Dr. Andrea Aquino, Ph.D.

Geologist and Forest Scientist | Sedimentary Processes, Vegetation Geology* & Close-to-Nature Forest Management

Geologist, forest scientist, and wanderer

With a strong focus on the interactions between geology, vegetation, and forest ecosystems—and more broadly, on nature protection and conservation.

I originally specialized in sedimentology, approaching it through the lens of mineralogy and petrology. My early research explored the intricate connections between sedimentary processes and the mineralogical composition of rocks, with a focus on deposits such as loess and soils. I used a combination of techniques including XRD, XRF, laser diffraction, SEM (for grain surface features), and micromorphology to investigate sediment dynamics in detail.

During my Ph.D., I studied the decay of natural and artificial stones used in historical buildings—mainly sedimentary ones—focusing on how mineralogy and microstructure influence degradation processes. This deepened my understanding of the interplay between geology, materials, and environmental exposure, with applications in cultural heritage conservation.

More recently, I expanded my academic background by obtaining a second Master's degree in Forest Science (summa cum laude, University of Padova). My thesis—"Effects of Skid Trails on Soil Moisture and Vegetation Indices: A Multi-Season Satellite Analysis"—reflects my growing interest in forest ecosystems and their relationships with geological substrates. It also allowed me to rekindle a long-standing passion first sparked during my geology studies: the connection between rocks, soils, and vegetation.

This evolving research path led me to develop what I now call *Vegetation Geology—a new interdisciplinary field that investigates how geological substrates influence vegetation structure, dynamics, and resilience, particularly within forest ecosystems. Unlike traditional Geobotany (also known as phytogeography) or plant ecology, this approach places geology at the core of ecological interpretation and forest management strategies.

I have just begun this new line of research, and am currently working on conceptual frameworks and field-based methodologies to integrate geological and ecological data, including the use of satellite-derived vegetation and water indices. My aim is to contribute to both fundamental research and applied approaches in close-to-nature forest management, conservation, and ecological restoration.

Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Terrestrial Sedimentology Group, where I continue to merge geology and forest science—one step at a time, from outcrops to tree canopies.

In my free time, I am a passionate mountain climber and nature enthusiast, with a background as a Mountain Rescuer and Environmental Guard (Ranger).

I also have a deep passion for teaching Earth sciences, particularly general geology and geomorphology, and I find great fulfillment in inspiring students to explore the wonders of our planet.

Currently, I am involved in teaching the following courses:

• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy: This course explores the formation and processes shaping sedimentary rocks, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of sedimentology and stratigraphy principles.
• Advanced Sedimentology: A specialized course covering sediment provenance, diagenesis, and depositional environments, enhancing students' analytical skills in sedimentary systems.
• Introduction to Rock Identification ("Schotterkurs"): A hands-on course focused on identifying and classifying different types of rocks through laboratory exercises.
• Geology of Building Stones: Examining the geological aspects of building stones, including their mineralogy, physical properties, and durability in cultural heritage conservation.
• Field Excursions: I organize and lead geological field excursions, such as trips to Mainz to study eolian deposits and to the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) to examine clastic deposits.

Research Interests:

• Vegetation Geology & Forest Science:
  • Interactions between geology and vegetation
  • Close-to-nature forest management
  • Remote sensing applications in forest assessment (vegetation and water indices)
• Sedimentology & Mineralogy:
  • Micromorphologies and microstructures of loess and soil samples
  • Grain surface investigations and grain size & shape analyses
  • Loess mineralogy, geochemistry, and weathering processes
  • Decay and conservation of natural and artificial stones
  • Ore mineralogy (especially in sedimentary environments)