Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand the techniques for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of seabed and sub-seabed high resolution marine geophysical data sets.
- Successfully integrate a diverse set of geological and geophysical data sets for the solution of a range of geological problems.
- Poster presentation skills.
- Apply a range of key skills at Masters level.
- Working in groups.
- Written presentation of both scientific and commercial material.
- Understand the basic theoretical concepts behind high resolution marine geophysics.
Syllabus
The course is divided in to three one week assignments. There is only one formal lecture (in the week prior to the module starting in order to outline the module content and structure and identify boat groups so we are able to start surveying with one half of the group on the first day. The following three week are as follows:
1. Assignment 1: Undertake a seabed stability review of a section of a new cable route being proposed for installation in the middle of the East Solent. This entails the acquisition and processing of swath and sub-bottom profiling data from the RV Callista. Interpretation of sub-bottom data to provide sub-surface structural information. Quantitative comparison with extant datasets in order to assess temporal and spatial variability of seabed. Consider implications for both installation and post-installation performance
2. Assignment 2: Produce a substrate map for an area of seabed at the entrance to the Bosphorous Straits. This requires processing of a 2013 Edgetech 4200 MP 100 and 400 kHz side scan sonar data set including production of a full mosaic. Integration with additional co-acquired swath and backscatter datasets, and ground truth data.
3. Assignment 3: Create a ground model of a sandbank in the Outer Thames Estuary. Requires integration of boomer and swath data in Petrel. Addition of ground truth data for calibration of seismics. Complete seismic and where appropriate litho-facies interpretation. Place in context with extant literature on bank formation.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
This will be an intensive "short" course of three-weeks duration.
Formal Lectures: There is only one formal lecture to introduce the course the remaining three weeks consist of lecturer led practicals to accomplish the three assignments.
Boat practical (one day): This will involve the acquisition of multi-beam swath bathymetry and high resolution sub-bottom profiling data.
Computer practicals: 12 computer practicals for the processing of sea-bed and sub sea-bed geophysical datasets.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 1 |
| Independent Study | 75 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 55 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 50 |
| Total study time | 181 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment: The final work will be presented as follows:
Assignment 1: A maximum of a five page technical report plus appropriate figures. Examples of commercial cable route survey reports looking specifically at seabed stability issues are provided.
Assignment 2: A production of A3 poster for presentation at an assessed poster session.
Assignment 3: A short paper (maximum of 10 pages, including figures and references) for 'Geomorphology'.
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 40% |
| Written report | 60% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal