A Winter School organized by USP Academy
in collaboration with
Dept. of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences, University of Trieste
January 2026, Monday 19th - Friday 23rd
Venue: University of Trieste, Dept. of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences
Room A, Building “O”, Via Weiss 6, Trieste (Italy)
Prof. Dr. Christian Millo
Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo USP, Brazil; millo@usp.br
Prof. Dr. Douglas Galante
Institute of Geosciences, University of São Paulo USP, Brazil; galante@usp.br
Host: Prof. Dr. Stefano Covelli
Dept. of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences, UNITS, covelli@units.it
Participation is free upon registration till January 11st 2026. Max number participants: 65
Programme
MON 19/01: General aspects of deep-sea mineral deposits Prof. Christian Millo
- 2 PM - 5 PM: Classification and global distribution of deep-sea mineral deposits. Polymetallic nodules, ferromanganese crusts and hydrothermal sulphides.
TUE 20/01: Inorganic and biological formation of deep-sea minerals Prof. Christian Millo & MSc. Fernanda Jamel
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Inorganic formation mechanisms of deep-sea minerals.
- 2 PM - 5 PM: Role of microbes in the formation of deep-sea minerals. Analogous studies on biogeosignatures of microbial life in the primordial ocean. Evidence for early life in the Earth.
WED 21/01: Structural and chemical analyses of deep-sea minerals Prof. Douglas Galante & MSc. Evandro Silva
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Elemental and mineralogical analyses of deep-sea minerals.
- 2 PM - 5 PM: Raman spectroscopy and Synchrotron light-based techniques.
THU 22/01: Geopolitical aspects of deep-sea mineral deposits Prof. Christian Millo
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Jurisdiction on deep-sea mineral deposits: the role of the International Seabed Authority.
- 2 PM - 5 PM: The Brazilian maritime territory: the case study of the Rio Grande Rise (South Atlantic).
FRI 23/01: Environmental aspects of deep-sea mining Prof. Christian Millo
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Environmental concerns about deep-sea mining.
- 2 PM - 5 PM: Final written test on the course contents. Final remarks, feedback and evaluation of the course.