Geology Summer Field School

Field Geophysics

Geophysics data acquisition, processing, and interpretation

GLY 4947 Geophysics Field School (2 credits)

Instructors

Dr. Sarah Kruse
Dr. Jochen Braunmiller
Judy McIlrath

The Geophysics Field School will take place in the valley west of the Lost River Range in Idaho and in the Snake River Plain. There our targets of study are strands of the Borah Peak Fault, volcanic dikes, cinder cones and lava tubes, and alluvial fan sediments.

Having hands-on experience with a variety of geophysical techniques will allow you to understand the usefulness and limitations of each technique in any geological or hydrogeological investigation in your Earth Science career. The goal of the Field Geophysics class is to introduce you to some (but not all) of the following methods in geophysical exploration: gravity, magnetics, seismics, resistivity, and ground penetrating radar. You will learn the basic theory of each method, how to use geophysical instruments and GPS systems, how to construct a survey, acquire data, process data, and how to interpret geophysical data in the context of geological observations. We finish with a comparison of various geophysical methods.

Some field surveys require significant walking, but we can adapt our scheduling to accommodate disabilities. Data processing and analysis will take place in the USF Field Station near Mackay, Idaho. The experience should prove valuable as a part of your resume and educational experience.

Required Materials

  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
  • Towel
  • Headlamp or flashlight or both
  • Clothing for hot and cold weather
  • Boots WITHOUT STEEL TOES
  • Hat, water bottle or camelbak, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen
  • Good rain gear - pants and jacket
  • Extra shoes or sandals for evenings
  • Day pack to carry gear
  • Field notebook
  • Hammer
  • Pencils, eraser, colored pencils, ruler, protractor & calculator
  • Handheld GPS (if you already have one)
  • Laptop computer
  • USB jump drive, at least 4 gigs

Grading

Grades will be based on your participation in the field, field notes, written reports and possibly oral exams.