| Unit name | Exploration Geophysics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASC20048 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Verdon |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
All mandatory units in Year 1 of BSc, MSci or MSci with Study Abroad Geophysics at Bristol |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit will provide an in depth study of the geophysical methods used to image and characterise sedimentary basins. Special emphasis will be placed on the seismic reflection method and geophysical well logging, as these are the primary techniques used to image the subsurface on the relevant scales. New and emerging techniques, such as geomechanics and microseismic monitoring will also be introduced.
Why is this unit important?
The imaging and characterisation of the subsurface is a fundamental requirement that forms the basis of a range of subsurface industries. Geophysical imaging of sedimentary basins has underpinned the oil and gas industries for nearly a century. More recently, the same techniques are now being applied to facilitate a broad range of sustainable industries, including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, management of potable groundwaters, and geological disposal of nuclear waste. This unit will provide an in depth understanding of the methods used in these industries. Moreover, the fundamental physics and signal processing concepts taught in this unit will provide the basis for more advanced geophysical concepts taught in Y3.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This is the first unit where you will be taught solely as a geophysics class. The unit is therefore tailored to take advantage of both the physics and the geology that you learned in Y1, and to provide an introduction into the world of geophysics. Key geophysical concepts are first taught in this unit, while the focus on various applications provides an insight into how geophysics is used to address real-world problems and challenges.
An overview of content
The course introduces the fundamentals of seismic wave propagation, the physics of waves at an interface, and how seismic observations can be used to image the subsurface. We then move on to seismic processing, which introduces key signal processing concepts. We study the use of geophysical well logging to image rock properties, and use rock physics to show how seismic observations are controlled by lithological properties of rocks. Seismic interpretation wraps up the course, demonstrating how the various concepts introduced in the unit are used by geoscientists to build up a holistic understanding of subsurface geology to address real-world challenges.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will have developed a broad appreciation for how fundamental physics underpins a range of geophysical applications in order to image the subsurface. You will also gain insight into how geophysics is used by various industries to study the subsurface. You will have developed your coding skills, become more confident in using coding to address geophysical problems.
Learning Outcomes
You will:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
A weekly (3 hour) practical session will provide hands-on experience that deepens understanding of material taught in lectures. Practicals will include pen-and-paper exercises, as well as opportunities to develop code in Matlab, and to use industry-standard seismic processing software.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
The University’s Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes outline the requirements for progression on and completion of degree programmes. Students who miss an exam and self-certify their absence may complete a supplementary assessment for an uncapped mark as if taken for the first time. Resit and supplementary exams are habitually taken during the reassessment period later in the summer. As far as is practicable and appropriate, resit and supplementary assessments will be in the same form as the original assessment but will always test the same intended learning outcomes as the initial missed or failed assessment. In the case of group work, failure by a whole group would result in an appropriate group task being set and reassessed for all group members. If a single student fails a group assessment or is unable to participate for an evidenced reason, an individual reassessment will be set.
There are rigorous and fair procedures in place to support students who are ill or whose studies and assessments are affected by exceptional circumstances.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC20048).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
