A. Knowledge and understanding (Knowledge and understanding):

Students will learn the fundamental concepts and principles related to the physical and chemical properties and processes of the Earth system. Students will acquire the basic concepts of applied geophysics for characterizing the subsurface, including in urban contexts. This knowledge plays a significant role in designing the most appropriate geophysical surveys to support studies aimed at mitigating natural hazards, in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, and as a preparatory step in the design and land-use planning phases. The required competencies consist of a solid grasp of physical and mathematical principles.

B. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding (Applying knowledge and understanding):

Students will be able to apply the knowledge they have acquired regarding geophysical methodologies to characterize, through an understanding of quantitative parameters, the subsurface soil in urban areas, archaeological sites, etc. They will also be able to conduct field surveys using geoelectric (ERT), seismic (seismic tomography), and electromagnetic (GPR) methods, as well as interpret the results obtained for subsurface modeling.

C. Independent judgment (Making judgments):

Students will be encouraged to independently explore the topics covered in greater depth by writing detailed reports on the techniques used and on procedures for analyzing geophysical data and determining levels of uncertainty. Through participation in practical case studies, they will be encouraged to develop an independent approach to selecting and evaluating the geophysical methodologies most appropriate for the various contexts under investigation. Furthermore, critical discussion with peers and the instructor will be strongly encouraged, allowing students to reflect on their own learning journey and continuously monitor their progress.

D. Communication Skills:

Active participation in lectures, field trips, and laboratory activities for data processing and interpretation will help students develop the ability to communicate and argue critically, clearly, and precisely regarding the selection and use of various methodologies, analytical procedures, and the results of geophysical surveys. Students will be able to use rigorous technical and scientific language appropriate to the context of applied geophysics.

E. Learning Skills:

Through practical field exercises involving the application of geophysical survey methods, followed by laboratory work for data processing, students will acquire additional skills that will enable them to improve their study methods. They will also be able to keep themselves informed independently on new professional topics related to applied geophysics, recognizing the prerequisites necessary to understand new tools and analysis techniques.

 21 hours (3CFU) of frontal lessons

36 hours (3CFU) of field and laboratory activities

Information for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)

In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal meeting to plan any compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLDs) reference professor of our Department, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.

• discrete knowledge of mathematics and physics

• required

Electrical Methods: The electrical resistivity of rocks. Archie's formula. Anisotropy, longitudinal conductance, transverse resistance, principles of equivalence and suppression. Instrumentation. Energizing section. Receiving section. Signal acquisition in cases of low signal to noise ratio. Resistivity method. Current flow in a homogeneous medium: theoretical foundations. Electrode devices. Resistivity profiles and surveys. Data acquisition in the field. Data analysis and interpretation. The use of the logarithmic scale. Direct and inverse interpretation. Superposition method. Auxiliary point method for interpretation of curves with more than three layers. Auxiliary graphs. Use of computer for interpretation. Apparent resistivity maps, pseudosection. Reconstruction of impermeable conductive substrate for hydrogeological surveys. Selection of appropriate geoelectrical surveys for archaeological surveys and engineering purposes. Conventional electrical coring. Choice of methodologies to be used in the campaign for survey optimization. 2D and 3D electrical tomography. Application cases. 

Seismic Methods: Volume waves and surface waves. Wave propagation. Snell's law. Fermat's principle. Diffraction. Acoustic impedance. Transmission and reflection coefficients. seismic velocities. Seismic instrumentation. Seismic sources. Reflection seismic: horizontal reflector, normal moveout; inclined reflector, dip moveout. Campaign methods in reflection seismic. Refraction seismic: single horizontal refractor; multiple horizontal refractors; tilted refractor. Case of vertical faulting. Hidden layers. Discontinuous refractors. Delay time method. Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM). Field methods in refraction seismic. In-hole seismic measurements; up-hole method; down-hole method; cross-hole method. Selection of methodologies to be used in the campaign for optimization of investigations. Seismic tomography.

Electromagnetic Methods: The Ground Penetrating Radar (georadar). Instrument characteristics and principles of operation. Data acquisition, processing and interpretation. Transmitting and receiving antennas. Choice of antenna frequency. Considerations of G.P.R. prospecting. limitations of G.P.R. prospecting. application examples.

TELFORD W. M., GELDART L.P., SHERIFF R.E., KEYS D.A. - “Applied Geophysics” - Cambridge University Press, 1976.
Reynolds J.M. (1997): An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 796 pp.
M. Corrao e G. Coco: Geofisica applicata. Con particolare riferimento alle prospezioni sismiche, elettriche, elettromagnetiche e geotermiche. 2021, Flaccovio Dario editore

-Corrao M., Coco G. (2021): Geofisica Applicata – III edizione. Flaccovio Dario editore., pp. 272.

Appropriate slides and presentations on the topics covered will be provided

• oral examination

1. electric tomographies 2D and 3D
2. seismic tomography
3. laws of geometric optics
4. electromagnetic prospections
5. georadar sections and radargrams