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Unit of study_
GEOS3104: Earth Imaging
2020 unit information
This unit introduces the common geophysical methods used to investigate the interior and dynamics of the Earth and focuses on the techniques used for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration. On completion of this unit students will have developed a thorough understanding of the common geophysical methods utilised in industry and academia. They will be able to evaluate and critically assess most forms of geophysical data as well as actively participate in geophysical exploration. The course will provide the students with the computational skills to process different types of geophysical data and link them to simulations of Earth processes through time, especially focussing on linking deep Earth and surface processes, such as subsidence/uplift and erosion/sedimentation. The unit is aimed at students with interests in land-based and marine exploration, plate tectonics, internal earth structure/dynamics, and near-surface investigations of groundwater resources and environmental pollution. Students wishing to specialise in the field and become professional geophysicists will need to expand upon the geophysics knowledge gained from this unit and either complete an honours project or progress to postgraduate coursework in this field.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Geosciences Academic Operations
| Code | GEOS3104 |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Geosciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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(GEOS2114 or GEOS2914) and (GEOS2124 or GEOS2924) |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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GEOS3804 or GEOS3003 or GEOS3006 or GEOS3016 or GEOS3017 or GEOS3903 or GEOS3906 or GEOS3916 or GEOS3917 or GEOS3004 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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|
None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand the use of seismic waves to explore the Earth's interior, and image sedimentary basins for resource exploration
- LO2. understand how anomalies in the Earth's gravity field relate to distribution of masses at depth, and how mapping gravity anomalies is used in resource exploration
- LO3. understand the Earth’s magnetic field and its dependence on core dynamics and near surface geology, and how mapping magnetic anomalies is used in mineral exploration
- LO4. Process and analyse geophysical data using Python
- LO5. use the Underworld software to model complex geodynamic and tectonic processes
- LO6. understand, characterise and model Earth's surface dynamics as a consequence of the interplay between tectonic, climatic and surface processes
- LO7. understand and model mantle partial melting driven by mantle upwelling and decompression
- LO8. understand how mantle convection relates to mantle heating (internal or basal), and understand how tectonic plates modulate mantle convection
- LO9. use computers effectively to process, visualise and analyse data, and perform numerical experiments
- LO10. work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment
- LO11. write concise technical reports.
- LO12. understand basin formation and evolution
- LO13. understand well logging
- LO14. understand regional and global geodynamic processes
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
