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651-4106-03L 7 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Geophysical Field Work and Processing: Preparation and Field Work

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Patrick Nagy, Prof. Dr. Andreas Wieser, Dr. Cédric Schmelzbach
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:53:59

Abstract

The 'Preparation' and 'Field Work' parts of 'Geophysical Field Work and Processing' involve the planing and conducting of a near-surface geophysical field campaign using common geophysical techniques to study, for example, archeological remains, internal structures of landslides or aquifers. Students work in small groups, and plan, acquire, process and document a field campaign together.

Objective

Students should acquire the knowledge to (1) design and plan a geophysical survey appropriate for the target of investigation, (2) acquire geophysical data, (3) process the data using state-of-the-art techniques and software, (3) analyze and interpret the results, and (4) write a report according to commercial and scientific standards.

Content

The course is split into two parts: 1. 'Preparation': Introductory lectures and exercises (lab and field) covering Geographical Information Systems (GIS), surveying, and introductions to the field sites. Participation in the 'Preparation' part is a REQUIREMENT to participate in the 'Field Work' part. 2. 'Field Work': Four-weeks field course. The students work in groups on the following topics: - Planning and design of a comprehensive geophysical survey - Data acquisition - Data processing and inversion - Interpretation of the results - Report writing

Resources

Lecture Notes

Relevant reading material, manuals and instructions for all methods of the field course will be handed out to each group at the beginning of the 'Field Work' part (beginning of June).

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The final grade is based on a written report. Exercises (learning tasks/’Lernelemente’, voluntary ) during the course provide the opportunity to improve the final grade. Completion of all voluntary learning tasks (‘Lernelemente’) allows to improve the final grade by a maximum of 0.25. The highest grade can also be achieved without completion of the learning tasks (‘Lernelemente’).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Geophysical Field Work and Processing: Preparation
  • Fri 13:15-18:00 (NO F 11)
  • Fri 13:15-18:00 (NO F 39)
  • Fri 14:15-18:00 (NO C 44)
  • 04.06 Date 14:15-18:00 (NO C 60)
35 h semesterly
practical/laboratory course Geophysical Field Work and Processing: Field Work
This course takes place in the first four weeks after the semester. First two weeks are mainly field work, second two weeks are mainly processing and report writing.
  • 07.06. - 18.06 Date 09:15-18:00 (NO E 11)
  • 21.06 Date 09:15-11:00 (ML E 12)
  • 21.06. - 02.07 Date 09:15-18:00 (NO E 11)
  • 25.06 Date 09:15-11:00 (ML E 12)
  • 30.06 Date 09:15-11:00 (ML E 12)
160 h semesterly

Offered In