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PHY261Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Geophysics I

This course introduces the fundamental principles of geophysics, focusing on the solid earth. It explores geomagnetism, gravity, and magnetic methods of geophysical prospecting. Students will learn about the Earth's internal structure, rock densities, and the application of physics principles in exploring the Earth's liquid, solid, and gaseous components. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to understand and address challenges in introductory geophysics.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
GeophysicsGeomagnetismGravity MethodsMagnetic MethodsEarth Structure

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Earth's Internal Structure

2

Geomagnetism

3

Gravity Methods

4

Magnetic Methods

5

Rock Density

6

Data Processing and Interpretation

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Physics

Mathematics (Calculus)

Introductory Geology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Geophysicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Exploration Geophysicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Geophysicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Geotechnical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

MiningOil and GasEnvironmental ConsultingCivil Engineering

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The earth: internal structure and construction: Density of Rocks and Ores.

6h

Unit 1: Origin of the Earth

3 study hours
  • •Read about the cold and hot origin theories of the earth.
  • •Identify characteristics differentiating Earth from other planets.
  • •Explain the causes and effects of the Iron Catastrophe.

Unit 2: Motions of the earth

3 study hours
  • •Describe the three main types of motion of the earth.
  • •State the effect of each of the three motions.
  • •Explain the cause of the density variation of the solid earth.
Week
2

Module 1: The earth: internal structure and construction: Density of Rocks and Ores.

6h

Unit 3: The internal and external structures of the earth.

3 study hours
  • •Study Earth models based on chemical composition and material flow.
  • •Examine evidence of inhomogeneity of the Earth's crust.
  • •Describe the global distribution and surface sequences of oceans and continents.

Unit 4: Variation of some physical properties within the solid earth

3 study hours
  • •Describe the trend of variation of pressure, density, gravitational field, and seismic velocity with depth.
  • •Derive mathematical relations for the variation of parameters.
  • •Apply the mathematical formulas to real-life events.
Week
3

Module 1: The earth: internal structure and construction: Density of Rocks and Ores.

6h

Unit 5: Rocks and Minerals

3 study hours
  • •Define Rock and Minerals.
  • •Classify rocks based on origin, Mineral contents porosity and consolidation.
  • •List the characteristics of rocks.

Unit 6: Density

3 study hours
  • •Define and classify types of density.
  • •Calculate density using its mathematical formulas.
  • •Explain laboratory measurement of density of rocks.
Week
4

Module 2: Geomagnetism: Origin, properties of rock

8h

Unit 1: Basic facts in magnetism

4 study hours
  • •Define magnetic field.
  • •List three mutually dependent parameters in magnetism.
  • •Explain the three methods of producing a magnet.

Unit 2: Characteristics of Magnetism in Rocks' Components

4 study hours
  • •Define magnetic susceptibility and permeability.
  • •List types of Rocks' magnetism.
  • •Differentiate the rocks magnetism using their properties.
Week
5

Module 2: Geomagnetism: Origin, properties of rock

8h

Unit 3: Magnetisation in Earth's Rocks

4 study hours
  • •Define Palaeomagnetism.
  • •Explain residual magnetism in rocks.
  • •Mention and explain various mechanisms of remanent magnetism.

Unit 4: Magnetic Measurement

4 study hours
  • •Explain the following: Magnetic force, Field strength, Moment, Intensity of magnetism, Susceptibility and Magnetic induction
  • •Sketch a uniformly magnetised and polarised body.
  • •State the practical units of magnetic parameters like susceptibility, intensity and induction.
Week
6

Module 3: Gravity Methods:

6h

Unit 1: Newton's gravitation and Application

6 study hours
  • •Differentiate gravitational field from acceleration due to gravity.
  • •Explain the two ways by which g can be measured.
  • •Determine absolute gravity for a point B, given the absolute gravity at a reference point A and gravity difference measured at B.
Week
7

Module 3: Gravity Methods:

6h

Unit 2: Gravity Instrument

6 study hours
  • •List types of gravimeters.
  • •Sketch LaCoste-Romberg gravimeter.
  • •Explain the calibration procedure.
Week
8

Module 3: Gravity Methods:

6h

Unit 3: Gravity field work

6 study hours
  • •Demonstrate field observational sequences for gravity survey.
  • •Make proper fieldwork preparation for gravity survey.
  • •Recommend a suitable field survey that can be used for specific purposes in gravity survey.
Week
9

Module 3: Gravity Methods:

6h

Unit 4: Gravity Data Processing

6 study hours
  • •List steps to be followed in gravity data processing.
  • •Describe various correction procedures in gravimetric works.
  • •Explain gravity anomaly.
Week
10

Module 3: Gravity Methods:

6h

Unit 5: Gravity Data interpretations

6 study hours
  • •Differentiate qualitative from quantitative interpretation.
  • •Explain map contouring.
  • •Define gravity total field.
Week
11

Module 4 Magnetic methods

8h

Unit1: Theory, concept and instruments

4 study hours
  • •Explain the working principle of proton magnetometer.
  • •List advantages of proton magnetometer.
  • •State the practical units employed in magnetic prospecting.

Unit 2: Magnetic Survey

4 study hours
  • •Discuss the types of magnetic surveys.
  • •Mention the necessary instruments and materials needs in readiness for the field works.
  • •Explain pre-field determination and detection of geomagnetic variations.
Week
12

Module 4 Magnetic methods

8h

Unit 3 Magnetic Data Processing

4 study hours
  • •Identify sources of errors to magnetic field data.
  • •Explain ways for correcting the errors identified.
  • •Describe continuation processes on potential field.

Unit 4: Qualitative Interpretation of Magnetic data

4 study hours
  • •List the required informations necessary for qualitative interpretation of magnetic anomaly.
  • •Mention the geologic features that can be mapped using magnetic survey.
  • •Derive useful information from magnetic anomaly maps.
Week
13

Module 4 Magnetic methods

8h

Unit 5: Quantitative interpretation of magnetic data

8 study hours
  • •Study the concepts of quantitative interpretation of magnetic data.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all self-assessment exercises to reinforce understanding.

2

Focus on understanding the principles behind gravity and magnetic methods.

3

Practice solving problems related to data processing and interpretation.

4

Create diagrams and charts to visualize Earth's internal structure and magnetic fields.

5

Pay close attention to the units and conversions used in geophysical calculations.

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