SOES3037 Geophysics Abroad 2

Module Overview

This module focuses on the chemical and physical processes affecting the sea floor, including the properties and origin of oil and gas and deformation of the Earth's crust. It is delivered at Penn State University.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Understand the chemical and physical processes affecting the topography and sediments of the sea floor.
Understand the properties, origin, migration, and geological occurrence of oil and gas.
Understand the evolution of the structural-stratigraphic framework of the North American continent from the Archaean to the present.
Understand the geometry, kinematics and dynamics of deformation of the Earth’s crust and relate this understanding to field observations of deformation.
Understand and apply spectral and correlation analysis, filter theory, and other signal-processing techniques relevant to seismic data processing.

Syllabus

The module is currently taught at Penn State University and comprise their courses GEOSC 440 "Marine Geology", GEOSC 454 "Geology of Oil and Gas", GEOSC 461 "Geology of North America", GEOSC 465 "Structural Geology", and GEOSC 489 "Analysis of Time Series". Students will study at an advanced level the processes controlling seafloor morphology and composition and processes controlling hydrocarbon generation and storage within the Earth. The will receive a broad overview of the geological history of the North American continent, and develop further experience in the acquisition of structural data in the field and its interpretation. They will explore in depth the practical application of signal processing techniques in geophysics.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to study in a different cultural environment and to receive instruction from research leaders in a top North America University. Penn State has an excellent reputation for teaching in Earth Sciences and these methods include: - Formal lectures by research leaders in Earth, ocean and planetary science. - Practical and Laboratory classes using state of the art facilities. - Examples classes in small groups with expert supervision. - Computer-based classes using state of the art software. A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Type	Hours
Independent Study	400
Teaching	200
Total study time	600

Assessment

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Assessment	100%