Program Overview

MARINE GEOPHYSICS

Overview

Marine Geophysics consists of the quantitative observation of physical parameters to understand seafloor and subseafloor geological processes. It is a fundamental discipline to explore for minerals and energy resources, to investigate geologic hazard of the submarine environment, and to understand fundamental processes in relation to marine geology and plate tectonics.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

This course is for students interested in learning how to develop an integrated and multidisciplinary geophysical approach to understand geologic and tectonic processes in the marine environment, for exploration and quantitative modelling. The course will show the principal technologies and methodologies of surface and near-seafloor geophysical surveys, developing the following main subjects:

• Marine magnetic anomalies. Rock magnetism, paleomagnetism and controls from oceanic drilling. Seamount magnetization. Geophysical signature of oceanic spreading at mid-ocean ridges and back-arc basins. Magnetic anomalies at subduction zones.
• Marine gravity anomalies. Application to submarine volcanoes. Marine gravity anomalies at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones. Petrophysical controls from oceanic drilling on density and seismic velocities. Seismic structure of oceanic crust and submarine volcanoes
• Heat flow. Convective regime. Geophysical signature of submarine hydrothermal systems and mineralization. Models of hydrothermal circulation, permeability and residence time. Borehole logs.
• Real example of integrated geophysical study of an arc submarine volcano including magnetic anomalies, heat flow, seismic reflection and results from oceanic drilling.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

Students will learn how to develop an integrated and multidisciplinary geophysical approach to understand geologic and tectonic processes in the marine environment, for exploration and quantitative modelling. In details the student will be able to:

1. describe the main methods in Marine Geophysics;
2. choose the relevant methods to plan marine geophysical surveys aimed at solving specific geologic problems;
3. interpret and model marine geophysical data.

Prerequisites

Preliminary knowledge of the following arguments is needed:

1. Applied Geophysics methods;
2. Petrophysical and electromagnetic properties of rocks;
3. Earth gravity and magnetic field.

Teaching Methods

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak with the instructor.

Syllabus/Content

The course will develop the following main subjects:

1. Marine magnetic anomalies. Rock magnetism, paleomagnetism and controls from oceanic drilling. Seamount magnetization. Geophysical signature of oceanic spreading at mid-ocean ridges and back-arc basins. Magnetic anomalies at subduction zones.
2. Marine gravity anomalies. Application to submarine volcanoes. Marine gravity anomalies at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones. Petrophysical controls from oceanic drilling on density and seismic velocities. Seismic structure of oceanic crust and submarine volcanoes.
3. Heat flow. Convective regime. Geophysical signature of submarine hydrothermal systems and mineralization. Models of hydrothermal circulation, permeability and residence time. Borehole logs.
4. Real example of integrated geophysical study of an arc submarine volcano including magnetic anomalies, heat flow, seismic reflection and results from oceanic drilling.

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: Fabio Caratori Tontini
• Exam Board:
  • President: Fabio Caratori Tontini
  • Members: Massimo Verdoya, Egidio Armadillo, Daniele Spallarossa

Lessons

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

Further Information

Students with a certification of physical or learning disability filed with the University can find information on support services. They can also contact the University's disability liaison.

Program Details

• Code:
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits: 6 cfu anno 2 SCIENZE GEOLOGICHE 9022 (LM-74) - GENOVA
• Scientific Disciplinary Sector: GEO/11
• Language: Italian (English on demand)
• Teaching Location: GENOVA
• Semester: 1° Semester
• Teaching Materials: AULAWEB