OVERVIEW

Applied Geophysics investigates the distribution of physical properties in the uppermost solid part of the Earth with non-invasive methods. It is a fundamental part in the exploration of energy, mineral and water resources and finds geotechnical and environmental applications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to deliver the necessary knowledge-base about i) geophysical data processing and inversion, ii) acquisition, processing and modelling of data for gravimetric, magnetic, geoelectric, seismic, low-frequency (TD/FD) and high-frequency (georadar) electromagnetic methods, and iii) to discuss geological, hydrogeological geotechnical, archaeological and environmental applications of such methods.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned training activities will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge of the methods of Applied Geophysics necessary in the profession of geologist and in scientific research in the fields of Earth Sciences.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

-know and describe the main techniques of Applied Geophysics;
-select the correct study methods to solve specific problems;
-interpret the results of the measurements and represent them in qualitative and quantitative terms;

PREREQUISITES

To effectively address the contents of the course, the following basic knowledge of Solid Earth Geophysics is necessary: 

​​1) electromagnetic properties of natural materials, 

2) terrestrial gravimetric and magnetic fields

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

1) Potential methods (magnetic and gravimetric)

2) Electromagnetic methods (low frequency).

3) Electromagnetic methods (high frequency): ground penetrating radar

4) Numerical methods for the analysis of geophysical signals

5) Inversion of geophysical data

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during the lessons, the handouts used and other teaching materials will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons.

Recommended reference texts:

W. M. Telford, L. P. Geldart, R. E. Sheriff . Applied Geophysics. Cambridge University Press.

Misac N. Nabighian. Electromagnetic methods in applied geophysics. SEG

W. J. Hinze. Gravity and magnetic exploration. Cambridge University Press.

M. H. Trauth. MATLAB recipes for Earth Sciences. Springer

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written part and an oral part.

The written exam involves the completion of exercises related to the geophysical survey methodologies covered in the course. The written exam is passed if the student has obtained a grade greater than or equal to 18.

The oral exam consists of the presentation of a topic chosen by the student and the answer to questions posed by the teacher on topics covered during the course.

The final grade is given by the arithmetic mean between the grade of the written test and the oral test. The oral exam can be taken either in the same session as the written test or in subsequent sessions published on the UNIGE website. There will be 3 sessions available in the winter session (January-February) and 3 sessions in the summer session (June, July, September).

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 written exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge of the investigation methods and the ability to apply them to concrete cases.

The oral exam will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess whether the student has reached an adequate level of theoretical knowledge. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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

The written exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge of the investigation methods and the ability to apply them to concrete cases.

Constant and regular attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.

Students with a physical or learning disability certification filed with the University can find information on support services on the web page https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disturbi-specifici- imparare-dsa, prepared by the "Services for the inclusion of students with disabilities and DSA". It is also possible to contact Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), Distav contact for disabilities