Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban environments are characterized by complex subsurface structures that play a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the built environment. The understanding of these subsurface structures is essential for various engineering and environmental applications. This thesis presents an integrated geophysical investigation aimed at mapping and characterizing subsurface structures in an urban environment. The study utilizes a combination of geophysical techniques to provide a comprehensive assessment of the subsurface, including seismic, electrical resistivity, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetic methods. The research begins with a detailed introduction that highlights the significance of studying subsurface structures in urban areas. The background of the study establishes the context for the research, emphasizing the need to address the challenges associated with urban development and infrastructure planning. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current knowledge and highlights the importance of conducting a comprehensive geophysical investigation to enhance understanding of subsurface structures in urban environments. The objectives of the study are outlined to guide the research process, focusing on the mapping, characterization, and interpretation of subsurface structures using geophysical methods. The limitations and scope of the study are also discussed to provide a clear understanding of the research boundaries and constraints. The significance of the study is emphasized, highlighting the potential impact of the findings on urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management. The structure of the thesis is presented to outline the organization of the research work, including the chapters and sub-chapters that provide a systematic approach to presenting the research findings. Definitions of key terms are provided to ensure clarity and understanding of the terminology used throughout the thesis. The literature review chapter explores existing research and theories related to geophysical investigations of subsurface structures in urban environments. Ten key themes are identified and discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the field. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach and methods used in the geophysical investigation, including data collection, processing, and analysis. Eight key components of the research methodology are described in detail, highlighting the steps taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the geophysical investigation, including maps, profiles, and interpretations of subsurface structures in the urban environment. The findings are analyzed and discussed in relation to the research objectives, providing insights into the nature and distribution of subsurface features. In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings and implications of the research, highlighting the contributions to the field of geophysics and urban planning. The study underscores the importance of integrated geophysical investigations in understanding subsurface structures and emphasizes the potential applications of the findings in urban development and infrastructure projects. Overall, this thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on geophysical investigations of subsurface structures in urban environments and provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in urban planning and engineering.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Integrated Geophysical Investigation of Subsurface Structures in an Urban Environment" aims to utilize a combination of geophysical methods to study and characterize the subsurface structures within urban settings. Urban environments present unique challenges due to the presence of man-made structures, utilities, and infrastructure that can complicate traditional geophysical surveys. By integrating multiple geophysical techniques, this study seeks to overcome these challenges and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface geology and structures in urban areas. The project will begin with a detailed introduction to the research topic, providing background information on the importance of studying subsurface structures in urban environments. The problem statement will highlight the limitations and challenges associated with traditional geophysical surveys in urban settings, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach. The objectives of the study will be outlined to guide the research process, along with the scope and limitations of the study to provide a clear understanding of the research boundaries. A comprehensive literature review will be conducted in Chapter Two, exploring existing studies and methodologies related to geophysical investigations in urban environments. This section will examine the various geophysical techniques commonly used in urban settings and identify gaps in current research that this study aims to address. The literature review will provide a theoretical foundation for the research methodology and guide the selection of appropriate geophysical methods for the investigation. Chapter Three will focus on the research methodology, detailing the geophysical techniques to be employed, data collection procedures, and data processing methods. The methodology will include a combination of ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and seismic methods to provide a comprehensive assessment of subsurface structures. The chapter will also discuss the selection of study sites within the urban environment, considering factors such as geology, land use, and accessibility. Chapter Four will present the findings of the geophysical investigation, including data interpretation, analysis, and visualization of subsurface structures. The discussion will highlight key observations, geological features, and anomalies identified through the integrated geophysical approach. The chapter will also compare the results with existing geological maps and literature to validate the findings and provide insights into the subsurface architecture of the urban area. Finally, Chapter Five will present the conclusion and summary of the research project, highlighting the key findings, contributions to the field of geophysics, and implications for urban planning and development. The conclusion will also discuss the significance of the study in advancing the understanding of subsurface structures in urban environments and propose recommendations for future research in this area. In summary, the research project "Integrated Geophysical Investigation of Subsurface Structures in an Urban Environment" aims to address the challenges of studying subsurface structures in urban settings through an integrated geophysical approach. By combining multiple geophysical methods, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the geological characteristics and structural complexities of urban environments, contributing to the knowledge base of geophysics and urban planning.