Paleomagnetic Laboratory Development for Use in Undergraduate Education

该项目提供资金以完成一个正在工作的古地磁实验室的组装，该实验室为学生提供了一个实用的工具来研究基本的地质问题。该实验室提供了一个例子，展示了如何进行真实的、重要的、当代的古地磁和构造研究，并允许本科生直接参与此类研究。现在，本科生将在一门大学一年级的课程中学习一些地球物理仪器和技术。以往使用的仪器主要用于观察小尺度地物和局部地质问题。古地磁是研究宏观构造过程最重要的地球物理工具之一。进行古地磁分析的能力填补了这一领域的需求，并完美地补充了之前的地球物理计划。除了供初级学生使用外，该实验室还可供地质学专业的高年级学生使用，作为该大学得到良好支持、教职员工建议的本科生科学研究项目的一部分。这些设备适合正在进行的和拟议的学生研究项目，地质系的所有教职员工都担任顾问。这个创新的项目为学生提供了一个不同寻常的机会，让他们能够以一种重要的方式参与到一个年轻的、快速发展的地质研究领域。

This project provides funding to complete assembly of a working paleomagnetic laboratory, which furnishes students with a practical tool with which to examine fundamental geological problems. The lab provides an example of how real, vital, contemporary paleomagnetic and tectonic studies are done and allows undergraduate students to participate directly in such research. Undergraduate students are now introduced to a number of geophysical instruments and techniques in a freshman-level course. The instruments previously used are mainly for looking at small-scale features and local geologic problems. Paleomagnetism is one of the most important geophysical tools used for examining `big-picture` tectonic processes. The ability to do paleomagnetic analyses fills a need in this area and complements the previous geophysical program perfectly. In addition to use by introductory-level students, the lab can be used by upper-level geology majors as part of a well-supported, faculty-advised undergraduate science research program at the university. The equipment fits into continuing and proposed student research projects involving all faculty in the Geology Department as advisors. This innovative project affords students the unusual opportunity to be involved in a significant way in a young, rapidly developing field of geological research.