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GEOL 4320. 501.2168 - Exploration Geophysics
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Fall 2016
Instructor: Sumit Verma
Email: [email protected]
Office: ST-2258
Class Time: Mondays, 7:05 – 9:45pm, Class Location: to be announced
Credits: 3
Teaching Assistant: Dhruv Agrawal
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Current exploration and production companies are using geophysical explorations methods in
order to minimize the risk of drilling dry holes. Most of the geoscientists in these companies
analyze and interpret geophysical data for better understanding of the subsurface geology. The
goal of this course is to familiarize the students with such exploration methods, by illustrating
how basic geophysical methods are rooted in the principles of physics and the mathematics that
describe those principles, and how some common geophysical methods are applied for exploring
geological targets at various scales.
This course provides an introduction to the commonly used geophysical methods for petroleum
and mineral exploration. The course syllabus will include: a comprehensive overview of gravity,
electromagnetic, magnetic, electrical, reflection and refraction seismic methods. Lab exercises
will demonstrate the analysis of real and synthetic geophysical data, which will be based on the
topics covered in lectures. Because computers are essential tools for modern geophysicists, many
class assignments will involve using computers to visualize data and solve geophysical
problems. For more details about this course, including the course schedule and grading refer to
the course syllabus or email me.
GRADING POLICY
Midterm Exam (Monday, Oct 17th)
: 20%,
th
Final Exam (Monday, December 12 ) : 20%,
Class Tests: 10%, Lab exercises: 30%, Homework: 20%.
OFFICE HOURS (TENTATIVE)
Instructor: Wednesdays: 2:00- 5:30pm
TA : Tuesdays: 3:00- 5:00pm (may change)
RECOMMENDED TEXT BOOKS:
No specific text book for this class is required. The class lecture notes will be provided one week
before every lecture. Student can buy any one of these books for consultation.
1. Looking into the Earth: An Introduction to Geological Geophysics, 1st ed. 2000 edition,
by Mussett, Alan E., Khan, M. Aftab.
2. Exploration Geophysics, 1st ed. 2009 edition, by Mamdouh R. Gadallah and Ray Fisher.
3. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Keary, P. & Brooks, M., 1991, Blackwell
Scientific Publications.
ACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Classroom behavior must not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of
other students to learn from the instructional program (Code of Student Life). Unacceptable or disruptive
behavior shall not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior shall be asked to leave the
classroom. Inappropriate behavior shall result in disciplinary action or referral to The University’s
Behavior Intervention Team. This prohibition applies to all instructional forms, including electronic,
classroom, laboratories, discussion groups, fieldtrips, etc.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM/ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic
records, misrepresenting facts, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in
whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give
unfair advantage to a student such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written
assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such
acts.
“Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to the appropriation of, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining
by any means material that is attributable in whole or in part to another source, including words, ideas,
illustrations, structure, computer code, other expression and media, and presenting that material as one’s
own academic work being offered for credit.
NOTE: Students found plagiarizing or cheating will receive a zero on the course activity which could
cause failure in the class and/or suspension or dismissal from the college.
ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities that are admitted to The University of Texas
of the Permian Basin may request reasonable accommodations and classroom modifications as
addressed under Section 504/ADA regulations. Students needing assistance because of a disability must
contact Director, Programs Assisting Student Study (PASS) Office, 552-2630, no later than 30 days prior
to the start of the semester.
The definition of a disability for purposes of ADA is that she or he (1) has a physical or mental impairment
that substantively limits a major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment or, (3) is regarded as
having such an impairment.
Students who have provided all documentation and are eligible for services will be advised of their
rights regarding academic accommodations and responsibilities. The University is not obligated to pay for
diagnosis or evaluations nor is it obligated to pay for personal services or auxiliary aids.
If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share
with the instructor, or if you need special arrangements in the case the building must be evacuated,
please inform the instructor immediately. It is best to contact the instructor after class or during his/her
office hours.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Date
Topic
Monday, August 29, 2016
Introduction to exploration geophysics
Monday, September 05, 2016
Labor Day - Holiday
Monday, September 12, 2016
Gravity methods
Monday, September 19, 2016
Gravity methods
Monday, September 26, 2016
Magnetic method
Monday, October 03, 2016
Electrical method
Monday, October 10, 2016
Electromagnetic method
Monday, October 17, 2016
SEG week, lab catch up- No class
Monday, October 24, 2016
Midterm Exam, Seismic data acquisition
Monday, October 31, 2016
Midterm Exam review, Seismic data processing
Monday, November 07, 2016
Seismic attributes
Monday, November 14, 2016
Seismic interpretation
Monday, November 21, 2016
Case study
Monday, November 28, 2016
Review of exploration geophysics
Monday, December 05, 2016
Review of exploration geophysics
Monday, December 12, 2016
Final exam