Geophysical Field Methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Operate a range of industry standard geo-environmental geophysical equipment proficiently and safely in the field;
• Work in a team to plan and adapt survey layouts to the environment, quality control and accurate logging of data acquisition parameters;
• Produce technical and scientific reports and oral presentations, synthesising field data, maps, and geological/environmental interpretations for site investigations;
• Acquire, process, and interpret land-based geophysical data for geo-environmental applications;

The module will consist of a week-long field course held during the summer vacation at the end of the second year and will provide hands-on training in the use of industry standard geophysical equipment. You will work in teams to carry out a range of geophysical surveys for site-investigation purposes, simulating the role you would play within a geo-environmental consultancy. There will be representation and guidance from industry partners.

Techniques will include:

• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Electrical Resistivity and Electrical Resistivity Tomography
• Seismic Refraction
• Electromagnetic Conductivity
• Real-time kinematic positioning

Teaching and learning methods

Field course: 7 days in the field gaining essential on-site training on how to use a range of geophysical instruments to carry out site investigation surveys. You will initially be given training on how to operate the different geophysical equipment, and subsequently work as part of a team of students to adapt survey plans to the real world, deploying the geophysical equipment to conduct your own surveys and acquire field data, which you will collate and process using industry standard software. From the data you collect you will work with your team to make interpretations about the subsurface environment and present your methods and findings.

Following the field course, there will be additional time back at the University to complete data processing, and write-up of an individual scientific report.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.