.

Sedimentary geology and sustainable resources - Alpine Tethys margins: basin architecture and stratigraphic evolution along an asymmetric rift system.

Stretching and thinning of the continental crust establish first-order geological domains characterized by specific stratigraphy and basin architecture. The Alpine Tethys magma-poor rift developed asymmetric margins characterized by specific geometric relationships (upper and lower plates), which flip along the rift strike. Understanding the distribution, timing, and depositional features of representative extensional basins formed during the onset of Alpine Tethys rifting is key to deciphering the three-dimensional structure of the margins. This project aims to examine the stratigraphy and thermal evolution of selected basins in the Alpine and Apennine ranges, which may help unravel the primary processes of similar magma-poor rifts formation at modern margins and is fundamental for the location and utilization of sustainable resources.

The PhD in “Earth System and Global Change” is focused on issues concerning climate change, planetology, strategies for mitigating natural and/or anthropogenic risks, the demand for natural resources, the valorization of the geological, paleontological and landscape heritage, and environmental sustainability. This mission is also pursued by offering young generations high-level research training opportunities, both nationally and internationally. The activity of the course and its training program rest above all on the experience and qualifications of the members of the Board, whose research has constantly ensured the attraction of funds assigned on a competitive basis, both of a national (e.g., PRIN, PNRA PROGETTO DI ECCELLENZA DIPARTIMENTALE 2023-2027) and international (e.g., ITN, ERC) scales. PhD students can also benefit from the numerous collaborations with qualified international academic and research institutions, with Italian public research institutes (e.g., CNR, INGV, OGS ASI) and with other public (e.g., ENEA, ISPRA, ARPA-Umbria, SABAP-Umbria, etc.) and private (e.g., ENI, ENEL, COLACEM, TIM, etc.) partners.

The PhD in “Earth System and Global Change” trains experts with a high technical-scientific profile, capable of entering various occupational fields, both in the public and private sectors. The up-to-date and innovative skills, characteristic of this doctoral course, based on a distinctly interdisciplinary approach, will further increase the opportunities for the placement of new doctors in various fields, such as: national and international academic and research institutions working on Earth Sciences; government agencies that require researchers capable of supporting management decisions and policies to address some of the major environmental problems that modern society is facing today, also with a view to increasing interaction between operators and local communities (social licenses); public bodies and companies involved in (1) land management and geological risk mitigation, (2) sourcing, modeling and management of georesources, (3) sustainable production of mineral and energy resources, and (4) study, protection and enhancement of landscape and cultural heritage..

The training activity of the PhD has its core in the research project carried out by the individual doctoral students, who will be strongly encouraged to personalize their training program, in order to achieve the best possible training in their elective research sector.

To better support the construction of this training program, the PhD makes available the best teaching/research resources available within the Board and in the universities and international research centers with which the Board maintains research collaborations, also by planning and activating a series of educational activities (courses, schools, and seminars).

Every year, the PhD Board approves a training program made up of courses, schools and seminars.

The courses are specifically designed for the PhD in "Earth System and Global Changes" and are preferentially aimed at PhD students. They are held by members of the PhD Board and/or national and international researchers with whom the Board members have scientific relations. Upon request, based on the places available, the courses can be attended by students from other Italian and foreign PhD programs. The courses generally provide for practical activities alongside the theoretical ones. The courses include a final test. Schools are open to both PhD students and other participants (e.g., undergraduates or other). Participation in courses and schools is optional (with the exception of the course reported below), in relation, for example, to the link between the topic of the course/school and that of the project of the single PhD student.

The seminars are organized in number of 6-8 per cycle and are held by qualified Italian and foreign researchers, on issues relating to those of the PhD. The seminars usually take place in the months of January-April. PhD students are required to follow at least 75% of the seminars for the acquisition of 3 CFU.

As part of the 30 mandatory CFUs that each PhD student must acquire, 9 CFUs are dedicated to a multidisciplinary course on the themes of the PhD (Earth System and Global Changes). Participation in this course is mandatory for all PhD students (at the first or second year).

A stay in one or more foreign structures (university, research centers or other high qualification institutions) of at least 6 months (even non-continuous) is strongly recommended for all PhD students (mandatory for some types of scholarships; e.g., PNRR, PON).

The PhD promotes participation in courses on transversal topics organized by other PhD programs of the University of Perugia or other Italian and foreign universities, especially if of a multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature.

PhD students have the opportunity to participate in foreign language courses at the University Language Center (CLA) with a 6-month or annual duration. The language courses can be carried out, of choice of the student, over the three years, but the CFU achieved do not contribute to the achievement of the 30 CFUs that the PhD students must compulsorily obtain with the training program. The periods of training abroad, strongly recommended for all PhD students, contribute to the strengthening of language skills.

Download the DPO
Download the DPI