EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS

A. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

To know the fundamental theoretical principles of geophysics underlying the methodologies covered in the course.

To master the theoretical and applied foundations of the main techniques for geological characterization and subsurface structural reconstruction across different scales and within diverse, complex geological settings.

To know the fields of applicability and limitations of the geophysical techniques covered in the course.

To learn the fundamentals of field data acquisition and the general principles of geophysical data analysis, with specific reference to active geological process monitoring and environmental-geological land characterization.

 B. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Apply the acquired theoretical and practical geophysical knowledge for subsurface characterization and the evaluation of geophysical properties across a variety of settings, including urban and marine environments.

Design and conduct geophysical field data acquisition campaigns, selecting appropriate methodologies and instrumental configurations, and establishing the most suitable operational phases for the specific geological context, even under complex conditions.

Process and interpret collected geophysical data for subsurface characterization, modeling, and reconstruction, as well as for the analysis and monitoring of geological and environmental processes.

Evaluate natural hazards using integrated geophysical and geological methodologies to support risk management and land-use planning

 C. MAKING JUDGEMENTS

Through fieldwork activities, to select the most suitable geophysical methodologies and appropriate instrumental configurations based on the physical parameters of interest, establishing the most adequate operational phases for the diverse geological and logistical contexts.

Through the analysis of case studies, including complex ones, to plan and direct survey projects and land-based interventions, including those aimed at natural hazard assessment, formulating independent judgements in the management of the various operational phases.

Through laboratory activities, to critically analyze the geophysical data and models obtained during investigations, independently evaluating their reliability and limitations.

D. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Clearly and precisely express and argue the adopted methodologies, analysis procedures, and geophysical survey results in oral, written, and digitally-supported presentation formats.

Effectively communicate technical-scientific results using rigorous and accurate terminology.

Draft professional technical documentation and produce technical-scientific graphical layouts and thematic cartography.

Work in multidisciplinary contexts and teams, actively collaborating in discussion and in solving complex problems related to the land and the environment.

E. LEARNING SKILLS

Independently consult databases, scientific literature, and regulatory frameworks within the sector for periodic professional updating.

Independently tackle new topics and advanced analysis techniques in the field of applied geophysics.

Integrate new knowledge and tools into various field operational contexts.

The course consists of 6 CFU of lecture-based teaching and 3 CFU of laboratory and field activities. If necessary, blended or distance learning formats may be implemented.

Lectures will be held in the classroom and will include explanations of the topics covered using PowerPoint presentations, as well as the online consultation of interactive databases such as, for example, the Seismic Hazard Model of Italy (MPS04), the Catalogue of Strong Earthquakes in Italy (CFTI5), and the Italian Macroseismic Database (DBMI15).

Field activities will take place outdoors at sites that are representative of the issues to be addressed according to the various geophysical techniques. Laboratory activities will be conducted in the Department's computer laboratory and will involve the hands-on use of software for geophysical data analysis and the drafting of scientific reports.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Knowledge of physics, mathematics, structural geology, and applied geophysics

Mandatory presence

Presentation of the Syllabus and course overview: detailed description of the course learning objectives, expected learning outcomes, detailed course contents, reference textbooks, exam methods and related assessment criteria.

Consolidation and integration of the foundational knowledge required for the development of the advanced course contents.

Introduction - Introduction to geophysical methodologies applicable in urban, rural, and marine environments, including the design of a geophysical acquisition campaign: fields of applicability, limitations, and potential of the main geophysical methodologies discussed.

Seismic reflection - Basic principles of seismic waves, theory, and instrumentation. Survey, geometries, and acquisition configurations. Data processing: travel time curves of reflected waves; normal moveout; RMS velocity; filtering; horizontal-vertical resolution; deconvolution; stacking; migration; interpretation. Applicability in urban, rural, and marine environments.

Seismic Tomography - Basic principles and theory. Instrumentation and survey, geometries, and acquisition configurations. Data processing.

Borehole Seismic - Cross-hole test; Down-hole test; Up-hole test; fields of applicability.

