Tools for Teaching Undergraduate Geophysics in the Field and Laboratory

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9351877 Sheriff For undergraduate geology students exploration geophysics can be abstract and difficult. A new course in geophysical methods, taught in the field and directed towards local problems suitable for undergraduate research, is being developed. Five systems are being incorporated into the course: 1) a portable 12 channel seismograph, 2) magnetic equipment for susceptibility, total field and vertical gradient measurements, 3) an electromagnetic induction system for near surface conductivity mapping, 4) a global positioning system to extend our gravity work into the surrounding mountains, and 5) a generic MS/DOS computer with graphics software to facilitate data analysis and presentation. Electrical resistivity equipment, a gravimeter, a field computer, and modeling and interpretation software also are being used in the course. All of the equipment also is being used for senior thesis research, and the gravity, magnetic and seismic equipment is being integrated into labs for the honors course in introductory geology. The focus of the geophysics methods course is to geophysically characterize the Missoula aquifer which is the sole source of Missoula's drinking water. The aquifer is recharged by the Clark Fork River which drains the nation's largest collection of EPA superfund sites. Significant ground water and geochemical research has focussed on contaminant, water quality, and water abundance problems. Geophysical studies are greatly benefitting this research; geophysically the aquifer is poorly known. This situation is providing an excellent natural laboratory for obtaining data that is publicly important and of ample scope for a long term research project and for dissemination in the professional literature.