Knowledge and Understanding

The course aims to provide theoretical and applied knowledge of the main geophysical methods used for environmental subsurface characterization and for monitoring active geological processes. Students will gain knowledge of the physical principles underlying electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, and seismic methods, survey design criteria, data acquisition procedures and quality assurance/control (QA/QC), and principles of interpretation for 2D and 3D subsurface reconstruction. Environmental contamination processes, contaminant transport mechanisms, risk analysis, and the role of geophysical techniques in the characterization and monitoring of contaminated sites will also be addressed within the framework of current regulations.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to design geophysical survey campaigns based on scientific objectives and the geological-environmental characteristics of the study site, selecting the most appropriate methods. They will also be able to acquire, process, and interpret geophysical data using specialized software and digital tools, integrating information from different methods for subsurface characterization, identification of subsurface anomalies, construction of interpretation models, and assessment of geological and environmental issues.

Making Judgement

Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate data quality, limitations, and reliability, selecting the most appropriate geophysical methods for different application contexts. These skills will be developed through field activities, individual and group practical exercises, processing and interpretation of real datasets, and discussion of case studies related to environmental characterization and natural hazard assessment.

Communication Skills

Students will acquire the technical-scientific language of environmental geophysics and the ability to prepare specialized technical documentation, with particular reference to thematic cartography and interpretative mapping. They will be able to communicate results, methodologies, and geophysical interpretations clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. This competence will be developed through digital graphic outputs, critical discussion of practical results, and collaborative field activities. The course also includes the preparation of an oral presentation on an applied topic, aimed at improving presentation skills and correct use of technical terminology.

Learning Skills

Students will be able to independently explore advanced topics in environmental geophysics through the scientific literature, technical documentation, databases, and relevant regulatory frameworks. They will also be able to acquire and integrate new knowledge and operational methodologies needed to address geological and environmental problems in both professional and research contexts.

The course includes 42 hours (6 ECTS credits) of lectures dedicated to the acquisition of the theoretical foundations of environmental geophysics and the main geophysical methods applied to subsurface characterization and environmental monitoring.

In addition, 36 hours (3 ECTS credits) of field and laboratory activities are planned as interactive teaching (DI), focusing on survey design, data acquisition, use of geophysical instrumentation, numerical processing, and interpretation of results using specialized software.

Activities will be carried out both individually and in small groups, fostering the development of autonomy of judgement, teamwork skills through the shared use of instrumentation and critical analysis of acquired data, and communication skills through the critical discussion of results and oral presentations of applied case studies.

The course also includes computer-based exercises aimed at developing skills in the use of Excel, RES2DINV, ResIPy, SGDataPMG, and proprietary geophysical instrumentation software.

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.

The course requires students to possess:

• basic knowledge of mathematics useful for understanding physical models and data processing procedures;
• fundamental knowledge of physics, with particular reference to electrical, electromagnetic, and elastic phenomena, as well as material properties;
• basic knowledge of geology and geomorphology necessary for the interpretation of geophysical data in different environmental contexts;
• basic knowledge of computer science and the use of digital tools for data management and analysis.

Preliminary knowledge of applied geophysics and of the main methods of geophysical data acquisition and interpretation is also recommended.

At the beginning of the course, refresher activities and a review of fundamental concepts deemed necessary to address the course content will be carried out.

Attendance is mandatory, as theoretical lectures, field activities, and laboratory exercises are essential for a proper understanding of the subject and for the acquisition of the practical skills foreseen in the course. Particular importance is given to geophysical data acquisition, processing, and interpretation activities, as well as exercises carried out using specialized software, which constitute an integral part of the training programme.

Module 0 – Review and refresher of basic knowledge

• Review of applied physics and physical properties of geological materials.
• Relationship between subsurface physical properties and geophysical response.
• Physical quantities used in geophysical surveys.
• Fundamental concepts of geophysical data acquisition, processing, and interpretation.
• Review of the main geological and environmental contexts under investigation.

