Research Programmes
Research in Geosciences encompasses a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from the secrets of the Deep Earth to the management and exploitation of georesources, such as groundwater and oil.
We are committed to stand up in the international scientific competition by improving common knowledge in studies of rocks, tectonics, past climates, geomaterials and natural hazards.
Current research projects at the DG can be grouped into four main Programs, as follows:
 | Disclosing the secrets of the Earth’s interior and planetary evolution: from the genesis of crystal lattice to the buildup of mountain belts. The morphology of the Earth's surface (mountain ranges, ocean basins, volcanic fields, etc.), which can be analyzed by field and remote satellite observations, reflects deep-seated processes which occur in the Earth's crust and mantle according to the mechanics of plate tectonics. More in general, planetary bodies experience a wide range of geodynamic activities triggered by external or internal processes (e.g. global contraction, mantle convection, tidal forcing, impact basin tectonism). The "texture" and composition of many geological terrains and materials (rocks, minerals, magmas, ore resources) are the results of processes which take place under a range of temperatures and pressures, from near-surface to deep conditions in any planetary body. Likewise, the most impressive geological manifestations, such as earthquakes and volcanism, enucleate at variable depths on planetary bodies.
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 | Depositional systems, evolution of the Biosphere, Past Life and Deep Time Sedimentary rocks and their fossil content: a key to unravel the history of our planet and the origins of life as we know it. Wonder how past climate changes affected sedimentation and life on Earth ?
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 | Applied mineralogy, petrography and geophysics Applied geosciences: knowledge based on geosciences is important to a number of societal and industrial issues. Research at UNIPD supports investigation on cultural heritage materials, industrial recycling and life cycle assessment of materials, technological innovation in raw materials processing, waste inertization and land reclamation, among others. The goal is to help society to face urgent issues such as a better exploitation of natural resources, including water, and move quickly towards the zero-waste EU goal.
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 | Geomorphological processes, natural resources and geological hazards Understanding earth surface processes, mitigation of geological hazards, sustainable exploitation and quality assessment of groundwater resources: getting human development and natural environment to balance in an ever-changing world. |
