Earth Sciences

AIMS

Using field observation and analysis, application of geophysical methods, and evaluation of current issues in hazard and risk science; to develop an understanding of the tectonic processes that shape the surface of the Earth and present a hazard to its inhabitants.

Objective:

1. Students will become familiar with the application of practical geophysical field methods and complementary techniques in a region of active tectonics in southern-central Italy.
2. Students will learn to make geophysical measurements in the field. They will learn how to analyze these data and synthesize the results using GIS (geographical information systems) with data from seismotectonics, satellite imagery, geological ad geomorphological field observations.

Delivery:

1.    8-day field course in an area of active tectonics in southern Italy: the Abruzzo range in the Apennines.
2.    Practical sessions supporting the analysis of field data.
3.    Follow-up work, addressing selected contemporary issues in hazard and risk science.

OUTCOMES

Using a range of geophysical and other methods, students will develop an understanding of the processes that shape the surface of the Earth through the field study of active faults. Students will have an appreciation of contemporary issues in hazard and risk science, in particular relating to seismic risk.

Transferrable Skills:

1.    Familiarisation with key concepts and principles in relation to geophysical field techniques, structural geology and earthquake engineering.
2.    Familiarisation with methods used in the analysis and synthesis of data for the recognition and evaluation of geological hazards.
3.    Understanding of the contemporary hazard and risk science landscape.

CONTENT

Fieldwork

Italy is one of the most tectonically active regions in Europe. Deducing the tectonics of Italy has been subject to intensive research in recent year, through the full range of seismotectonic, geophysical, geological and remote sensing techniques. So the region offers the opportunity of studing active tectonic using an integrated and holistic approach. However its tectonics are complex and much disputed. Earthquakes and volcanoes are significant hazards and have major societal impacts in Italy. So there is urgency about deducing the tectonics of Italy.

We will investigate two areas of active tectonics: (i) the Abruzzo mountains in central-southern Italy, east of Rome, which are part of the Apennines; (ii) the Bay of Naples, where Vesuvius is located of course, but also the active volcanic caldera, the Campi Flegrei. We will use geophysical survey techniques to investigate the active tectonism. In the Abruzzo mountains there are glacial deposits from the last glaciation, which will allow us to deduce tectonic slip rates. We will use ground penetrating radar (GPR), refraction seismics and the magnetometer to survey the fault scarp of the Ovindoli-Pezza fault. We will also try to get a bigger picture of earthquake fault evolution through an appreciation of the tectonic setting. In the Bay of Naples we will run gravity and magnetic surveys across Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei to compare and contrast their geodynamics. We will also introduce you to volcanic deposits: lava flows, pyroclastic surges and tephra.