Important: Students may request a thesis topic once they have earned 120 out of 180 credits. The thesis work may begin once the student has earned at least 150 credits. The thesis must be requested by contacting the Teaching Unit (melissa.dinelli@unipi.it)
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1) Title: River Network Morphometry vs Tectonic Structures: Case Studies from the Nuratau Mountain Range (Tien Shan Orogen, Uzbekistan)
Supervisors: A. Ribolini, M. Vacchi
Aim: to identify and interpret the footprint of major tectonic structures within the morphometry of river networks in the Nuratau Mountain Range.
Methods: Extraction of regional river networks through the processing of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) using QGIS software, Identification of anomalous river patterns and their correlation with documented tectonic structures. Generalization of results. Potential validation of findings through targeted fieldwork
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meetings in Tashkent.
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2) Title: Sills and dykes from Elba Island.
Supervisors: S. Rocchi, P. P. Giacomoni
Aim: Reconstruction of the petrographic features, chemical composition and deformation features of the Monte Calamita felsic dykes and sills complex, Elba Island, Tuscany.
Methods: Optical microscopy. Electron scanning microscopy/electron microprobe.
Tutors Interaction: Field work in Elba Island and regular online consultations with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meetings in Tashkent.
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3) Title: The skarn of Elba Island.
Supervisors: S. Rocchi, P. P. Giacomoni
Aim: Mineral chemistry of the skarn complex from the Ginevro iron mine, Elba Island, Tuscany.
Methods: Optical microscopy. Electron scanning microscopy/electron microprobe.
Tutors Interaction: Field work in Elba Island and regular online consultations with the supervisors, with possibility of in-person meetings in Tashkent.
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4) Title: Petrology of Southern Tian Shan orogeny
Supervisors: P. P. Giacomoni, S. Rocchi
Aim: Summarize and rationalize data from available past studies, highlighting petrographic and geochemical features of magmatic rocks.
Method: Mostly bibliographic research methods
Tutors Interactions: Regular online consultations, in person meetings in Tashkent.
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5) Title: Analysis and processing of Geophysical data
Tutors: E. Stucchi, A. Tognarelli, M. Aleardi
Aims: to provide students the main tools of geophysical data processing of seismic, simological, gravimetric and magnetic data
Tutors interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meeting during tutor permanence in Uzbekisyan for lecturing
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6) Title: Simulations of geophysical data
Tutors: E. Stucchi, A. Tognarelli, M. Aleardi
Aims: to provide students the main tools of synthetic simulations of seismic, simological, gravimetric and magnetic data
Tutors interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence in Uzbekisyan for lecturing
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7) Title: Analysis of magnetic data collected with vertical gradiometric approach
Tutors: E. Stucchi, A. Tognarelli, M. Aleardi
Aim: processing and 2D-2D visualization of magnetic data to individuated magnetic anomalies generated by shallow targets.
Methods: geophysical data processing (filtering, gaining), magnetic vertical sections and 2D maps generation
Tutors interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence in Uzbekistan for lecturing
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8) Title: Geomorphological mapping of the Akstakata valley (Uzbekistan)
Supervisor: M. Vacchi
Aim: Mapping and interpretation of the major landforms of the Akstakata valley
Methods: Combined investigation made of SRTM dataset and aerial/satellite images in Qgis environment. Cartographic mapping of the landforms and interpretation of the geomorphological processes.
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors
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9) Title: Petrology of ultramafic xenoliths from Cenozoic alkaline volcanics from northern Victoria Land (Antarctica)
Supervisors: Pier Paolo Giacomoni, Sergio Rocchi
Aim: Characterization of the petrographic and geochemical features of ultramafic xenoliths aiming identifying the metasomatic and partial melting events.
Method: Optical and electronic microscope. Electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA).
Tutors Interactions: Regular online consultations, in person meetings in Tashkent and/or in Pisa
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10) Title: Petrology of alkaline dykes and lavas from the Betic cordillera (Malaga, Spain)
Supervisors: Pier Paolo Giacomoni, Sergio Rocchi
Aim: Characterization of the petrographic and geochemical features of alkaline dykes and lava.
Method: Optical and electronic microscope. Electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA).
