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PHY361Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Geophysics II

This course introduces students to geophysical methods, focusing on seismic techniques. It covers seismic wave propagation, sources, and detection. Students will learn about seismic reflection and refraction methods, including data acquisition, field interpretation, and limitations. The course aims to provide a fundamental understanding of seismic surveying for subsurface investigation and resource exploration.

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40h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

intermediate

Math Level

Course Keywords

Seismic MethodsReflectionRefractionGeophysicsWave Propagation

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

Seismic Waves

2

Seismic Sources

3

Seismic Reflection

4

Seismic Refraction

5

Field Interpretation

6

Limitations of Refraction Methods

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Physics

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 Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

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

Seismic Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Geotechnical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Oil and Gas ExplorationMineral ExplorationGeotechnical EngineeringEnvironmental GeophysicsArchaeological Geophysics

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Seismic Methods

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Seismic Methods, focusing on the general introduction and seismic waves.
•Understand the different types of elastic waves (P-waves, S-waves, Love waves, Rayleigh waves).
•Solve problems related to seismic velocities and the time-average equation.

Week

2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Seismic Sources

3 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Seismic Sources, focusing on hammers, impact sources, and explosives.
•Understand safety procedures when using explosives.
•Learn about time breaks and their importance in seismic surveys.

Week

3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Detection of Seismic Waves

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Detection of Seismic Waves, focusing on geophones and hydrophones.
•Understand the detection of S-waves and noise reduction techniques.
•Learn about seismic cables and their importance in signal transmission.

Week

4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Recording Seismic Signals

3 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Recording Seismic Signals, focusing on single-channel and multi-channel seismographs.
•Understand the principles of enhancement seismographs.
•Learn about dynamic range and filters in seismic signal recording.

Week

5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Seismic Reflection

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Seismic Reflection, focusing on reflection theory and coefficients.
•Understand acoustic impedances and normal move-out.
•Solve problems related to Dix velocity and the effect of dip.

Week

6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Reflection Surveys

3 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Reflection Surveys, focusing on spread lengths and arrays.
•Understand shot arrays and common mid-point shooting.
•Learn about depth conversion and geometric distortion in reflection surveys.

Week

7

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Seismic Refraction

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Seismic Refraction, focusing on refraction surveys and principal refractors.
•Understand critical refraction and Snell's Law.
•Solve problems related to lengths of refraction spreads and positioning shots.

Week

8

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Field Interpretation

3 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Field Interpretation, focusing on intercept times and multiple layers.
•Understand the effect of dip and refractor relief.
•Learn about reciprocal time interpretation.

Week

9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Limitation of Refraction Methods

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Limitation of Refraction Methods, focusing on direct waves and vertical velocities.
•Understand hidden layers and blind zones.
•Solve problems related to the limitations of refraction methods.

Week

10

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Review of Seismic Methods

3 study hours

•Review Module 1: Seismic Methods
•Focus on Seismic Methods, Seismic Sources, Detection of Seismic waves and Recording Seismic Signals
•Attempt all self-assessment exercises

Week

11

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Review of Seismic Reflection

3 study hours

•Review Module 2: Seismic Reflection
•Focus on Seismic Reflection and Reflection Surveys
•Attempt all self-assessment exercises

Week

12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Review of Seismic Refraction

3 study hours

•Review Module 3: Seismic Refraction
•Focus on Seismic Refraction, Field Interpretation and Limitation of Refraction Methods
•Attempt all self-assessment exercises

Week

13

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Final Revision

3 study hours

•Complete all assignments and TMAs
•Prepare for final examinations
•Review all course materials and key concepts

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and summaries to reinforce key concepts.

2

Practice solving numerical problems related to seismic velocities and travel times.

3

Create diagrams illustrating seismic wave propagation and reflection/refraction principles.

4

Focus on understanding the differences between seismic reflection and refraction methods.

5

Study case studies to understand real-world applications of seismic methods.

6

Practice interpreting seismic data and identifying subsurface structures.

7

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.

8

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions related to seismic methods.

9

Allocate specific time slots for focused study sessions each week.

10

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and share insights.

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