Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE GSC3100

 
TITLE Applied Geophysics

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Geosciences

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit introduces the students to modern methods of geophysical surveying. It treats the main geophysical techniques - gravity and magnetic surveying, resistivity methods, seismic reflection and refraction methods, and will use field work and software methods to give the students a hands-on experience and exposure to the latest techniques.

The topics covered will be:

1. Theory and modelling of exploration using gravity. Basic field procedures and , gravity effects of simple geometric shapes, gravity interpretation, application of gravity methods;
2. Theory and modelling of exploration using magnetic methods. Fundamental relationships and basic field procedures, magnetic effects of simple geometric shapes, interpretation of magnetic data and application of magnetic methods;
3. The resistivity and electromagnetic methods, and their various configurationscase studies with single and multiple horizontal and dipping interfaces, field procedures, quantitative interpretation of apparent resistivity curves, application of electric resistivity methods;
4. The seismic reflection and refraction methods, case studies with single and multiple horizontal and dipping interfaces, field procedures, processing and interpretation of seismic reflection data;
5. Theory and description of Ground Penetrating Radar and case studies.

The study-unit will include a number of hands-on computing sessions where students will carry out processing and interpretation of the data through the use of geophysical modelling software.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to give students a sound understanding and appreciation of the theoretical principles of geophysics through their application to practical geophysical exploration. At the end of the study-unit, the students will have a good overview of the geophysical methods used in scientific, commercial and archaeological exploration.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- describe the basic methods and configurations used in gravitational, geomagnetic and geoelectrical methods;
- describe and explain the various geophysical instruments used in surveying;
- comprehend the limitations and advantages of the various geophysical techniques;
- give an account of the various stages in the processing of seismic reflection and refraction data;
- give basic interpretations of processed seismic data.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- analyse the requirements of a given geophysical investigation and plan an appropriate surveying method;
- distinguish and choose between various geophysical instruments and processing techniques;
- carry out basic data processing and interpretation using commercial and other geophysical and seismic processing software.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Telford, W.M. Geldart, L.P.; Sheriff, R.E., (1990), Applied Geophysics, Cambridge University Press.
- Milsom, John (2011), Field Geophysics, Wiley.
- Lowrie, William (2007), Fundamentals of Geophysics, Cambridge University Press.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-Requisite Study-unit: GSC2101

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 No 40%
Oral Examination (20 Minutes) SEM1 Yes 60%

 
LECTURER/S Sebastiano D'Amico

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit