ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: SABRINA GRASSI

Expected Learning Outcomes

Acquire adequate knowledge of the geophysical prospecting methods most commonly applied in the environmental field, in order to develop the ability to associate the most appropriate geophysical investigations with different environmental contexts, interpret the results in terms of environmental characteristics, and determine the relationship between the geophysical data and the properties of the investigated material. Acquire the ability to use the technical language of applied geophysics, as well as the instruments and methodologies involved in the surveys. Understand the mechanisms of environmental pollution and the processes leading to the planning of remediation interventions, in accordance with current regulations.

Course Structure

The course includes 42 hours (6 CFU) of lectures, dedicated to acquiring the theoretical knowledge of environmental geophysics and the main prospecting methods used in the environmental field.
It also includes 36 hours (3 CFU) of field and laboratory activities, aimed at developing practical skills in data collection using various geophysical techniques, as well as in their processing and interpretation.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, necessary to understand the concepts and methodologies covered in the course. It is also useful to have preliminary knowledge of applied geophysics, in order to understand the main investigation techniques and the related data processing and interpretation.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is mandatory. As part of the course, in addition to lectures aimed at acquiring theoretical knowledge, students are required to participate in field and laboratory activities designed to develop practical skills in the collection and processing of data obtained using various geophysical techniques.

Detailed Course Content

Introduction to environmental geophysics and the main geophysical prospecting methods used in the environmental field. Planning of an investigation according to site characteristics. Electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, and seismic methods, with their applications in environmental studies. Geophysical surveys for the detection of cavities, the study of landslide-prone areas, and the characterization of contaminated sites. Geophysical investigations to support geological and geotechnical models, as well as the exploration and capture of springs and wells. Integration of different geophysical methodologies for result validation. Protocols for the characterization and monitoring of contaminated sites in accordance with current regulations. Properties of contaminants and mechanisms of transport. The role of non-invasive investigation techniques in the characterization of contaminated sites. Definition of a conceptual model. Risk analysis. Geophysical surveys, monitoring of contaminated sites, and applied methodologies useful for identifying and estimating contamination sources and planning remediation procedures. Types of landfills.

Textbook Information

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

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Introduction to environmental geophysics	Reynolds J.M. (1997): An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 796 pp.Lecture notes
2	Fundamental geophysical methods and applications in the environmental field	Reynolds J.M. (1997): An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 796 pp.Telford W. M., Gelsdart L.P., Sheriff R.E., Keys D.A. - “Applied Geophysics” - Cambridge University Press, 1976.Lecture notes
3	Geophysical applications in specific environmental contexts	Reynolds J.M. (1997): An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. J. Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 796 pp.Lecture notes
4	Contaminated sites and landfills	Lecture notes
5	Use of instruments for acquiring geophysical data	Coco G, Corrao M (2009) Geofisica applicata. Flaccovio Editors: Palermo, Italy
6	Processing and interpretation of acquired data	Lecture notes

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The examination consists of an oral test. During the oral exam, the student presents a topic of their choice, developed with the support of a brief written report on one of the subjects covered during the course. This report may involve the discussion of a single or multiple geophysical techniques applied to an environmental topic of interest. The oral exam therefore consists of reviewing and discussing the report, as well as answering additional questions aimed at assessing the student’s knowledge of the course content, their ability to summarize, and their capacity to apply the knowledge acquired.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

The questions will cover the topics addressed during the course

1) Conceptual model

2) Geoelectrical survey for the detection of leachate

3) Geophysical techniques for the identification of underground cavities

4) Description and interpretation of a seismic tomography

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO

Degree Course in

Geology and Geophysics