OVERVIEW

Petrophysics is classically in support of large-scale geophysics, i.e. the study of the Earth's interior. However, it is also able to make a fundamental contribution to the characterization of the subsurface aimed at the exploration of mineral and energy resources and applications of engineering interest. Petrophysics therefore has important implications both in the search for georesources and in land management

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is twofold. 1) present the main physical properties of rocks that are of interest in geophysical investigations with particular reference to energy resources, natural radioactivity and its impact on environmental planning, 2) illustrate the main characteristics of some geophysical investigation methods, with particular reference to seismic reflection, refraction and passive seismic techniques. Participation in the planned training activities (lectures and laboratory exercises) will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge on petrophysics necessary to face studies and professional activities in the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Specifically, the student will be able to: know and describe the main petrophysical properties; identify the physical parameters of interest in the different geophysical methods; classify materials on the basis of petrophysical characteristics know the main techniques of well investigation for the evaluation of petrophysical properties Understand the issues related to natural radioactivity describe the techniques for the quantification of ionizing radiation identify the geophysical investigation techniques useful for the purpose of the petrophysical characterization of the subsoil design and develop a scientific or professional study

PREREQUISITES

o effectively deal with the contents of the course, basic knowledge of Physics, Solid Earth Geophysics, Applied Geology and Hydrogeology is required.

TEACHING METHODS

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: Part 1 – Porosity, permeability, density, thermal and electrical properties. Radioactivity: ionizing radiation and radiometric measurements, radioactive secular equilibrium and gamma spectrometry, contribution of natural radioisotopes to the absorbed dose, radon concentration and flux in relation to the geological context. Part 2: – speed of seismic waves Vp and Vs, Vp/Vs ratio, elastic properties of rocks, elastic modulus and their variation

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on AulaWeb by the end of each cycle of lectures/laboratory exercises.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For the start of lessons and timetable consult the following link http://www.distav.unige.it/ccsgeo/orario-lezioni or contact one of the professors

Class schedule

PETROPHYSICS