PETROPHYSICS

Provide adequate knowledge and understanding of the physical properties of crustal and mantle minerals and rocks, methods for petrophysical rock characterization, the fields of application of petrophysics, and survey planning. Knowledge of the geochemical, mineralogical, and petrographic properties of geological materials and understanding their origin and transformations. Understanding environmental systems, georesources, and geological heritage. Knowledge of the physical and petrophysical properties of geological materials and the ability to apply characterization techniques and select the most appropriate analytical methodologies. Ability to translate geological knowledge into practical applications. Ability to prepare technical reports. Ability to plan and conduct petrophysical investigations through teamwork.

In relation to the Dublin Descriptors, this course contributes to the acquisition of the following transversal skills:

Knowledge and understanding:

Ability to engage in inductive and deductive reasoning.

Ability to model natural phenomena in qualitative and quantitative terms, specifically regarding rocks and their behavior.

Ability to formulate petrophysics-related problems using appropriate relationships between physical quantities and rock properties, and to solve them using analytical methods.

Ability to apply knowledge:

Ability to apply acquired knowledge to describe natural phenomena—particularly concerning minerals and rocks—while rigorously employing the scientific method.

Making judgments:

Ability to engage in critical reasoning.

Ability to identify the most appropriate methods for the critical analysis, interpretation, and processing of experimental data.

Ability to evaluate measurement accuracy as well as the sensitivity and selectivity of the techniques employed.

Communication skills:

Ability to describe a scientific topic orally, using appropriate language and precise terminology, while outlining its rationale and results.

Ability to describe a scientific topic in writing, using appropriate language and precise terminology, while outlining its rationale and results.

Learning skills:

Ability to read, comprehend, and critically analyze scientific texts and topics, with particular reference to petrophysics.

Ability to independently learn new scientific topics necessary for pursuing further studies.

 Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)

Topics will be covered through participatory lectures, combined with practical activities. Learning techniques such as problem solving will be applied. If teaching is taught in a blended or distance learning format, necessary changes may be made to the previously stated curriculum, in order to adhere to the planned program and syllabus. Practical activities will develop the ability to work in a group and independently consult databases and scientific literature; report preparation will develop the ability to effectively analyze, synthesize, and communicate technical and scientific results, including the ability to regularly update oneself.

Introduction to rock classification and their constituent minerals. Recall upon specific contents of petrography, structural geology, and geophysics. Physical properties of the minerals that make up the Earth's lithosphere. Elastic properties of rocks and their relationships with textural and compositional properties: grain size and orientation, modal composition, petrofabric. Parameters of intrinsic and extrinsic origin. Mono- and poly-mineral aggregates: the role of preferred crystallographic orientations. Physical properties of rock aggregates (Vp, Vs, acoustic birefringence, seismic anisotropy, density, magnetism) as a function of pressure and temperature. Calculations of the elastic properties of rocks based on their modal composition using spreadsheets. Porosity: contribution of pores and microfractures. Study of the petrophysical properties of rocks from natural outcrops and core samples. Importance of directly obtained petrophysical data for the definition of geological models: Case studies: log construction. Applications of petrophysics to the search for georesources and critical materials. Overview of the applications of petrophysics to the study of cultural heritage. Main analytical methodologies (ultrasound, image analysis) and use of dedicated software and instruments.Preparation of a technical report based on the laboratory activities performed.

1. Physical properties of rocks. A workbook. J.H. Schoen. Elsevier.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)

Calculation of the density of a rock based on the constituent minerals.

Elastic properties and role of pressure.

Acoustic birefringence (shear wave behaviour).

Construct and discuss a Vp log based on the lithological data of a drilling

Magnetic properties of minerals.

Seismic anisotropy in minerals and rocks

Application of analytical methodologies for the knowledge of hydrocarbon reservoirs

How would you organize a petrophysical analysis based on drilling data aimed at reconstructing a log?