Term: 2^nd Semester – Academic Year 2023-2024

Instructor: Prof. V. Poggi (poggi.valerio@gmail.com)

Institution: OGS

CFU: 6

Duration: Form 04.03.2024 to 29.03.2024 (TBC)

Schedule: Syllabus

Objectives 

The course aims at providing the students with the essential knowledge and skills to face most common seismology problems in engineering and applied geophysical practice. The course splits into two main blocks. In the first module, topics of engineering interest are discussed, such as intensity measures, ground motion prediction equations, earthquake occurrence analysis, seismotectonics, seismic hazard assessment (deterministic and probabilistic); in the second module hints of theoretical seismology are provided, with a focus on wave propagation and source representation issues.

Practicum

The course is complemented by laboratory in-class activity, a number of selected readings and homework assignments, with a focus on the use of the computer to solve simple problems of seismological interest.

Prerequisites

Advanced calculus and linear algebra are useful, although not a requirement for the course. The course lab will make use of Python language for some exercises, therefore some familiarity with computer programming is recommended.

Qualification

The course is concluded by both a practical exercise and a written exam. The practical part consists in the discussion of a personal project developed during the laboratory hours of the course. The student is expected to present his elaboration to the class and to the examiner by means of a brief slide show (10min. plus some time for questions). The written exam consists of a test with multiple questions about specific topics, freely excerpt from the course program.

Grading

Class participation 10%
Project presentation 20%
Final Exam 70%

Reference textbooks

• Stein S., and M. Wysession. An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure. 1st
ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell, September 2002. ISBN 9780865420786.
• Kramer, S.L., Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Prentice Hall, 1996, ISBN 0133749436

Note

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus as necessary.