280117 VU MA-ERD-17.0 Applied Geophysics (PI) (2014W)

The Master Program in Earth Sciences offers a block seminar in Applied Geophysics. This is an introductory course presenting different geophysical methods, with focus on environmental applications. The lectures will provide a description of the application of geophysical methods for the estimation of hydrogeological parameters, the characterization of contaminated sites and the
monitoring of biogeochemical processes accompanying remediation processes. In particular, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) methods will be presented due to their relevance
in environmental studies. A detailed review of acquisition, processing and inversion methodologies for electrical and electromagnetic data will be provided. To understand the applicability of the methods, the course will include a description of the relevant properties of subsurface materials, as well as the basic principles underlying the geophysical methods. To better assimilate the concepts introduced in the lectures, practical hands-on exercises for the processing and inversion of real field data are offered. A
large number of case studies will be discussed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different geophysical methods.