5 ECTS credits
135 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4017620DNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (D) Master - preliminary level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Department
Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
External partners
Universiteit Gent
Educational team
Kristine Walravens (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
30 contact hours Lecture
30 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content
Theory

1. Principles of applied geophysics

        Survey methods, interpretation problems

2. Seismic surveying

        Seismic waves, ray paths in layered media, reflection and refraction surveying, seismic sources

3. Seismic refraction surveying

        Geometry of refracted paths, wavefronts and ray tracing, hidden layer problem, refraction in layers with continuous velocity change, refraction profiling, applications

4. Magnetic surveying

        Principles, rock magnetism, geomagnetic field, instruments, ground surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, interpretation, applications

5. Electrical surveying

        Resistivity of rocks and minerals, current flow in the ground, electrode arrays, instruments, interpretation, sounding methods, traversing methods, geoelectrical tomography, principles of self potential, equipment and survey method, interpretation, applications

6. Induced polarization surveying

        Principles, mechanism of induced polarization, measurements, field investigation, applications

7. Electromagnetic surveying

        Principles, penetration depth, detection of electromagnetic fields, tilt-angle methods, phase-measuring, time-domain surveying, ground penetrating radar, applications, interpretation

8. Geophysical borehole logging

        Principles, natural gamma-radiation logging, resistivity methods, self-potential, temperature, caliper





Field seminars

Resistivity, electromagnetic survey and refraction seismic measurements, borehole logging measurements





Laboratory seminars

Interpretation of resistivity, electromagnetic, well logging and seismic field investigation data



The seminars include an intensive interaction with the tutor, during which discussion is stimulated and ample opportunity is provided for questions. Case studies and practicals dealing with real field problems strengthen students' commitment with the course.
Course material
Digital course material (Required) : Applied Geophysics, Course notes are available.
Handbook (Recommended) : introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, Reynolds, J.M., 2de, Wiley, 9780471485360, 2011
Handbook (Recommended) : Applied Geophysics for Geologists and Engineers, The Elements of Geophysical Prospecting, Griffiths, D.H. & R.F. King, 2de, Pergamon, 9781483293486, 2013
Handbook (Recommended) : An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration., Keary, Ph. & M. Brooks, 2nd Ed, Blackwell, 9780632049295, 2014
Handbook (Recommended) : Borehole Geophysics Applied to Ground-Water Investigation., Scott Keys, W., National Water Well Association, 9781560340003, 1989
Additional info

Course notes are available.

Reynolds, J.M., 1997. An introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. Wiley: 796 p
Griffiths, D.H. & R.F. King, 1981. Applied Geophysics for Geologists and Engineers. Pergamon: 230 p
Keary, Ph. & M. Brooks, 1991. 2nd Ed. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration. Blackwell: 254 p
Scott Keys, W. 1989. Borehole Geophysics Applied to Ground-Water Investigation. National Water Well Association: 311 p

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

The course intends to explain the basic principles of the different geophysical prospection methods and their use in locating resources, lithological mapping, groundwater exploration and environmental pollution.

Final competences:
- be acquainted with the principles of geophysical prospection methods
- be able to decide upon applicability of geophysical prospection methods in concrete cases
- know how to use geophysical prospection methods in physical land resources assessment
- know how to use geophysical prospection methods in environmental pollution

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • written exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

    Note: Written examination with oral discussion. + Period aligned evaluation. Students who eschew period aligned and/or non-period aligned evaluations for this course unit may be failed by the examiner

Additional info regarding evaluation

Period aligned evaluation
Students who eschew period aligned and/or non-period aligned evaluations for this course unit may be failed by the examiner.

Written examination with oral discussion

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Sustainable Land Management: Urban Land Engineering