Marine Seismic Exploration Techniques - Deep Reflection Seismic with High-Energy Sources (Air Gun) - High-Resolution Seismic with Electrospark Sources (Sparker) - High-Frequency Acoustic Methods (Side Scan Sonar and Multibeam Echo Sounder) - Medium to High-Frequency Acoustic Subsurface Profiling (Chirp Sub-Bottom Profiler).

Active and Passive Seismic Techniques for Surface Wave Analysis - Theory of surface waves; Masw technique; Refraction Microtremor Analysis (ReMi); Nakamura technique and spectral ratios (HVSR); case studies.

Ground Penetrating Radar: GPR method; theory and applications with particular reference to engineering, archaeology, cultural heritage, and forensics.

Overview of Seismic Hazard and Risk - Deterministic and Probabilistic methods for seismic hazard assessment. Basic seismic hazard. Local seismic hazard.

Local Seismic Response and Seismic Microzonation - Seismic amplification; Nakamura technique and spectral ratios (HVSR); case studies. Seismic microzonation; local geology and assessment of soil conditions; site effects; effects due to heterogeneities, presence of geometric and topographic irregularities, tectonic structures, and cavities.

Structural Dynamic Characterization of buildings through ambient vibration analysis: HHSR technique, damping analysis, and analysis according to the UNI 9916 standard.

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL FIELDWORK AND LABORATORY ACTIVITIES

Fieldwork activities

Planning and execution of data acquisition campaigns through the application of geophysical methodologies covered in the course, including active and passive seismics. Activities focus on case studies for subsurface characterization and involve teamwork to define operational phases.

Laboratory activities

Analysis, processing, and interpretation of geophysical data acquired in the field using specific open-source software. Activities include the production of technical reports, charts, and thematic cartography.

1.   M. Corrao e G. Coco (2021). Geofisica applicata. Con particolare riferimento alle prospezioni sismiche, elettriche, elettromagnetiche e geotermiche. Flaccovio Dario editore.

2.    J.M. Reynolds (2011). An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics (Second Edition). Wiley-Blackwell Editore

 3. Gruppo di Lavoro, Linee guida per le buone pratiche dell'analisi delle onde superficiali, 135 pp. CNR Edizioni, 2021.

4. Gruppo di lavoro MS, 2008. Indirizzi e criteri per la microzonazione sismica. Conferenza delle Regioni e delle Province autonome - Dipartimento della protezione civile, Roma, 3 vol. e Dvd.

5. Manuale pratico di risposta sismica locale. Dal sismogramma allo spettro di progetto con REXEL  e STRATA. Nori Di MArcantonio. EPC editore.
6. Roccaforte, F., & Cucinotta, C. (2015). Stima dei parametri geotecnici in geofisica applicata. Collana Geofisica. Palermo: Flaccovio Dario Editore. 139 pp. ISBN 978-88-579-0457-3.

7. Rapolla, A. (2008). La pericolosità sismica. Dalla classificazione sismica alla microzonazione dei territori comunali, alla risposta sismica del sito. Geofisica dell'ambiente e del territorio, 5. Napoli: Liguori Editore. 304 pp. ISBN 978-88-207-4092-4.

Student assessment will be conducted through an oral examination, aimed at evaluating the knowledge of the topics covered during the course, as well as the overall maturity and skills acquired by the student. Additionally, the assessment will include the evaluation of a project report focused on a specific topic addressed and analyzed during the course activities.

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)

What are the similarities and differences between seismic exploration methods?

Illustrate the Nakamura Technique or spectral ratios (HVSR).

Illustrate the main steps of data processing in a seismic reflection survey.

Illustrate the main exploration techniques in the marine environment, differentiating them in terms of effectiveness and applicability.

Describe borehole seismic techniques.

What is the difference between active and passive seismic? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the various active and passive seismic techniques?

What does the maximum depth that can be investigated with a geophysical profile depend on?

What is Ground Penetrating Radar? What are the fields of applicability?

Illustrate what the MASW and ReMi techniques consist of