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 course aims to train operational seismologists capable of addressing the main problems related to the study of earthquakes from a theoretical-practical point of view and to know the main exploration techniques 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 in the seismic room of the DISTAV Seismology Laboratory and specific outdoor measurement campaigns.
At the end of the course the student will have to know the main analysis methods for the study of earthquakes and know the most appropriate methods and measurement instruments for studying natural and induced seismicity.

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.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics
1) Elements of theoretical seismology (the seismic source, propagation of elastic waves, attenuation, magnitude scales, energy and seismic moment)
2) Earthquake analysis and localization techniques (Interpretation of seismograms, determination of seismic phases (picking), localization, determination of magnitude and focal mechanism
3) Natural and induced seismicity (methods of acquisition and analysis of natural seismic signals (tectonic seismic events, noise), artificial (landslides, explosions, etc etc) and induced (seismicity induced by anthropogenic activities such as gas extraction or pumping)
4) Elements of seismic prospecting for subsurface exploration (propagation of seismic waves and ray theory; reflection and refraction of seismic waves; surface waves and analysis of dispersion curves for the reconstruction of velocity models)
5) Introduction and Python and ML techniques (applications in seismology and Earth Sciences)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.


 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

first semester (end of september)

Class schedule

APPLIED SEISMOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of the presentation of a short in-depth report on a topic covered during the course and the answer to questions posed by the teacher on the topics covered.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.
The exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will have the aim of evaluating not only whether the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also whether he has acquired the ability to delve deeper into particular topics of interest. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services at the web page https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici-apprendimento-dsa, provided by the "Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with Learning Disorders." They can also contact Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Distav contact for disabilities.