GEOL 4714/5714 Field Geophysics Syllabus

Fall 2009

Meeting Time: nominally 12:30 - 6 PM Tues, Thurs.

Meeting Place:

Instructor: Prof. Craig Jones, Benson Earth Sciences 440C, (303-49) 2-6994 TA:David Culp

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:

  1. gain knowledge of geophysics and proficiency in using geophysical instruments
  2. prepare quantitative interpretations of geophysical data
  3. learn which geophysical techniques are appropriate for a given problem
  4. develop ability to successfully execute a geophysical experiment

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:
  1. PARTICIPATE IN ALL LABS AND FIELD EXERCISES
  2. present laboratory reports on these field exercises as assigned
  3. Grads (5714) - complete a field final

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.

Supplementary text: Field Geophysics, 3rd edition, Milsom. Contains info on many different techniques, but the summaries can be somewhat cryptic.

Applied Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Telford, Geldart, and Sheriff (not explicitly ordered at the bookstore). Comprehensive reference guide for the serious geophysicist.

Grading: Grading for GEOL 4714 (Field Geophysics) will be based upon four major areas. Elaboration on these areas is given below.

1) Data collection - 25%. Attendance and class (field) participation.

2) Field notebook - 15%. 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.

3) Data reports - 35%. Prepare neat reports which include statement of problem that was investigated, explanation of procedures used, presentation of data, analysis, interpretation.

4) 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.

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GEOL4714/5715 home | C. H. Jones | CIRES | Dept. of Geological Sciences | Univ. of Colorado at Boulder

Last modified at Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:53 PM