 Module 1 – Introduction to environmental geophysics

• Basic concepts of environmental applied geophysics.
• Main geophysical exploration methods and their fields of application.
• Planning of geophysical surveys based on site characteristics.
• Definition of survey objectives.
• Selection of geophysical methods according to geological and environmental problems.

 Module 2 – Fundamental geophysical methods

• Electrical and electromagnetic methods: principles and environmental applications.
• Magnetic and seismic methods: principles and applications.
• Integration of different methods for cross-validation of results.

 Module 3 – Applications in environmental contexts

• Detection of underground cavities.
• Investigation of landslide-prone areas.
• Characterization of contaminated sites.
• Identification and monitoring of contaminant plumes.
• Geophysical surveys supporting geological and geotechnical models.
• Water abstraction from springs and wells.

 Module 4 – Contaminated sites and landfills

• Properties of contaminants and transport mechanisms.
• Non-invasive techniques for contaminated site characterization.
• Conceptual model development and risk analysis.
• Current regulations for site characterization, remediation, and monitoring.
• Geophysical methods for identification, estimation, and monitoring of contamination sources.
• Types of landfills and site management.

 Module 5 – Laboratories and practical training

• Use of geophysical instrumentation for field data acquisition.
• Planning of geophysical survey campaigns.
• Data quality assurance and control.
• Data organization and management.
• Processing and interpretation of geophysical datasets.
• Use of specialized software for analysis and visualization.
• Individual and group activities for interpretation and discussion of results.

 Digital skills developed

• Use of Excel for data organization, preliminary analysis, and graphical representation.
• Use of RES2DINV and ResIPy for processing, inversion, and interpretation of geoelectrical data.
• Use of SGDataPMG and proprietary instrument software for acquisition, visualization, QA/QC, and management of magnetic and geophysical data.
• Production of graphical outputs, interpretative sections, and results visualization for environmental subsurface characterization.
• Organization, management, and archiving of field and laboratory data using dedicated digital tools.

Coco G, Corrao M (2009) Geofisica applicata. Flaccovio Editors: Palermo, Italy

Telford W. M., Gelsdart L.P., Sheriff R.E., Keys D.A. - “Applied Geophysics” - Cambridge University Press, 1976.

Reynolds J.M. (2011): An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 796 pp. 

Lecture Notes

Assessment is carried out through an oral examination.

During the oral exam, students are required to present a topic related to one or more applications of geophysical methods in environmental contexts. The presentation must demonstrate the ability to critically analyze the problem under consideration, select the most appropriate methodologies, interpret results, and communicate them using appropriate technical-scientific language.

The oral examination will then continue with questions covering the topics addressed during the course, aimed at assessing:

• knowledge of the theoretical principles of geophysical methods;
• the ability to design acquisition campaigns according to geological and environmental contexts;
• the ability to process and interpret geophysical data;
• the ability to integrate different geophysical methods for subsurface characterization;
• understanding of issues related to the characterization and monitoring of contaminated sites;
• autonomy of judgement in the analysis of case studies.

The final assessment will consider the correctness and completeness of acquired knowledge, the ability to apply geophysical methods, the quality of critical analysis, the ability to establish connections among different course topics, and the appropriate use of technical-scientific language.

The final grade will be assigned according to the following criteria:

• 18–21: essential knowledge of the topics covered and basic application skills;
• 22–25: satisfactory knowledge of the topics and adequate ability to interpret data and environmental problems;
• 26–28: good knowledge of the topics, ability to perform critical analysis and autonomous application of geophysical methods;
• 29–30 with distinction: in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the topics, strong ability to integrate theoretical and applied aspects, autonomy of judgement, and excellent communication skills.

Learning assessment may also be conducted online, where required.

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) 

The following list provides examples of questions that may be asked during the oral examination. The list is intended to be indicative and not exhaustive.

1. Conceptual model
2. Electrical resistivity survey for leachate detection
3. Geophysical techniques for the identification of underground cavities
4. Description and interpretation of seismic tomography data
5. Design of an ERT survey for the delineation of a contamination plume
6. Interpretation of a tomographic model obtained through inversion using ResIPy software
7. Electromagnetic methods in environmental applications