1 - 10 of 34 results for: GEOPHYS

(Staff)

Introduction to the foundations of contemporary geophysics. Topics drawn from four broad themes in: whole Earth geodynamics, geohazards, natural resources, and environment/sustainability. In each case the focus is on how the interpretation of a variety of geophysical measurements (e.g., gravity, seismology, heat flow, magnetism, electromagnetics, and geodesy) can be used to provide fundamental insight into the behavior of the Earth's complex geosystems. Prerequisite: CME 100 or MA TH 51, or co-registration in either. Offered every year, autumn quarter. Next offering, Autumn 2013-14

How to use MATLAB as a tool for research and technical computing, including 2-D and 3-D visualization features, numerical capabilities, and toolboxes. Practical skills in areas such as data analysis, regressions, optimization, spectral analysis, differential equations, image analysis, computational statistics, and Monte Carlo simulations. Emphasis is on scientific and engineering applications. Offered every year, autumn quarter.

Introduction to seismology including: elasticity and the wave equation, P, S, and surface waves, dispersion, ray theory, reflection and transmission of seismic waves, seismic imaging, large-scale Earth structure, earthquake location, earthquake statistics and forecasting, magnitude scales, seismic source theory. Offered every year, Autumn quarter. (Beroza, G)

Lab. Types of equipment used in experimental rock physics. Principles and measurements of geophysical properties such as porosity, permeability, acoustic wave velocity, and resistivity through lectures and laboratory experiments. Training in analytical project writing skills and understanding errors for assessing accuracy and variability of measured data. Students may investigate a scientific problem to support their own research. Prerequisites: Physics 45 (Light and Heat); and CME 100 (Vector Calculus). Offered every other year, spring quarter (except 2013-2014, when offered in Autumn).

The architecture of the Earth's crust; regional assembling of structural or deformational features and their relationship, origin and evolution. The plate-tectonic cycle: rifting, passive margins, sea-floor spreading, subduction zones, and collisions. Case studies.

The principles of seismic reflection profiling, focusing on methods of seismic data acquisition and seismic data processing for hydrocarbon exploration.

Field-, lab-, or computer-based. Faculty supervision. Written reports.