After successful completion of the course, students are able to use frequently applied seismic methods in near-surface engineering geophysics, namely seismic refraction tomography and analysis of surface waves. The students are capable of planning seismic surveys, processing seismic data and interpreting the results with respect to environmental and engineering applications

1. Principles of seismic wave propagation
2. Theoretical background for the seismic refraction method and surface waves analysis
3. Acquisition of seismic data in seismic refraction and surface wave studies
4. Modeling and inversion of seismic refraction and surface waves data
5. Interpretation of seismic data for environmental and engineering applications
6. Critical evaluation of strengths and limitations of the discussed seismic methods 

The course is designed as an interactive combination of theoretical concepts reviewed as frontal lecture and on-hands exercises using existing python libraries. During the semester the students will work in small teams (3 persons) for the processing, modeling and inversion of the data as well as to discuss the interpretation of the results. This format encourages discussions among the students fostering their experience in evaluating the interpretation of seismic surveys

The course is designed to be evaluated based on a final presentation, where the students show the modeling, processing and interpretation of near-surface seismic methods for an environmental or engineering application. Alternatively, the students can take a final oral exam about the concepts revised in class with a strong emphasis on the practical aspects revised in the lectures. The submission of a modeling task revised during the course is a prerequisite for admission to the oral exam.

• Text books (fundamentals):

  • Kearey, P., Brooks, M., & Hill, I. (2002). An introduction to geophysical exploration (Vol. 4). John Wiley & Sons.
  • Everett, M. E. (2013). Near-surface applied geophysics. Cambridge University Press.
   References to field practices:
  •  Milsom, J. (2003). Field geophysics. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Aizawa, T. (2014). Application manual of geophysical methods to engineering and environmental problems. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers

   Supplementary and further readings:

  • Telford, W. M., Geldart, L. P., & Sheriff, R. E. (1990). Applied geophysics. Cambridge university press.
  • Stein, S., & Wysession, M. (2009). An introduction to seismology, earthquakes, and earth structure. John Wiley & Sons.

   Advanced references:

  •  Yilmaz, Ö. (2001). Seismic data analysis: Processing, inversion, and interpretation of seismic data. Society of exploration geophysicists.