2020-2021 / GEOL1021-1

Introduction to geophysical exploration

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr, 5d FW

Number of credits

 Master in geology (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)6 crédits 
 Master in geology (60 ECTS)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Lucien Halleux, Frédéric Nguyen

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The general principles of non destructive ground investigation techniques and their main applications are briefly outlined in the introduction. The industrial and economical background is discussed.
The main geophysical techniques are described in the following chapters : seismic, gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and borehole logging. For each method, we shortly describe the physics and mathematics, the data acquisition, the data processing, the numerical inversion and the interpretation. The possibilities and limitations of the various methods are discussed. Some aspects are examined more in depth, taking into account the time available.
Examples related to various applications are presented (Oil & Gas exploration, mining, environmental problems, engineering, oceanographic survey, ...).

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

  • To understand how the main geophysical techniques work.
  • To know their main application fields.
  • To be able to discuss their possibilities and limitations.
  • To interprete geophysical results taking into account the geological background.
  • To understand petrophysical relationship, and geophysical imaging problems

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

A background in physics, math and earth sciences is required.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The practicals consist in presenting and analysing case histories and in using processing and modelling software. Field practicals are dedicated either to in situ geophysical operations or to the visit of specialised labs.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

  • Slides available on: http://www.aug.geophys.ethz.ch/people/personalPages/laurent/laurent_teaching.htm

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

oral exam

- Remote

oral exam

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred in-person


Additional information:

Oral examination organized as follows:
- 2 questions are asked: one main question (75%) and a secondary question (25%). The question are practice oriented
- The student may use his course support or any other documentation (s)he wishes during 10 minutes
- Afterwards (s)he prepares the answers during 20 minutes.
- Oral examination follows.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Reference textbook: An introduction to Geophysical Exploration, 2007, P. Kearey, Blackwell Publishing.

Contacts

Halleux Lucien
(l.halleux@gtec.be)
Nguyen Frédéric
f.nguyen@ulg.ac.be