Geophysical Field Equipment for Undergraduate Geology and Physics

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The geology department is integrating field geophysics into the field component of lower and upper division courses with emphasis on the use of geophysical data as a tool for problem solving. A gravity meter, magnetometer and portable computer are being acquired to meet four goals: 1. exposure of all geology majors and a majority of physics majors to geophysical field techniques, 2. enhancement of undergraduate research opportunities, 3. year-round use of the equipment, and 4. limited use by non-majors in demonstration settings and exhibits. The equipment is being used in a new lower division course in Field Methods as an exercise in quantitative data acquisition, contouring and mapping. It is used in the Structural Geology course to study offsets in the Balcones fault zone or to model a salt dome. Use in the Geophysics course emphasizes processing and modelling methods. Students participate in planning of surveys and prepare a comprehensive report on the analysis techniques and results. It is also used for several surveys on the yearly Majors Field Trip, as a demonstration tool in the Oceanography course, and in an exhibit monitoring Earth tides. The university will contribute an amount equal to the award.