Corsi di studi in Scienze Geologiche (L-34 e LM-74)

The course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge on different methods for geophysical prospection aimed at geological characterization for different practical applications. Particular attention will be addressed to: seismic characterization of geomaterials both in terms of geomechanical properties determination and for detection of interfaces; Electrical characterization of geomaterials with the use of electrical and electromagnetic methods with particular emphasis on the relationship between interstitial fluid and the solid matrix properties. Basic principles regarding signal analysis methods and solution of geophysical inverse problems together with real field cases description of the application of the different methodologies will complement the student's education.

Basic knowledge of the fundamental concepts of applied geophysics and its applications to the study of geological formations. Evaluation of the response of geophysical parameters to different physico-chemical properties of geological formations. Determination of useful parameters by means of geophysical tests.

Written exam lasting 2 hours, to be performed with the help of a formulary prepared by the student, followed by oral examination. The written test consists of: exercises of geophysical survey design and interpretation (similar to those developed during class exercises); theoretical questions on geophysical techniques covered in the course with multiple choice questions and open questions. Each question will have a score  (maximum 3 points), admission to oral is subject to obtaining a minimum score of 14/30. After correction of the written exam the student is invited for an oral exam. The oral exam will involve: a review of the written test informing the student on the correction criteria and, if receiving any clarifications by the student, deciding whether to modify the judgment; open questions in order to check the ability of synthesis of the  acquired knowledge; a discussion of parts of the reports of the exercises that the student has collected in a personal file to be produced at the time of the oral examination; the discussion is designed to verify the ability to apply the knowledge attained.

The purpose of this graduation of the analytical performance of the student is to ascertain the level of achievement of the expected learning outcomes above.

Fundamentals of geophysical signal analysis; Seismic wave propagation
in geological materials, deformation moduli and behavior at the
interfaces; The use of seismic refraction, seismic reflection, boreholes
seismic tests and surface wave tests will be addressed in detail; Inverse
problems in geophysics; Electrical and electromagnetic behavior of
geological materials, relations between the solid skeleton and the pore
fluid; Electrical methods (ERT, Induced Polarization and spontaneous
Potentials); Electromagnetic methods (time and frequency domain, GPR). Hike in the field dedicated to the use of geophysical equipment for seismic testing. Hike in the field dedicated to the use of geophysical instrumentation for electrical testing.