Tutors Interactions: Regular online consultations, in person meetings in Tashkent and/or in Pisa
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11) Title: Alpine listvenites along the Aosta–Ranzola Fault (Italy): insights into Au mineralisation and CO₂ sequestration from C–O isotopes and U–Pb dating
Supervisors: M. Di Rosa, A. Rielli. K. Mavrogonatos
Aim: to characterize the sulfide mineralization and the related carbonate gangue along the Aosta-Ranzola Fault
Methods: sample preparation, SEM-EDS analyses, in-situ LA-ICP-MS analyses for geochronology, mass spectrometer for C and O stable isotopes analysis.
Tutor interaction: two weeks of laboratory activities in Pisa (DST-CNR), regular online consultations with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meeting in Tashkent.
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12) Title: Geological mapping of the area around the Gidjal area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to generate a geological map, commenting the rock types and highlighting the tectonic style
Methods: geological field mapping approach, measures of geological contact and faults, collecting rock samples, drawing geological section
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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13) Title: Classification of the magmatic pebbles in the Paleogene conglomerates in the Gidjal area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to individuate individual lithotype provenience by analyzing the paragenesis of conglomerate clasts
Methods: field mapping of conglomerate formation, rock samples collection, laboratory analysis
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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14) Title: Dating by U/Pb zircon of the magmatic rocks in the Amirsoy area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: geochronology of magmatic rocks in the Amirsoy area
Methods: field mapping of magmatic rocks, rock samples collection, laboratory analysis
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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15) Title: Geological mapping of the Amirsoy area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to generate a geological map, commenting the rock types and highlighting the tectonic style
Methods: geological field mapping approach, measures of geological contact and faults, collecting rock samples, drawing geological section
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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16) Title: Deformation history of the Paleozoic succession in the Charval Lake area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to map the tectonic structures in the Charval Lake area, characterizing the tectonic style and kinematics
Methods: geological field mapping, measures of geological structures, drawing geological section
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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17) Title: Stratigraphy and sandstone petrography of the Paleogene succession in the Charval Lake area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to map the sandstone formations in the Charval Lake area, analysis of sandstone samples to define their composition on petrographic basis.
Methods: geological field mapping, collecting rock samples, laboratory petrographic analysis
Tutor interaction: online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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18) Title: Classification of the magmatic pebbles in the Paleogene conglomerates in the Charval Lake area
Supervisors: M. Marroni, C. Frassi, L. Pandolfi, F. Meneghini
Aim: to generate a geological map, commenting the rock types and highlighting the tectonic style
Methods: geological field mapping approach, measures of geological contact and faults, collecting rock samples, drawing geological sections
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19) Title: Mineralogical and/or geochemical and/or petrological characterization of mineralized and hydrothermally altered samples from Uzbekistan (the title can be adapted on the basis of sample provenance and types)
Supervisors: A. Gioncada, P. Fulignati, K. Mavrogonatos
Aim: to improve the knowledge of the Uzbek georesources; this thesis type will also contribute to build a didactic collection, now lacking, to be used in the following years
Methods: petrography and mineralogy of ore and gangue through Optical Microscopy in transmitted and reflected light, SEM-BSE, EPMA, LA-ICPMS, fluid inclusions (a single thesis will use 1, or at least 2 of these methods)
Tutors Interaction: requires at least a short period in Pisa, online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
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20) Title: Climate conditions over the past 50 years in Uzbekistan: review of existing data, database building, and analysis of climate trends
Supervisors: A. Ribolini
Aim: Collect and homogenize climate data available from public archives or private agencies to develop a statistical analysis of trends in air temperature, precipitation, and possibly other climate factors. Possible assessment of impacts on water availability and agricultural productivity.
Methods: Archive data collection, statistical analysis (means, medians, trend lines, statistical correlations)
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21) Title: Interaction of lichens with metal rich substrates: mechanisms of tolerance, physiological stress, effects on biodiversity.
Supervisors: L. Paoli (with a possible additional tutor from the Faculty of Biology at the National University of Uzbekistan)
Aim: to analysis lichens growing on ophiolites, possible study sites inTuscany
Methods: field work and laboratory analyse
Tutors Interaction: requires at least a short period in Pisa, online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
Note: reserved to students following the Enviromental Geology curriculum
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22) Title: Biomonitoring the effects of geothermal emissions – sustainable management of geothermal sources
Supervisors: L. Paoli (with a possible additional tutor from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, UGS, Tashkent
Aim: investigation of physiological and chemical effects on lichens/mosses, standardized assessment of lichen diversity and investigation of bioaccumulation capacity in lichens/mosses/higher plants for monitoring purposes. Study sites: Tuscany.
