EARTH SC / ENVIR SC 3V03

Environmental Geophysics

Calendar Description

Introduction to principles and applications of geophysics in groundwater and environmental investigations. Practical demonstrations in magnetics, gravity, shallow seismic, radar, borehole logging, surface EM and electrical methods.
Two lectures, one lab (three hours); one term
Prerequisite: EARTH SC 2E03 or ENVIR SC 2E03; and PHYSICS 1B03; or ISCI 2A18
Antirequisite: GEO 3V03
Crosslist: ENVIR SC 3V03, EARTH SC 3V03

 

Time/Term Offered: Term One Fall 2011-12

Instructor:Dr. Joe Boyce
Room: General Science Building Rm. 232
Tel:(905) 525.9149 x24188
Email: boycej@mcmaster.ca
Office hours: TBA

Teaching Assistant:

Peter Tschirhart, x27086, email: tschirpa@mcmaster.ca (Office hours TBA)

Course Outline (Formerly GEO 3V03) Avenue to Learn
   

Introduction:

Geophysical exploration methods are fundamental tools in the search for mineral resources but are also used increasingly in engineering, archaeology and environmental investigations to explore and image the shallow subsurface (< 200 m depth). Seismic, magnetic and other methods developed through resource exploration are now used routinely in the search for buried contaminants, for locating and characterizing groundwater resources, and for detecting buried cultural resources and land mines.

Course Objectives
This course will examine the principal geophysical techniques that are used to image the subsurface at shallow (< 200 m) depths of investigation. The underlying physical principles and practical aspects of field acquisition, processing and data interpretation will be considered for each method. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of geophysical signal processing and field methods.

Lecture/Labs:

Lectures:  Mon., Thurs., 4:30-5:20 pm BSB/B154
Lab period: Wed. (L01) 8:30-11:20 am, BSB/331 GIS LAB (in alternating weeks)

Required Text Books/Course materials:

Reynolds, J.M., 2011. An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. 2nd Edition. John Wiley and Sons, 796 p. ISBN: 9780471485360

Additional Reading Materials

Texts:
Burger, R.H., 1992. Exploration geophysics of the shallow subsurface, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 489 p.
Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P. and Sheriff, R.E., 1998. Applied Geophysics. Cambridge University Press, 770 p.

Journals:

  • Journal of Engineering and Environmental Geophysics (JEEG)
  • Applied Geophysics, Geophysics
  • The Leading Edge
  • Geophysical Prospection
  • SAGEEP (Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems) Proceedings, (1988-2002)


Evaluation:

Labs               (4 @ 8%)        32%
4 assignments  (4 @ 4%)        16%
Mid-term test                        12%
Final exam                             40%

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

  • Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.

  • Improper collaboration in group work.

  • Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/Students-AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf

The University reserves the right to change any aspect of this course outline.

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.