Seismic refraction exercise for a hydrogeology course
Devin Castendyk
, State University of New York, College at Oneonta
Summary
This problem has students analyze seismic refraction data to determine the depth to the water table and stratigraphy. Simple, useful, and gratifying.
Context
Audience:
This problem is designed for an Introduction to Hydrogeology course targeting sophomores and junions.
Integrates geophysics into a core course in geology
Integrates geophysics into a core course in geology
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered:
Students should be comfortable drawing graphs and making simple algebra calculations. Students should review the associated power point presentation for this exercise to be familiar with seismic refraction theory.
How the activity is situated in the course:
This exercise is situated toward the end of the semester when students are introduced to field methods in hydrogeology.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity:
Determining the depth to the water table and local stratigraphy using seismic refraction.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity:
Students analyze raw data to make interpretations of stratigraphy and hydrology.
Other skills goals for this activity:
Students draw graphs and make simple algebra calculations.
Description of the activity/assignment
After reviewing a power point presentation on the use of seismic refraction methods in hydrogeology, students are given seismic refraction data collected on the campus of the State University of New York, College at Oneonta, and asked to determine the depth to the water table in addition to drawing a stratigraphic column. The project can be conducted during class or as a take home assignment.
Has minimal/no quantitative component
Uses geophysics to solve problems in other fields
Has minimal/no quantitative component
Uses geophysics to solve problems in other fields
Determining whether students have met the goals
The instructor can compare the stratigraphic columns prepared by the students to the column provided in the solution set provided with this exercise.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Download teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment (Microsoft Word 694kB Aug6 07)
- Instructors Notes (PowerPoint 5.7MB Aug6 07)
- Solution Set (Microsoft Word 1.6MB Aug6 07)
Other Materials
Supporting references/URLs
Burger, H.R., Sheehan, A.F., and Jones, C.H., 2006. Introduction to Applied Geophysics, W.W. Norton & Co., New York, Chapters 2 and 3, pp. 7-148.
Fetter, C.W., 2001. Applied Hydrogeology, 4th Ed., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, pp. 483-490.
Fetter, C.W., 2001. Applied Hydrogeology, 4th Ed., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, pp. 483-490.
