Meeting Place:
Course Objectives: Field geophysical skills will be developed through a combination of lecture and practical field exercises with an emphasis on the latter. Techniques to be covered are those used in resource exploration, environmental studies, engineering, and archaeology, and include: seismic refraction, gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, and (if equipment permits) ground penetrating radar. Laboratories will consist of field experiments and computer modeling/interpretation exercises.
General course goals:
Course framework: The course will be dominated by fieldwork that will be concluded by the end of October (ideally, sooner than that). Depending on the locations visited, we will return between 4 and 6 pm if in the regular afternoon slot. Usually field days alternate with lab days. Usually a lab period will start with a preview of the technique we will use the next field time, then we will discuss the goals of the reduction of the field data and how to use the software to achieve those goals. We will then use computers to conduct our analysis (either in a lab or using personal laptops in a classroom).
Student responsibilities:Prerequisites: GEOL 2700, MATH 1300, PHYS 1110, or instructor consent. No previous knowledge of geophysics is assumed.
Text:
Introduction to Applied Geophysics, Burger, Sheehan, and Jones. Please note that a new printing was released in summer 2015 with a new version of the software and corrections for a number of typos. Errata sheets are online, as are updaters for the older software.
Supplementary texts:
Field Geophysics, 3rd or 4rth edition, Milsom. Pocket-sized, contains info on many different techniques, but the summaries can be somewhat cryptic. There is an electronic version available through the library, though this rather defeats the purpose of a pocket-sized field reference....
Applied Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Telford, Geldart, and Sheriff (not explicitly ordered at the bookstore). Comprehensive reference guide for the serious geophysicist. There is also an electronic version of this text now...
Grading: Grading for GEOL 4714 (Field Geophysics) will be based upon four major areas. Elaboration on these areas is given below.
1) Data collection - 20%. Attendance and class (field) participation.
2) Field notebook - 10%. A single set of field notes will be prepared for each measurement type being made. Responsibility will be rotated through all students and grading will be for neatness, completeness, clarity and accuracy. (First lab each student has his or her own notes that are turned in). Please check the field notebook guidelines for details.
3) Reading quizzes - 10%. Short quizzes at start of lectures on material derived from reading for that topic.
4) Data reports - 35%. Prepare neat reports which include statement of problem that was investigated, explanation of procedures used, presentation of data, analysis, interpretation. Yes, neatness does count. Please check the lab report guidelines for details.
5) Practical exam - 25%. Written exam over material covered.
Graduate students (GEOL 5714) will also take a field final, which will account for 25% of the grade in GEOL 5714, other aspects reduced proportionally.
The usual disclaimers: As with any course at CU, contact the instructor ASAP if you have conflicts with the course schedule for any reason or need any kind of special accomodation.
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Last modified at Monday, September 11, 2017 1:54 PM