GEOL2291: GEOPHYSICAL DATA APPLICATIONS

• GEOL1051 Field Studies.

• GEOL2081 Geophysical Methods for Geoscientists

• None

• To introduce fundamental concepts of Earth observation and remote data acquisition techniques.
• To introduce concepts of digital data manipulation, processing and visualisation.
• To select and apply data manipulation and visualisation methods to example Earth structures and processes, set in a research context.
• To provide a skills-based training in geophysical data and model presentation for use in contemporary and subsequent modules.
• To provide data processing, analysis and visualisation training to underpin subsequent dissertation research at level 3 and level 4.

• This module will be IT-based and enable students to develop skills and software usage experience suitable to the demands of modern geophysical applications.
• It aims to introduce students to the concepts of sampling and focus on scales of observation from satellite-based through to ground-based observation level.
• An understanding of the selection of appropriate method of observation will be developed together with the skills of processing, manipulation, display and interpretation of resulting geophysical datasets.
• An understanding of the processes and concepts behind combined dataset display, interpretation and model creation.
• Practical applications and examples will include: satellite remote sensing for surface geology, seismic data for resource exploration, earth process geophysical imaging, environmental applications, earthquakes, large-scale surface topography, map projections and 3-D visualization, data reformatting and the use of online data repositories.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students will be able to explain visualization techniques to all scale of observation.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in Earth's natural resources and the techniques used to locate and exploit them.
• Will be able to process and manipulate geophysical data into a format to convey an interpretation to others.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Select and apply appropriate data manipulation and visualization methods for any geophysical Earth Science application.
• Be able to operate in both a PC- and UNIX-based environment effectively.
• Be able to confidently use a variety of geophysical software packages.
• Plot, map, analyze and critically interpret geophysical data and communicate results in an organized and concise fashion.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on a variety of projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to innovatively and creatively apply geological principles and IT-based methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyze, evaluate/interpret geological data.

Key Skills:

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Self-learn and time manage to meet targets, goals and deadlines.

• Three hour, weekly slot containing practical IT-based activities.

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