OVERVIEW

The course of Applied Seismology deals with the analysis techniques conventionally used for the study of earthquakes. The course mainly deals with the issues of operational seismology with particular attention to methods for monitoring both natural and induced seismic activity. The course also intends to address the techniques for the study of active and passive seismic data for the planning and execution of specific measurement campaigns.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Theoretical and practical aspects related to the study of earthquakes through theoretical lessons and practical experiences.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to train operational seismologists able to tackle the main problems related to the study of earthquakes from a theoretical and practical point of view and to learn about the main techniques of exporation used in the professional field for the seismic characterization of the subsoil. For this purpose, the student will be offered both frontal lessons and analysis activities at the Laboratory of Seismology and specific measurement campaigns.
At the end of the course the student will have to know the main methods of analysis for the study of earthquakes and learn about the most appropriate methods and measurement tools to be used in practical analyzes aimed at local seismic microzonation studies.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures, theoretical and practical exercises on the ground and in the computer lab. As activities are planned for the application of the acquired knowledge, practical and methodological activities, attendance at lectures and laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.

Lectures of the first semester will be carried out in classroom. Practical activities will take place in laboratory, with multiple shifts if necessary.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics

    Review of seismology: the seismic source, elastic wave propagation, attenuation, magnitude, energy and seismic moment scales;

    Signal analysis: digital and analog signals, time and frequency domain, outline of Fourier transform and convolution and digital filters;

    Interpretation of natural seismograms: determination of seismic phases (picking), localization, determination of magnitude and focal mechanism. Features and functionalities of the main open source  tools dedicated to the analysis of seismograms;

    Acquisition of seismic data: characteristics of seismic sensors (accelerometers, velocimeters), dynamics of seismic data recording and transmission systems.

    Applied Seismology: methods of acquisition of natural seismic signals (seismic events of tectonic nature, noise), artificial (landslides, explosions, etc etc) and induced (seismicity induced by anthropic activities such as gas extraction or pumping);

    Analysis of local seismic response through the use of the main seismological investigation techniques (Seismic refraction, HV technique, MASW, notes on the use of seismic antennas);

    Characteristics (potential and limits) of the main open source software used in the field of Applied Seismology.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.


 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GABRIELE FERRETTI (President)

SIMONE BARANI

DANIELE SPALLAROSSA (President Substitute)

MASSIMO VERDOYA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

first semester (end of september)

Class schedule

APPLIED SEISMOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The oral exam consists in the exposition of the technical / scientific report and in the answer to questions asked by the teacher on topics covered during the teaching.

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The preparation of the technical / scientific report will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge of the techniques of analysis and interpretation of seismic signals. The student must be able to connect and integrate the knowledge learned during the computer exercises with those provided during the lectures.

The oral exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to recall the theoretical notions applying them to simple concrete contexts. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular and regular attendance at lectures and related laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.