511438 - APPLIED AND EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS

courses

ID:

511438

Duration (hours):

64

CFU:

SSD:

GEOFISICA APPLICATA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 10/01/2026)

Course Objectives

Concepts and tools necessary for the setting up of a site investigation survey, prospecting design, the achievement of the survey during data collection, processing and interpretation, the understanding of the factors affecting the choice of the prospecting method.

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, basic theoretical knowledge of terrestrial physics (seismology, seismics, gravimetry, magnetometry, isostasy, geothermy).

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. In addition, 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

Benson R.C. &Yuhr L, 1996, An introduction to geophysical techniques and their applications for engineers and project managers, SAGEEP 96 Short Course, Technos, Inc Milsom J., 2003. Field geophysics, Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Parasnis D.S., Principles of applied geophysics, Chapman Hall Meyer De Stadelhofen C., Applications de la géophysique aux recherches d’eau, Lavoisier Mari J.L., Arens G, Chapellier D., Gaudiani P., 1999, Geophysics of reservoir and civil engineering. Editions Technip Dobrin M.B., Savit C.H., Introduction to Geophysical Prospecting, McGraw-hill International Edition Griffiths D.H. & King R.F., Applied geophysics for geologists and engineers, Pergamon Telford W.M., Geldart L.P., Sheriff R.E., Applied Geophysics, Cambridge University Press Lowrie W., 2007, Fundamentals of Geophysics, Cambridge University Press Chiesa G., Pozzi per acqua, Hoepli

Lectures Objectives and criteria for the setting up of a site investigation survey, prospecting design, factors affecting the choice of the prospecting method, applicability and limitations of the different surveys, national regulations. Seismic methods: reflection, refraction, tomography, SASW, MASW, REMI, Down Hole, VSP, Cross Hole, HVSR surveys. Resistivity methods: resistivity depth sounding, resistivity profiling, ERT, self-potential, induced polarization, mise à la masses. Electromagnetics methods: GPR CWEM, TEM, VLF-EM, MT, CSAMT. Gravity method, magnetic method. Geophysical logging: sonic, resistivity, self potential, induction, radioactive logs. 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

English

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.