Geophysical Equipment for an Undergraduate Laboratory in Shallow Subsurface Exploration

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Colgate University is teaching a "hands-on" laboratory in the course in geophysics which focuses on the shallow subsurface environment. Such investigations are becoming more crucial as groundwater shortages and groundwater pollution become more common. The course is a modification of the senior-level geophysics course which is being changed so that the lab focuses on those techniques which are most applicable to the shallow subsurface: gravity, seismology, and earth resistivity. The labs are structured in 3 modules, each dealing with with one of the techniques. The first week of each segment is devoted to measurement techniques and data reduction. The following 2 weeks are devoted to data collection within a segment of the Chenango River Valley, a glacially buried valley containing approximately 500 feet of sand and gravel. The final week of each segment is devoted to modelling the subsurface using two-dimensional techniques and personal computers. Each year, the course will investigate a segment of the valley using all three techniques. Over the years, a larger picture of the valley will be acquired as one group of students merges their results with those of years past. Students are also encouraged to utilize the equipment in senior research projects. The university is matching the award with an equal amount of funds.