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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Earth Sciences

625-393 Seismic Exploration

Note:

Geophysics as a separate third year teaching component will not be offered in 1998 and following years.

Credit Points:

16.5

Coordinator:

Dr L Thomas

Prerequisite/s:

Earth Sciences 625-101; Physics 640-121 + 640-122 (before 1996: 640-120), 640-141 + 640-142 (before 1996: 640-140) or 640-161 + 640-162 (before 1996: 640-160); Mathematics 618-231 or 618-232.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

26 lectures (two a week), 26 hours (two hours a week) of practical work, 3 days of field work

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should:

Comprehend:

  • the principles of the physics of wave propagation in stratified media which form the basis for an understanding of modern seismic exploration techniques.

Have developed:

  • skills in applying this knowledge to the practice of refraction and reflection seismology as related to exploration for resources;

  • skills, through hands-on experience, in seismic interpretation and computer processing;

  • an appreciation of the link between such diverse disciplines as mathematics and geology;

Appreciate:

  • that a knowledge of how signals are represented and processed, and are interpreted to make geological sense, involves both computers and geology;

  • that practical problems are not only deeper than theoretical problems, but ultimately yield more interesting theory.

Content:

The physics of wave propagation in stratified media; signal theory; waves in stratified media; seismic acquisition (field layout and experimental design). Seismic processing; time- and frequency-domain analyses; seismic focusing (velocity analysis) and statics; migration; structural interpretation; seismic stratigraphy. Case histories of seismic interpretation from major Australian oil fields.

Assessment:

A 3-hour theory examination or a 2-hour theory examination and one or two essays of up to 1000 words each. Laboratory work will be continuously assessed. A report on the field work may be required.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Telford W M, Applied Geophysics, pb ed. CUP.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Earth Sciences 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
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Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.