Connecting the World of Applied Geophysics

Fig. 3

University of Calgary Geophysics Field School Instructors: B. Karchweski, R. Lauer, K. Innanen

Staff: M. Bertram, K. Bertram, K. Hall, A. Poulin, E. MottTeaching Assistants: T. Herring, M. Eaid, T. Cary, N. Igonin

ABSTRACTEvery year, geophysics majors at the University of Calgaryentering their final year attend a multi-day field coursewhich provides hands-on learning about the techniques andideas they have spent the preceding few years learningabout theoretically. Focus is on (1) on-the-fly estimationsand geological inferences from analysis of real field data asthey are acquired, (2) uncertainty analysis, and (3)development of algorithms for modeling & interpretation.

IN THE FIELD

Fig. 1. Students, TAs, staff with Vibroseis truck; Fig. 2. Calculations on araw shot record; Fig. 3. Surveying and layout Fig 4. Hammer seismic on arefraction survey. Fig. 5. Discussions!

A FIRST LOOK AT THE DATA

GEOPHYSICAL METHODSDuring the 10 day field program, two sections (of roughly20 students each) come to the field site in the foothills ofSouthern Alberta. Here they experience an intensive 5 dayprogram, involving field work during the day and exercisesand data analysis in the evening. Teams of 4 cycle through5 exercises:

Method DescriptionGround PenetratingRadar

Zero offset surveying, resolution, concepts of migration.

Electrical Resistivity Tomography

Planning/execution of 2D surveys, evaluation of depth to bedrock; array types; saturation depth.

Seismic Refraction and VSP

Creation and identification of direct and refracted arrivals, bedrock depth and velocity calculations from first breaks; filtering of VSP to enhance P and S arrivals.

Seismic Reflection 1 (layout, surveying)

Chaining, cable/geophone layout & pickup, GPS, chaining notes, uncertainty quantification and environmental noise.

Seismic Reflection 2 (recording, analysis)

Seismic experiment organization and design, crew management, data acquisition, event identification, velocity, dominant frequency, vertical resolution, depth of interface calculations.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2ReflectionsAir waveDirect / refractedWind noiseSurface waves

SUMMARYWe are now halfway through the 2017 field program; so fara great success! On behalf of the staff, instructors, teachingassistants, but most of all the students, the University ofCalgary is grateful for the SEG’s support of what we thinkis a unique and powerful learning experience!

Raw shot record (with AGC)

Inverted ERT data

Fig. 4

Fig. 5