Methods: field work and laboratory analyses
Tutors Interaction: requires at least a short period in Pisa, online meetings, possible in-presence meetings during tutor permanence for lecturing
Note: reserved to students following the Enviromental Geology curriculum
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23) Title: Caves and karst features in Uzbekistan
Supervisor: A. Columbu.
Aim: to collect information on caves and karst features in Uzbekistan. The expected outcome is a database and a map where caves and karst peculiarities are visualized and discussed. Ideally, this database/map will be useful for future expeditions in the field
Methods: Literature and satellite images; potentially fieldwork
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meetings in Tashkent
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24) Title: Seismicity Characterization of Uzbekistan
Supervisor: F. Grigoli
Aim: to collect, harmonize, and critically assess existing seismological datasets for Uzbekistan (instrumental and, where available, historical/macroseismic information) in order to characterize the country’s seismicity in terms of spatial distribution, magnitude–frequency behavior, depth patterns, and main seismotectonic domains. The expected outcome is a standardized earthquake database that synthesize current knowledge and can support future research and hazard-oriented studies.
Methods: Data compilation and quality control from published catalogs and institutional repositories; metadata standardization (time span, magnitude types, location uncertainty, depth reliability), declustering (if required), and basic statistical analyses (temporal rates, magnitude–frequency distributions/b-values, depth and regional comparisons). literature review to interpret results in a regional tectonic framework.
Tutors Interaction: Regular online meetings with the supervisor to discuss data sources, processing choices, and interpretation steps
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25) Title: Petrographic, mineral-chemical and micro-structural characterisation of jadeite-bearing rocks from Harmancık (Bursa region), western Anatolia, Turkey.
Supervisors: K. Mavrogonatos, M. Di Rosa
Aim: To determine the mineral chemistry and deformation characteristics of jadeite-bearing rocks from the Bursa region.
Methods: Laboratory work (petrography, SEM-EDS, EPMA); literature research
Tutors Interaction: Regular online meetings with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meeting in Tashkent.
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26) Title: Loess deposits in Uzbekistan: a review of existing data and examples from the Tashkent region
Supervisor: A. Ribolini
Aim: To analyze the current state of knowledge of loess deposits, highlight their relevance for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and agricultural activities, and describe loees outcrops from hills/mountains in the Tashkent region.
Methods: Critical literature review, field observations, sediment sampling, and possible grain-size analyses.
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors, with the possibility of in-person meetings in Tashkent
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27) Title: Mineralogical characterization of a suite of ore samples
Supervisors: E. Mugnaioli, M. Pasero
Aim: recognizing and describing the minerals present in a small suite of ore samples, using advanced laboratory techniques
Methods: The student is required to perform the mineralogical characterization of a small set of samples of interest, for example a set of specimens extracted from a mineralized body. The analysis may involve optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and/or electron micro-probe analyzer (EPMA). Data will be collected and analyzed by the student under the supervision of the tutor, and geologically contextualized. The sample will be proposed by the student and may derive from a collaboration with a company operating in Uzbekistan. This thesis requires that the student dedicates 3-4 days in Pisa for collecting the data.
Tutors Interaction: Tutoring during lab experience in Pisa and regular online consultation
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28) Title: Type minerals of Uzbekistan
Supervisors: Enrico Mugnaioli & Marco Pasero
Aim: providing a document with selected information on a restricted selection of minerals that were discovered for the first time in Uzbekistan
Methods: Up to date, there are in total 17 minerals with type locality in Uzbekistan. The student is required to perform a survey of literature data on a selection of these minerals, focused on the original description and other significant papers. Each file will contain info on the mineral (geological occurrence of the type locality, origin of the name, physical properties, chemical composition, crystal structure, list of other important occurrences besides the type locality, etc). Each file should be decorated with nice pictures of the mineral. A maximum of 4-5 theses of this kind is available.
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors
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29) Title: Compilation of scientific information about an area of mineralogical interest located in Uzbekistan
Supervisors: Enrico Mugnaioli & Marco Pasero
Aim: This job aims at searching and combining scientific literature about a specific area of mineralogical significance
Methods: The student is required to perform a survey of scientific literature about a specific mineralized area, collecting information over the last decades of available information (likely, mostly in Russian and/or in English). The student will perform a synthesis of the literature and will be encouraged to develop an original scientific output.
Tutors Interaction: Regular online consultations with the supervisors
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