Course Description
Techniques for the geophysical propsection of near-surface geology, geohydrology, and geomorphology. Techniques include electro-magnetic, radar, sonar, and magnetism.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be expected to prepare and present a more
extensive field project. This project will focus on research
questions and how students can apply the techniques learned in
their post-graduate career.
Athena Title
Shallow Geophysics
Non-Traditional Format
Course taught during regular semester utilizing applied field
exercises in addition to traditional lecture/lab methods.
Prerequisite
(GEOL 1121 and GEOL 1121L) or GEOL 1250-1250L or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain the principles behind ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic, electrical resistivity, and magnetic methods for investigating the shallow subsurface.
- Students will be able to explain the principles and operation of the main types of equipment used in geophysical field investigations.
- Students will be able to design and carry out field experiments for the acquisition of GPR, electromagnetic, resistivity, and magnetic data.
- Students will be able to explain and apply the basic processing steps used in constructing geophysical images of the subsurface.
- Students will be able to interpret geophysical images in terms of physical parameters of subsurface materials.
- Students will be able to apply these techniques to investigate archaeological sites in a noninvasive manner.
- Students will be able to organize the results into written and oral reports.
Topical Outline
- II. Topical Outline
a. General introduction to the shallow geophysics
b. Introduction to specific shallow geophysical methods
1. Electrical methods
a. resistivity techniques
b. theory of electromagnetism
c. resistivity arrays commonly used in shallow
geophysics
i. Wenner
ii. Schlumberger
iii. Double dipole
d. ground conductivity
e. frequency-dependent methods and instruments
i. single frequency instruments – EM-31; 38; 41
ii. multiple frequency instruments (“profilers”)
iii. metal detectors
2. Magnetic methods
a. theory
b. types of magnetometers/gradiometers
i. single axis, Fluxgate devices
ii. proton precession devices
iii. optically-pumped devices
3. Ground radar
a. theory – dielectrical constant; frequency;
reflection; dispersion; EM waves
b. instrumentation
i. control units
ii. antennae – shielded and unshielded
iii. multiple antennae devices
4. Survey methods
a. grids
b. transects
c. precise positioning – GPS; GLONASS; RTK
5. Data analysis and display
a. software
i. SURFER (Golden Software)
ii. MONTAJ (Geosoft Software)
iii. GPR_Slice & RADAN
iv. ArcGIS
v. Trilat
6. Report writing and communication
a. formats
b. graphics
