APPLIED GEOPHYSICS FOR ARCHAEOLOGY

A. Knowledge and understanding (Knowledge and understanding):

Students will learn the fundamental concepts and principles related to the physical and chemical properties and processes of the Earth system. Students will acquire the basic concepts of applied geophysics for characterizing the subsurface, including in urban contexts. This knowledge plays a significant role in designing the most appropriate geophysical surveys to support studies aimed at mitigating natural hazards, in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, and as a preparatory step in the design and land-use planning phases. The required competencies consist of a solid grasp of physical and mathematical principles.

B. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding (Applying knowledge and understanding):

Students will be able to apply the knowledge they have acquired regarding geophysical methodologies to characterize, through an understanding of quantitative parameters, the subsurface soil in urban areas, archaeological sites, etc. They will also be able to conduct field surveys using geoelectric (ERT), seismic (seismic tomography), and electromagnetic (GPR) methods, as well as interpret the results obtained for subsurface modeling.

C. Independent judgment (Making judgments):

Students will be encouraged to independently explore the topics covered in greater depth by writing detailed reports on the techniques used and on procedures for analyzing geophysical data and determining levels of uncertainty. Through participation in practical case studies, they will be encouraged to develop an independent approach to selecting and evaluating the geophysical methodologies most appropriate for the various contexts under investigation. Furthermore, critical discussion with peers and the instructor will be strongly encouraged, allowing students to reflect on their own learning journey and continuously monitor their progress.

D. Communication Skills:

Active participation in lectures, field trips, and laboratory activities for data processing and interpretation will help students develop the ability to communicate and argue critically, clearly, and precisely regarding the selection and use of various methodologies, analytical procedures, and the results of geophysical surveys. Students will be able to use rigorous technical and scientific language appropriate to the context of applied geophysics.

E. Learning Skills:

Through practical field exercises involving the application of geophysical survey methods, followed by laboratory work for data processing, students will acquire additional skills that will enable them to improve their study methods. They will also be able to keep themselves informed independently on new professional topics related to applied geophysics, recognizing the prerequisites necessary to understand new tools and analysis techniques.

Geoelectric Methods: The electrical resistivity of rocks. Archie's formula. Instrumentation for geoelectric investigations. Energising section. Receiving section. Signal acquisition in cases of low signal to noise ratio. Resistivity method. Electrode devices. Resistivity profiles and surveys. Data acquisition in the field. Data analysis and interpretation. The use of software for inversion and interpretation. Apparent resistivity maps, pseudosection. Reconstruction of the substrate and choice of the most appropriate geoelectrical quadripole for archaeological campaigns. Choice of methodologies to be used in the campaign for the optimisation of investigations. 2D and 3D electrical tomography. Application cases.

Seismic Methods: Active and passive seismic methods: Principles of elasticity theory. Elastic constants. Wave equation. Volume waves and surface waves. Wave propagation. Snell's law. Fermat's principle. Seismic instrumentation. Seismic sources. Campaign methods in refraction seismics. Choice of methods to be used in the campaign for the optimisation of surveys for the identification and delimitation of crypts and/or buried cavities. Seismic tomography. Effects due to heterogeneity, geometric and topographical irregularities caused by the presence of cavities by applying the Nakamura technique or spectral ratios (HVSR). Application cases.

Mod. A (2 CFU)

-   Coco G., Corrao M. “Geofisica applicata con particolare riferimento alle prospezioni sismiche, elettriche, elettromagnetiche e geotermiche. Flaccovio Dario editore, pp. 240, 2009.

Mod. B (2 CFU)

-   Corrao M., Coco G. (2021): Geofisica Applicata – III edizione. Flaccovio Dario editore., pp. 272.

Mod. C (2 CFU)

-   Federica Boschi 2020: “Archeologia senza scavo. Geofisica e indagini non invasive”, Bononia University Press, pp. 292

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