Conferencias 2013

Ciclo de Conferencias

LECTURES ON GEOPHYSICS AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF ANTHROPIC SPACES

26 de noviembre de 2013

Historical review, non destructive testing in civil engineering, geophysics in archaeology and urban planning of old cities.

Dr. Till F. Sonnemann (Leiden University, Netherlands)

Lecture series at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes(Nov. 26 - Nov. 29, 2013)

The lectures series intends to provide an overview of geophysical and remote sensing techniques. After introducing the use of geophysical methods in different applications, the focus will be particularly addressing archaeological prospection in heritage, a field in which I am currently working. The talk will use steps in my career path and examples from different surveys in a variety of countries as a guide. Later talks build up on the initial ones, but should be understandable independently to a person familiar with the field of geophysics. After about one hour of talk, the remaining part of the lecture is intended to provide time to discuss a variety of topics.

Profile

Dr. T.F. (Till) Sonnemann, is a postdoctoral researcher with the ERC-Synergy project NEXUS1492. His main research interests are the combination of GIS, remote sensing and geophysics in landscape archaeology and heritage. Within NEXUS, he focuses on developing a methodological approach to analyse Caribbean Indigenous landscapes, by using a variety of remote and close range sensing techniques at different scales on a number of locations in the Caribbean. The results are to be implemented in a GIS environment, and complemented with other information, to serve as a base for predictive modelling further understanding Amerindian settlements, and how Caribbean Indigenous landscapes changed with arrival of the Europeans.

1a Conferencia: "History of Natural Events from the perspective of a Geophysicist"

Martes 26 de Noviembre a las 12:00 hrs. en la Sala "Ex Decanos".

The introductory session focuses on how the development in three fields of geophysics have influenced and changed our perspective of natural events and the environment.

How geophysics shaped our understanding of natural events.
Magnetics.
Gravity.
Seismology.
Discussion: Interests of staff and students on the matter of geophysics.

His interest in non-invasive investigation techniques he developed by applying archaeological prospection projects in Germany and at UNAM Querétaro, while completing a degree in geophysics (Dipl. Geophys.) at the Universität Münster. He attended courses in Communication, Art History and Heritage Studies at Muenster, the Universidad de Granada, and Humboldt Universität Berlin. After completing the diploma thesis on lunar seismology at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Berlin in 2005, he worked in research projects at the Universidad de Colima (Volcanology & Seismology), ETH Zürich (Photogrammetry & GIS), and Universidade de Vigo (GPR & GIS).

Working and studying at the University of Sydney, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2012. The thesis, titled Angkor Underground – Applying GPR to analyse the diachronic structure of a great urban complex, focuses on the extent and influence of the successive political and religious centres of the Khmer culture (8th to 15th century) in Cambodia using a combination of ground-penetrating radar, high resolution satellite SAR data and aerial imagery in combination with targeted excavations. The study included extensive field work in Cambodia as part of the Greater Angkor Project.

As honorary research associate, freelancer and collaborator with different research groups, he took the opportunity to conduct non-destructive archaeological and structural investigations at Australian, Cambodian and Uzbek cultural heritage sites, and remains associated with archaeological research in Southeast Asia as a member of the Yasodharâsrama Project. For 2 ½ years he taught tutorials and lectures in Geology, Geophysics and GIS at Sydney’s School of Geosciences, and worked within and after completing the PhD in commercial geophysics.

2a Conferencia: "Geo- and Planetary Physics"

Miércoles 27 de Noviembre a las 12:00 hrs. en la Sala "Ex Decanos" .

Using examples such as the monitoring the the principles of geophysical measuring, the recording of natural hazards and potential mitigation techniques are discussed in a short introduction. And geophysics is not limited to Earth. Many spacecrafts measure the physical parameter of other planetary bodies in the Solar System. An example on lunar seismology is used to elaborate on the variety of research that is conducted at the German Aerospace Centre in Berlin.

Measuring seismologic events on Earth.

- Volcanoes (Volcan de Colima).

- Earthquakes and wave propagation.

Geophysical analysis in Planetary Science.

- Seismology on the Moon.

Discussion: The world at its end - geophysics and popular culture.

3a Conferencia: "Non-Destructive Testing on Subsurface and Structures"

Jueves 28 de Noviembre a las 12:00 hrs. en la Sala "Ex Decanos".

Electro-magnetics (EM) methods and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) are two active geophysical methods that are used to investigate the soil for environmental reasons and are used by geotechnical companies to investigate modern as well as historic structures. Based on examples from commercial work done in Australia, a number of different geophysical techniques are introduced.

Methods in environmental studies (Australia).

- EM and GPR.

- Contaminated soil and salinity.

Non Destructive Testing.

- Modern Buildings.

- Bridges, Tunnels, Roads.

- Historic Buildings (in Australia and England).

- Different types of GPR software: GPR Slice/ ReflexW.

Discussion: UAA student short introduction on their research works.

4a Conferencia: "Angkor Underground"

Viernes 29 de Noviembre a las 12:00 hrs. en la Sala "Ex Decanos".

Remote sensing, GIS and geophysical prospection has become a standard in archaeological landscape surveys. The research of the PhD thesis (2011), an analysis of the cultural landscape of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor in Cambodia, on the basis of remote sensing data and GPR surveys is discussed. The talk focuses on the interpretation of the water management system and underground structures in the centre of Angkor Wat.

GIS and Remote Sensing.
Southeast Asian History and Archaeology.
Photogrammetry at Angkor, Cambodia.
Research at Angkor (Cambodia).

- Kiln sites

- Water and Management.

- Towers bases of Angkor Wat.

Discussion: international opportunities for staff and students, and community engagement.