The main aim of the course is to build basic knowledge on the main physical properties of the solid Earth and their role in essentially physical phenomenologies that characterize the entire body of our planet, and on the related geophysical applications.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry, elements of mathematical analysis and elements of vector calculus, physical quantities, dimensional analysis, mechanical unit systems (kinematics, dynamics, work and energy), thermodynamics (principles), wave phenomena, electrostatics, magnetostatics, time-varying electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equation, geometric optics. As regards the preparatory requirements, in order to take the exam Terrestrial Physics and Geophysics it is necessary to have taken the exams Physics 1 and Physics 2. Before taking the exam, during the exam session, the candidate must demonstrate to the teacher that she/he is in compliance with the preparatory requirements by producing a certificate or showing her/his career from the appropriate app.
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures, design of geophysical campaigns, fieldwork (geophysical data acquisition), software demonstrations/simulations, computer classroom exercises involving processing and interpretation of geophysical data, visit to a geophysical observatory.
Assessment Methods
The assessment of the actual acquisition of learning results is carried out through an oral test that focuses on the topics covered during the lessons. The candidate must deliver and discuss during the exam a collection of the graphic products obtained during the computer practicals and a very short essay that briefly describes a geophysical study of her/his choice carried out during the course, in its phases of design of the geophysical campaign, data acquisition on the field, data processing carried out during the computer laboratories and interpretation of the resulting geophysical models. At least 3 oral questions are proposed to the candidate to which the candidate is asked to answer also with the help of equations and graphical schemes.
Texts
Fowler C.M.R., 2004, The Solid Earth, An Introduction to Global Geophysics, Cambridge University Press Lowrie W., 2007, Fundamentals of Geophysics, Cambridge University Press
Contents
Lectures Review on scalars, vectors, differential operators, curvilinear coordinate systems, elasticity, seismology, gravity, magnetism, fundamentals of geochronology and heat. Computer laboratory Seismic refraction, reflection, ambient noise, down-hole seismic, electrical resistivity. Numerical modelling of gravity data. Seismic and electrical resistivity dataset collection, processing and interpretation. Fieldwork Carrying out of seismic and electrical resistivity campaigns.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The teaching materials used during the course is available on the digital teaching platform or upon request. The teacher is available upon request, both in his office and online.
