C8418 - LABORATORY OF GEOPHYSICS

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students get theoretical and practical basic knowledge about some geophysical prospecting methods and to use them to interpret key features of surface geology. In particular, students understand from the physical point of view, plan and carry out surveys in the field, and interpret in the lab results obtained through the following methods of geophysical prospecting: Georesistivity seismic refraction seismic surface waves.

Course contents

Module 1: Theory of seismic waves, seismic refraction method, geo-resistivity methods

- General introduction to seismic waves: P waves, S waves, plain and inhomogeneous waves, Rayleigh waves, Love waves.

- Seismic waves attenuation.

- Seismic refraction (theory).

- Fundamentals of geo-resistivity methods. Concept of apparent resistivity. Vertical and horizontal electric soundings. Experiments in the field: planning, acquisition and processing of data from electrical resistivity surveys. Hints on the inverse problem.

Module 2: Surface-Wave Methods and Engineering Applications

- Seismic refraction (laboratory and survey)

- Soil resonances (H/V, H&V, HVSR)

- Surface-wave dispersion methods (MASW, ReMi, ESAC/SPAC)

- Applications to building codes and seismic hazard reduction

Each exploration method (geo-resistivity, seismic refraction, surface waves methods) will be introduced by means of laboratory experiments and field surveys.

Prerequisites: fundamental knowledge of maths and physics, especially as regards wave mechanics, geometrical optics and electromagnetism.

Readings/Bibliography

The slides presented during the lectures and some material related to the lab experiences will be uploaded to the "Virtuale" web platform.

Different textbooks and papers, some of which will be uploaded to Virtuale, can be used to go into detail in the topics presented during the course.

- Kearey, Brooks, Hill (2002). An introduction to geophysical exploration. Blackwell Publishing.

- Fowler, C.M.R. (2004). The solid Earth: an introduction to global geophysics. Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition).

- Burger, H.R., Sheehan, A.F., Jones, C.H. (2023). Introduction to Applied Geophysics: Exploring the Shallow Subsurface. Cambridge University Press.

- Everett, M.E. (2013). Near surface applied geophysics. Cambridge University Press.

- Binley, A. and Slater, L. (2020). Resistivity and Induced Polarization: Theory and Application to the Near Surface Earth. Cambridge University Press.

Teaching methods

Both modules consist of classroom lessons, of laboratory experiments and of field surveys.

Classroom lessons are held in person; some lessons for Module 2 will be recorded and made available to the students.

Laboratory experiments and field surveys require the students to be physically present.

Attendance at the classroom lessons is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended both for the learning process and because of the close connection with the laboratory sessions and field surveys.

The attendance of the laboratory sessions and of the field surveys are compulsory: the teachers will collect the attendance signatures at the beginning of each session.

 

In consideration of the types of activity and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this training activity requires the prior completion of modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and participation in module 3 of specific training on health and safety in study places. Information on the dates and attendance arrangements for module 3 can be found in the dedicated section of the degree programme website.

Assessment methods

At the end of the laboratory and field survey activities, students must complete three separate written reports for

- geo-resistivity

- refraction seismics

- surface waves methods.

The reports must be delivered and sent to the lecturers no later than 15 days after the end of the course, and anyway before the exam.

The reports will not get a separate mark, but the discussion on them will be part of the exam.

The final exam has the aim of ascertaining that the formation objectives are achieved and consists of a single oral examination, concerning theory as well as the experimental tests carried out in the laboratory and in the field.

The typical exam duration is between one hour and one hour and a half.

Teaching tools

Slides projected in the classroom, laboratory computer with data analysis software.

All lessons related to Seismic refraction and Surface waves methods will be recorded and made available online to students attending the classes.

 

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or with temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office in due time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it): the office will propose possible adjustments to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, to the approval of the teacher, who will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

 

 

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Armigliato

See the website of Silvia Castellaro