ECTS - University of Pisa
Learn the basic knowledge concerning the main geophysical methods for the subsurface exploration and the physical principles which form the basis for each of these methods.
The student is able to evaluate autonomously the geophysical methodologies
that can be applied for exploration purposes, knowing the advantages, the disadvantages and the limitations.
The acquired knowledge allows to approach correctly the design and the implementation of a geophysical survey carried out to give an answer to a problem in the field of Applied Geophysics.
The student is able to clearly communicate to third party the topics of the
Applied Geophysics, the difficulties encountered in the application of the different methodologies and the possible solutions. He/her is able to interact with the experts in this field.
Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics
Oral Lessons. Practical applications of some methods will be done in the field campaign of the Exploration and Applied Geophysics Master Degree.
Course content
Gravity surveying: Outlines of the Earth’s gravity field; absolute and relative gravity measurements; Bouguer’s, free air and topographic corrections; field procedures; Bouguer’s anomaly; density of rocks; examples of theoretical anomalies; elements on interpretation.
Magnetic Surveying: The magnetic induction field B and the magnetic field H and their dipolar nature; the induced magnetization vector and the magnetic susceptibility; the remnant magnetization; the susceptibility of the rocks; outline of the Earth's magnetic field; the magnetometer; measure of the magnetic field; magnetic anomaly; elements on interpretation. Examples
Electrical surveying: Electrical conduction in rocks; Ohm’s law, Archie’s law; electrical field generated by a point electrode on the surface of a homogeneous, isotropic half-space; conditions at the discontinuity boundary between two media; electrical quadrupole and apparent resistivity; arrays. Vertical electrical soundings; constant separation traverse; electrical resistivity tomography; elements on interpretation; examples. Induced polarization. Self potential method.
Seismic surveying: elements on the elastic properties of rocks, on the wave equation and on the body and surface waves; seismic wave velocity in rocks; spherical divergence and adsorption; Snell's law; traveltimes of reflected and head waves; elements on seismic sources, receivers and spread layout; refraction seismic (reciprocal spreads, simple interpretation methods, examples);
Multichannel analysis of surface waves: physical principles of surface waves generation and propagation; geometrical spreading of surface waves; dispersion curves, their computation and inversion. Synthetic and real examples.
An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, Reynolds, 2011
Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed, Telford, Geldart, Sheriff, 1990
Environmental and Engineering geophysics, Sharma, 1997
An introduction to geophysical exploration, Keary, Brooks and Hill, 2002
Applied Geophysics, Zanzi, 2008
Near-Surface Applied Geophysics, Everett, 2013
The exam consists of an oral interview with the teacher
Many students will find job in small companies whose activities are relate to near surface investigations.
https://polo3.elearning.unipi.it/
Course 230DD WGF-LM
