Geology 240

Spring 2017

Introduction

Our goal in this class is to use three common geophysical methods - gravity, magnetics, and seismology - to image the Earth's near-surface structure. You'll have hands-on opportunities to use the geophysical equipment by collecting your own data. You'll also have the chance to process, analyze and interpret the data. These approaches are not just useful for answering geologic questions, but can be applied outside geology to find artifacts at archeological sites or to manage clean-up at Superfund sites.

Learning goals

Much of your success in this course will be measured on your ability to think like a scientist rather than your ability to recall facts (although a moderate amount of recollection of concepts and terms is necessary, too).

Text

Burger, H.R., Sheehan, A. F, and Jones, C. H., Introduction to Applied Geophysics, revised edition.

Grading

This is the breakdown for grading. For more information about each category, continue reading.

40% - Exams
20% - Laboratory exercises
15% - Project I: Chalk talk
15% - Project II: Research project
10% - Class participation and homework

Exams

There will be two exams in this course. The first - a take-home - is tentatively scheduled for 3rd weekend. The second will probably be in-class during week 7.

Labs

There are three main labs for this course - one about each major method that we cover. The labs typically span two weeks (weather dependent) and have variable deadlines: some activities will be due during lab; others may be due at other times (deadlines to be specified as needed). Lab activities are usually turned in as a group. Don't be fooled by group work: you are responsible for understanding all the material. Please be neat.

Project I: Chalk talk

In lab during week 5, groups of students will present chalk talks about geophysical methods that we do not cover as part of our course (e.g., GPS, ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, etc.). These presentations will need to include:

background about how and why the method works
example applications, including a discussion about a relevant (shortish) article from the literature
a problem for the class to try to analyze (probably a half-sheet exercise, enough copies for the class)
a cheat sheet summary of the method (enough copies for the class)

Your group should aim for an hour-long time slot (including problem work time). As the name suggests, most of your presentation about the method will be presented on the board rather than via slides. Your group will need to practice to estimate how long various sections take; to write on the chalkboard (a real skill); to be poised, interesting, and informative.

Project II: Research project

For the last several weeks of lab (and sometimes class), small groups will have the opportunity to use one of the geophysical tools from class (gravimeter, magnetometer, seismometer, possibly equipment at the IRM, etc.) to collect a larger dataset than those collected in lab. We can help you formulate a problem to study. You will be responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting your data. Details on the presentation format will be discussed later in the course.

Class participation and homework

There may be homework assignments throughout the term. There will be in-class quizlets associated with the seismology discussions. Class participation (and attendance) is expected for all class and lab meetings. Please let us both know if there is some reason you cannot attend class.

Verification

Please verify that you have read this syllabus by participating in this Doodle poll.