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Case Studies in Exploration and Environmental Geophysics
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:52
Abstract
This course focuses on benefits and limitations of geophysical methods applied to problems of high societal relevance. It is demonstrated, how seismics, ground-penetrating-radar and other electromagnetic methods can be employed in geothermics, the cryosphere, hydrocarbon exploration, natural hazard assessments and radioactive waste disposal problems.
Objective
This course is set up for both, geophysicists and non-geophysicists. The former will become familiar with applications of geophysical methods, for which they have learned the underlying theory in other courses. Non-geophysicists (i.e., potential users of geophysical technics, such as geologists and geotechnical engineers) will learn, which geophysical method or which combination of geophysical methods can be used to solve a particular in their realm. The main learning goal for both groups is to understand the benefits and limitations of geophysical techniques for important applications, such as exploration problems, waste disposal, or natural hazards.
Content
During the first part of the course, various themes will be introduced, in which geophysical methods play a key role. Module 1 (20.2.): Marine Seismics (J. Robertsson) Module 2 (27.2.): Natural Hazards (H.R. Maurer) Module 3 (6.3.): Cryosphere Applications (H.R. Maurer) Module 4 (13.3./20.3.): Geothermal Energy (M. Saar) Module 5 (27.3./3.4.): Radioactive Waste Disposal (T. Spillmann) Module 6 (10.4.): Hydrocarbon Exploration (Fons ten Kroode) During the second part of the course, we will focus on Deep Underground Laboratories. They offer exciting opportunities for research associated with many themes covered in Modules 1 to 6. The lab visits are scheduled as follows 17.4.: Mont Terri Laboratory 8.5: Bedretto Laboratory 15.5.: Grimsel Test Site The laboratory visits will occupy the full afternoons of the respective days. For earning the credit points, at least two out of the three laboratory visits are mandatory, but the students are encouraged, to join all visits. Active participation of the students will be required. Prior to the laboratory visits, the students must familiarize themselves with one experiment (in total, not per laboratory), and they will introduce this experiment during the visit to their fellow students. Finally, a short report on the experiment assigned will have to be written. Presentation and report will contribute 50% to the final grade. The remaining 50% of the final grade will be earned with an oral exam to be held on May 22. More details will be provided during the course.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Course material will be provided in the teaching repository associated with this course.
Literature
Provided during the course
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Case Studies in Exploration and Environmental Geophysics |
|
35 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Vertiefung Geologie und Geophysik (Für Beratungen in der Vertiefung Geologie und Geophysik stehen Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Geologie) und Dr. Andrea Zunino (Geophysik) zur Verfügung.)
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Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht zusätzlich das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich und der Universität Zürich zur Auswahl offen. Für Studierende, die sich für den Fokus "Space Systems" interessieren, werden folgende Wahlfächer dringend empfohlen: - 701-0106-00L Mathematik V: Angewandte Vertiefung von Mathematik I - III)
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