Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES
Code ENVS362
Coordinator Prof RT Holme
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
R.T.Holme@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To provide, for geophysics  students, an understanding of:

One. The application of geophysical theory to exploration and engineering targets.

Two. Practical use and evaluation of geophysical instrumentation, data acquisition, processing and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To develop knowledge of the response of geophysical instruments to a variety of targets.

(LO2) To understand the physical principles, limitations and errors associated with geophysical data aquisition.

(LO3) To synthesise and interpret multiple complex geophysical data sets within the appropriate geological context.

(LO4) Develop problem solving skills analogous to working for a major exploration company or geophysical engineering company/consultancy, including planning, logistics, budgeting time and expenditure.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Teamwork

(S3) Communication skills

(S4) Adaptability

(S5) Operation of Geophysical equipment

(S6) Use of professional grade geophysical software

Syllabus
 

The module consists of a two-part field school.

One. Training

Training with a range of geophysical techniques, including seismic refraction, ground penetrating radar, self potential, electrical resistivity tomography, vertical electrical sounding, gravimetry, and magnetic field measurements.

Practical exercises will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of geophysical techniques to resolve targets and monitor changes in geophysical parameters with time. Data will be acquired, processed and interpreted for verbal presentation, and a regional geophysical case study report.

Two. Project

The students will work in teams. They will be assigned a project (geophysical survey), which they will be required to plan, cost and execute. A seminar forum will be held at the end of the field school to justify the chosen methodologies and discuss preliminary data reduction and interpretation. A written technical report will be required on Part two of the field school.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Tutorial
Description: Introduction to the geology of the field location and to the geophysical techniques used.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Field Work
Description: Geophysical fieldwork conducted in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     12

   72

   84
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 66
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Presentations There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :During the field class  15 minute talks    30       
Technical Reports There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1, week 3, Friday at 16:0  3 weeks    70       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.