Field Trip Leaders: Anna Breda1, Marcello Caggiati1, Piero Gianolla2, Nereo Preto1, Manuel Rigo1
1Università di Padova.
2Università di Ferrara.
Date: 19-21 September 2025
Cost: € 560 (FULL); € 300 (REDUCED SIMP/SGI/EAG members); € 510 REDUCED Societies affiliated to SGI.
Additional costs are expected for single room accommodation (not guaranteed – to be paid on-site).
Minimum number of participants: 25
Maximum number of participants: 50
Description
This excursion will take us on a journey through the geological history of the Dolomites, from the establishment of a rigid basement that preserved the area from major tectonic deformation, to the development of carbonate platforms at a variety of scales, in a time span that encompasses millions of years from the early Permian to the Norian (late Triassic). We will visit some of the finest locations in the Dolomites, that are universally considered a standard for Triassic time and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Main topics we will touch are (i) the nature of Triassic carbonate precipitation, either abiotic or microbial; (ii) the visible depositional geometries of high-relief carbonate platforms; (iii) the relationship between volcanics and carbonates; (iv) the origin of dolomite; (v) the impact of climate change and sea-level oscillations on depositional systems; (vi) the evolution from flat topography to high-relief carbonate platforms and back to flat epicontinental deposition.
Programme
Day 1: Padova (departure at 7:30 am from the Department of Geosciences, Via G. Gradenigo 6), Passo Valles (stratigraphy of the Dolomites from the Lower Permian continental volcanics into the Lower Triassic shallow-marine deposits) - Selva di Cadore (arrival at the Hotel at Santa Fosca ca. 7:30 pm).
The stop at Passo Valles implies a walk on easy trail but at high elevation - up to 2300 m asl, for a duration of about 1h30' and back.
Day 2: Selva di Cadore - Colle Santa Lucia (overview of the Middle - Late Triassic carbonate platforms) - Passo Giau (Middle Triassic volcanics and volcaniclastics, and their relationship with carbonate platforms and deep-water deposits) - Selva di Cadore (arrival at the Hotel at Santa Fosca ca. 7:30 pm). The day is spent on easy trails, which however involve climbing an elevation of ca. 300 m in an alpine mountain environment.
Day 3: Selva di Cadore - Passo Falzarego (Shut-off of the early Carnian carbonate platform and onset of siliciclastic deposition) - Cinque Torri by cable car (overview of the upper Triassic carbonate platforms and the Dolomia Principale "primary" dolomites) - Padova (arrival at ca. 6:30 pm).
Further indications
Days 1 and 2 of the field trip involve simple trekking in a high mountain environment, and we will be constantly walking at elevations >2000 m asl. Participants should be reasonably well fit. Adequate equipment is required, including boots, waterproof raincoat in case of bad weather, warm and wind-resistant clothes, sun protection as sunscreen, a hat and possibly sunglasses. The weather may vary from warm and sunny to very cold and rainy or snowy, with potentially sharp daily contrasts. Packed lunch will be provided for the 2nd and 3rd day, including some water, but it's in the participant's responsibility to ensure you bring along enough water. All costs of lodging, including breakfast and dinner at the hotel, travel by bus and cable cars, are covered by the organization.
Field trip contact: nereo.preto@unipd.it