The aerial geophysical data acquisition campaign in the area nominated to host the future gravitational wave observatory has been successfully concluded.
The aerial data acquisition campaign of the resistivity of the subsoil of Barbagia, in the area nominated to host the project, has been successfully concluded. Einstein Telescope (ET), the future European gravitational wave observatory.
The investigation, commissioned by theNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and coordinated by Geophysical Characterization Center for the Einstein Telescopein collaboration with theUniversity of Cagliari, was conducted with a series of helicopter overflights to acquire geophysical data through the methodology AEM (Airborne Electro-Magnetic), a technique that allows the electrical resistivity of the subsoil to be measured from an aerial platform and to obtain images over large areas and at great depths in rapid times.
The activity, which ended on May 25th and lasted 10 days, is part of a broader project for the geological characterization of the subsoil of the area in support of the Italian candidacy to host the Einstein TelescopeThe survey was entrusted by the INGV to a team of companies specialized in electromagnetic remote sensing, using advanced instrumentation and high-precision methodologies.
During the investigation, the helicopter probed an area of 400 km², covering a total of approximately 3.000 km of flight linesPreliminary analysis of the collected data, even before the subsequent processing phases, revealed that in some areas the survey depth reached the 500 meters envisaged by the project, confirming the success of the flight operations. The acquired data will be subjected to specialized processing and then integrated with information gathered on the ground by geologists during surface survey campaigns, as well as with geophysical data acquired in recent years by institutions and universities supporting the Italian candidacy.
The final goal is the realization of a three-dimensional geological model of the Barbagia subsoil, which will constitute a fundamental tool for deepening our knowledge of the deep structure of the area, helping to demonstrate the site's suitability for hosting the Einstein Telescope.
In line with INGV's data management policies, the final products will also be made available to local administrations and could contribute to a more sustainable use of land and georesources.
Useful links:
Geophysical Characterization Center for the Einstein Telescope
National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV)
University of Cagliari
Einstein Telescope Italy
