Exploration Geophysics

This 10-day in-person and online course includes an introduction to the physical properties of rocks and how these can be inferred from geophysical data. The role that geophysics plays in mineral exploration programs will also be discussed. Methods covered gravity, magnetics, electrical and induced polarization, electromagnetics, gamma-ray spectrometry, reflection seismology, borehole, and airborne methods.  There are daily exercises, many involving computer applications, and the final day will include a regional interpretation of public domain geophysical data.

• Location: On campus at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the basic theory relevant to exploration geophysical methods.
2. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of exploration geophysical methods and the strengths and weaknesses of the equipment used in exploration geophysical surveys.
3. Design exploration geophysical surveys and know how to acquire, process, model and interpret the data to investigate geological material.
4. Present the results of exploration geophysical surveys by displaying the results graphically and communicating the results in written documents and oral presentations.
5. Describe case histories where exploration geophysical data are used to solve real-world problems in areas such as mineral exploration.
6. Apply exploration geophysical methods when working as a geoscientist in industry, government or academia.  
    

What to expect:

This course is structured such that each day will cover one of the methods of applying geophysics in mineral exploration. In each case, the material will be presented by an academic or industry person who is an expert practitioner in that method. There will also be talks from industry representatives. A regional interpretation of public domain data will also be undertaken. The course does not rely heavily in mathematics, but attempts to impart an understanding of the basic scientific principles. There is a strong emphasis on case studies.