PhD in Periglacial Geophysics
University of Padova
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova
Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Phd Project : Geophysical surveys for the characterization of glacial and periglacial environment.
The characterization of glacial and periglacial environments is crucial for several reasons, from the
consequences on potential slope instability to the monitoring of the climate change effects in the high-
altitude alpine environment. Permafrost is the well-known ground layer with a temperature remaining
at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years. Permafrost interests one quarter of the Northern
Hemisphere and 17% of the entire Earth (Biskaborn et al 2019), and is intensively studied from
decades in the polar regions and in the high mountain environments (Phillips et al 2009). Geophysical
prospecting can usefully help to extend the characterization of high mountains areas, increasing the
characterization of the permafrost zones (Hauck 2001; Scott et al. 1990, Boaga et al. 2020, Pavoni et
al. 2021, 2022) and the study of rock glacier environment. The PhD project regards in particular the
use of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), Frequency Domain Electro-magnetic techniques
(FDEM) radar (GPR) and refraction seismic (RST) in several sites of the Alps already monitored with
different techniques. The aim is to test limit and applicability of the methods and in particular test the
use of contactless geophysics to characterize the permafrost active layer (in terms of layer thickness
and lateral continuity) and the rock glacier structures. The work will involve national and international
collaboration (Switzerland), the Province of Trento (Italy), Province of Bolzano (Italy), and CNR -ISP (Italy).