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Introduction to Geophysics
Principles of geophysical exploration, focussing on seismic reflection & refraction, gravity, and magnetics. Application of other techiques to the study of the subsurface will include deep earth seismology, heat flow, electrical resistivity, and ground penetrating radar.
Pre-requisites: 460:101 & 750 204 (or permission of instructor)
Lectures: Tues & Thurs 11:30-12:50
Labs: Tues 8:10-11:10
Both meet in Wright Labs 231
All-day field trip on 3 Tuesdays during the semester
Syllabus
Week # |
Topics |
1
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Seismic refraction study of the NJ continental margin
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2
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No class |
3
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Seismic reflection studies of the US Atlantic margin
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4
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Gravity & magnetic anomalies of the US Atlantic margin
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5
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Acoustic ray paths in layered media
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6
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Wave attenuation and amplitude
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7
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Refraction of seismic waves
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8
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Reflection of seismic waves
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9
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Seismic exploration techniques
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10
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Exam 1 |
11
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Field trip 1 - seismic techniques |
12
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Measuring the Earth's gravity field
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13
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Gravity corrections & effects of simple shapes
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14
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Interpreting gravity measurements
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15
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Isostasy & the shape of the earth
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16
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Measuring the Earth's magnetic field
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17
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Field trip 2 - gravity techniques |
18
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Magnetic corrections & effects of simple shapes
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19
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Interpreting magnetic measurements
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20
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Paleomagnetism & Earth history
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21
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Exam 2 |
22
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Electrical resistivity measurements
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23
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Field trip 3 - magnetic techniques |
24
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Heat flow measurements
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25
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Ground penetrating radar measurements
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26
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Deep Earth seismology
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27
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Seismic data processing
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28
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Seismic reflection interpretation
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...
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FINAL EXAMINATION |
Required Text: "Exploration Geophysics of the Shallow Subsurface", by H. Robert Burger, Prentice-Hall (1992) ISBN 0-13-292773-1
Grading: 25% for each examination, 25% for laboratory & field trips
Course List
Current Course Offerings
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