Applied Geophysics

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge in the field of Earth Sciences, general Physics and Geophysics (1st cycle). 

Teaching Methods

Theoretical lectures with detailed exposition of the concepts and principles pertaining to the geophysical methods and of their applications. Theoretical-practical lectures in which students are introduced to the resolution of exercises concerning practical applications (with guidance), with focus on data processing. Field work in which students have contact with data acquisition. Personal work involving the resolution of exercises/data processing and analysis on an autonomous base.

Learning Outcomes

To provide the fundamental concepts and principles on the specific geophysical methods approached, as well as insight on their applications, their potentialities and limitations. To gain knowledge on essential processing and interpretation of data, as well as on data acquisition in the field.

Acquiring capabilities in synthesis and analysis, representation and transmission of information, problems solving, critic reflection, autonomous comprehension of new situations, practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Applied Geophysics – object and methods. Geophysical methods allowing to obtain a  bidimensional and/or tridimensional image of the terrain. Seismic, electrical and electromagnetic methods. Seismic methods. Refraction seismics; essential elements. Reflection seismics. Propagation and reflection of seismic waves. Reflection hyperbole. Acquisition. The seismogram. Elements of signal theory. Electromagnetic methods. GPR.  Fundamental principles of the method. Transmiter-receiver methods. Electrical methods – 2D sections and surveys; relation with electrical soundings and resistivity profiling. From the apparent resistivity pseudo-section to the bidimensional resistivity model of the terrain. Connection with Spontaneous Polarization and Induced Polarization methods.

Field surveys with the different methods. Data processing; obtaining final seismic, GPR and 2D electrical sections. Interpretation. Applications.

Head Lecturer(s)

Nuno Maria Siqueira Alte da Veiga

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 25.0%
Synthesis work: 25.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Kearey, P., Brooks, M., Hill, I. (2009) – Geofísica de Exploração. Oficina de Textos.

Parasnis, D.S. (1997) – Principles of Applied Geophysics. Chapman and Hall,London.

Reynolds, J. M. (2011). An introduction to applied and environmental geophysics. John Wiley & Sons.

Orellana, E. (1982) – Prospeccion Geoelectrica en corriente continua. Paraninfo, Madrid.

Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P. e Sheriff, R.E. (1990) – Applied Geophysics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.

Dobrin, M.B. (1994) – Introduction to Geophysical Prospecting. McGraw-Hill, London.

Milsom, J., & Eriksen, A. (2013). Field geophysics (4th ed.).