Fall 2025 - EASC 207 D100
Introduction to Applied Geophysics (3)
Class Number: 2590
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Glyn Williams-Jones
glynwj@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3306
-
Prerequisites:
MATH 152, and one of: (PHYS 102 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 121 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 126 and PHYS 133) or (PHYS 141). All with a grade of C- or better.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to geophysics emphasizing seismic, magnetic and gravimetric observations of the Earth. Applied geophysics. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Use of physical measurements in determining the subsurface properties of the Earth. Principles underlying analysis of geophysical data. Basic rock physics. Gravity surveying: basic theory, instrumentation, data reduction, and anomaly interpretation. Magnetic surveying: rock magnetism, Earth’s magnetic field, instrumentation, data reduction, anomaly interpretation. Electrical surveying: (i) resistivity of rocks, electrode arrays and current flow in the ground, resistivity sounding and profiling; (ii) induced polarisation, IP measurement and applications; (iii) self potential methods. Seismic surveying: stress and strain, seismic waves, reflection and refraction of seismic waves, critical refraction, rays and waves. Seismic refraction surveying: seismic sources and detectors, geometry of refracted raypaths for horizontal, dipping and undulating layers, data interpretation.
Course Topics:
- Introduction to geophysical data: rock physical properties, sampling, time vs. frequency
- Gravity& Magnetic surveying
- Electrical methods: resistivity, induced polarisation and self potential
- Seismic refraction methods
Course Organization:
One 2-hour lecture and 3-hour lab per week.
Grading
- Lab/ Field trip assignments 40%
- Mid-term Exam 30%
- Final Exam 30%
NOTES:
Prerequisite - MATH 152, and one of: (PHYS 102 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 121 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 126 and PHYS 133) or (PHYS 141)
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
- An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, by J.M. Reynolds, 2nd Edition, 2011, Wiley
- Applied Geophysics by W.M. Telford, L.P. Geldard, R.E. Sheriff, 2nd Edition, 1990, Cambridge University Press
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.