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Ter(r)ra: Risorse, Rischi, Rispetto

Padova, 15-17 settembre 2026

Elenco Temi e Sessioni

1. From Crust to Core: Evolution of Earth and Planetary Interiors 

This theme explores the composition, formation and differentiation of Earth and planetary interiors with a focus on magmatic and metamorphic processes, mineral physics, crystal-chemical reactions, and crystal structures. It examines the processes that shaped the Earth's crust, mantle and core through time, that can be studied through observations of natural samples, experimental work and theoretical approaches. We welcome session proposals focussing on: (1) crustal evolution and metamorphism, (2) subduction, deep recycling and melt/fluid-rock interactions, (3) melting and geochemical differentiation, (4) mineral physics, crystal structures and crystal-chemical reactions, (5) volcanism, melt transport and eruptive processes, (6) planetary (geo)sciences. We particularly encourage multidisciplinary sessions that will offer new insights into the evolution of our planet and beyond.

2. Dynamic Earth

This theme focuses on the natural processes that drive the continuous evolution of the Earth. Participants will explore topics such as mantle convection, plate tectonics, crustal deformation, and the interplay between deep Earth processes and surface phenomena. By integrating insights from geophysics, geology, and geochemistry, the theme highlights the complexity of Earth's dynamic systems and their role in the planet's geological and environmental evolution over billions of years. Understanding these processes is key to deciphering Earth's history and predicting future geological changes.

3. Mountain Belts

This theme is dedicated to the comprehensive study of mountain belts, examining their formation, characteristics, and significance within Earth's geological framework. Mountain belts, formed through continental collision, and subduction, are crucial to understanding the dynamics of our planet. Participants will explore various types of mountain belts, including fold and thrust belts, volcanic arcs, and rift-related mountains, while discussing their unique geological features and evolution over time.

4. Earth System Dynamics Through Time: Climate, Sedimentary Record, and Life

This theme explores the dynamic interplay between climate change, the sedimentary archives, and the evolution of life throughout time. Key topics will include: the interpretation of sedimentary records as indicators of past climate conditions; the role of climate change and paleoenvironmental perturbations as major drivers of biotic turnovers; the feedback mechanisms linking sedimentation, climate, and biota; biodiversity patterns in the fossil record. This theme underscores how insights from past Earth system responses guide the responsible management of present and future environmental challenges. Reconstructing the sensitivity and resilience of ancient ecosystems fosters a scientifically grounded respect for the planet's functioning and its long-term equilibrium.

5. Minerals, Raw Materials, Energy Resources and Sustainable Development

Identifying natural resources is essential to satisfy the increasing global demand for energy and raw materials. At the same time, achieving energy and climate goals must necessarily focus on adopting an energy mix based on the sustainable use and management of Earth resources. The definition of specific resource nature and models, the development of innovative exploration techniques and characterization protocols, together with improved exploitation and management methods represent the pillars for a sustainable and affordable energy supply. The theme seeks contributions dealing with: georesources identification, characterization, exploration and exploitation, innovations in sustainable mining practices, innovations in mineral science and characterization, development of environmentally friendly materials, development of environment management tools and practices,  hydrogen and CCS storage projects,  breakthroughs in renewable energy sources, and investigations on characterization and exploitation of Earth waters and thermal fluids.

Attention will be also given to the life cycle of materials-from extraction to recycling-and environmental geochemistry. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among geoscientists, materials scientists, and energy experts, the theme will address the challenges and opportunities of securing resources while safeguarding ecosystems and promoting long-term sustainability.

6. Shaping the Earth at the edge of the Critical Zone

This theme explores the geological processes that have shaped Earth's surface over time and especially wants to investigate the evolution of the Earth's Critical Zone through time. It examines how endogenous forces, such as tectonics and volcanism, along with exogenous forces related to the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere have created and transformed landscapes, also considering   the human overprint on surface processes and their early inception. These processes have influenced Earth's past on long timescales, yet continue to reshape the environment today, often through rapid events like volcanic eruptions, collapses, landslides, and flash floods. We invite to propose sessions that study these processes to deepen our understanding of the dynamic of Earth surface at the edge of the critical zone, identifying general trends and challenges for the sustainability of a living planet.

7. Earth observation, natural hazards and risks, and environment monitoring

Natural hazards are frequent and widespread in many regions of the world and particularly in Italy. Their complex interaction with anthropogenic processes and climate change poses serious threats to people, infrastructure, cultural heritage, economic systems and the environment, as well as the need of early warning systems. Positioned at the intersection of science, technology, the environment, and society, this theme welcomes contributions addressing innovative research on environmental resilience and sustainability in relation to natural hazards, anthropogenic impact and climate change. It also welcomes applications and technological advancements in monitoring and observation of the Earth, aimed at improving our understanding of the Earth system, also to anticipate the hazards and their consequences across temporal and spatial scales. The theme appeals to experts dealing with land management as well as policy makers, encouraging multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary contributions. Submissions should address theoretical issues and examples of integrating monitoring and observation data, advanced computational modelling – including artificial intelligence – with socio-economic and environmental data. The goal is to improving decision making and to help shape a more sustainable and resilient future.

8. Earth Sciences for Cultural and Geo-Heritage

This theme explores the multifaceted intersection of geoscience and cultural heritage, highlighting how geological knowledge contributes to the preservation of geo-historical sites and artifacts. Contributions from the Earth Sciences to the investigation of how the archaeological record forms (from site to landscape scales) and to the study of the complex relationships between climatic and environmental changes and human societies are welcome. A second focus of this theme concerns the multiple opportunities offered by the geosciences to explore cultural heritage at different scales (from satellite observations to micro-analysis) and to support its preservation. Finally, this theme will address geoheritage as the legacy of our planet's history, which must be preserved and disseminated.

9. Geoscience Outreach: teaching, dissemination, and professional occupation

This topic focuses on geoscience outreach, promoting public understanding of Earth sciences through education, community engagement, and cultural initiatives. The theme highlights the role of geoscience in fostering broader societal awareness of Earth's processes and resources, encouraging a respectful and responsible relationship with our planet. It is also important to enhance the role of training for the geologist's profession, as well as the contribution that the professional association can provide to scientific research, acting as key representatives of the geosciences across the territory.

10. Geological and Geothematic multi-dimensional modeling of Terrestrial and Seafloor Environments

This theme focuses on advances in geological and geothematic modeling across both terrestrial and marine environments. We welcome contributions to traditional and digital geological field surveys; structural analysis; geomorphological and hydrogeological investigations; marine geological and geophysical surveying. Topics include also seafloor mapping and characterization, as well as 2D and 3D geological modelling aimed at reconstructing Earth structures, processes, and evolution. We particularly encourage topics that investigate the integration of mapping with data-driven modelling, exploiting remotely sensed information, large heterogeneous datasets, including historical geological maps, and resources provided by national and European Research Infrastructures, employing machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational tools for data analysis, uncertainty evaluation, and automated modelling are especially welcome, as these approaches are becoming essential in modern geology. The theme also addresses geothematic modeling for territorial planning, such as seismic microzonation studies and natural resource management. Relevant subjects include geomorphological mapping, landslide inventories and susceptibility zoning, coastal and anthropogenic landforms, pedological and geochemical mapping, as well as engineering-geological and hydrogeological applications. Emphasis is placed on GIS-based data integration, methodological innovation, and multidisciplinary approaches.