The topic ‘3D seismic imaging of the near surface’ has a wide range of applications. These include geotechnical, geophysical, archaeological, infrastructural/NDT (non-destructive testing), and safety and security related applications. Specific applications also contribute to the energy transition. For instance, the determination of mechanical properties of the shallow subsurface for the purpose of wind turbine foundation design, or the imaging/monitoring of the near surface for CO2 sequestration activities. The scale, and hence the frequencies involved, vary considerably among the listed applications. Notwithstanding, they are all based on the same (wave) physics.

Extracting information about the near surface can be achieved using surface waves. The current way of extracting information from surface waves is usually based on retrieving information from their dispersion curves via a 1D tomographic inversion per record. By combining these 1D profiles, a 3D image is subsequently obtained. The (lateral) resolution of these images, however, is far from optimal.

Project goals

• To make an inventory of the various near-surface imaging applications and methods, and connect with groups within TU Delft that deal with these. Creating the circumstances for optimum cross-fertilization between these groups/application areas.
• To develop a method for improving the (lateral) resolution of 3D (x,y,z) near-surface images in terms of shear-wave velocity, and possibly density. In addition, detection, localization and classification of subsurface anomalies (scattering objects, voids) is part of the goals.
• To demonstrate the improvement for a number of different application areas (e.g., geotechnical and NDT) using both synthetic and real data.

The PhD project is financed by the Delphi Consortium. For more information, please click here.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate school. TU Delft's graduate school provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please click here for more information.

The PhD candidate is hosted by the Department of Geoscience & Engineering, which is part of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG).

Within the faculty of CEG, the Department of Geoscience & Engineering conducts research that should contribute to "Responsible use of the Geosphere considering the impact on system Earth and society."

If you have (i) an M.Sc. degree in geophysics, physics, mathematics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or geology with a strong quantitative focus, and (ii) proven excellence in physical and mathematical thinking, then you are qualified for this position. In particular, we are looking for a candidate with the following knowledge and skills:

• Independent, self-motivated, reliable, and eager to learn.
• Ability to work alone as well as in a project team and take leadership and responsibility for different research tasks.
• An excellent command of English and good academic writing and presentation skills.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.