Module manager: Adam Booth
Email: A.D.Booth@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module covers the application of geophysical exploration techniques within the so-called ‘near surface’ - typically, the uppermost 100 m of the ground surface. Targets within this depth range represent particular challenges for geophysical imaging: near-surface materials may transmit energy poorly, and the target of the survey may be small or hazardous to survey crews. Nonetheless, this environment is of critical importance for many geo-engineering applications, hence the techniques covered in this module are standard within industrial contractors working in the sector.
The module aims to provide experience with a range of geophysical survey methods, applied in the near-surface environment. The specific methods include seismic refraction interpretation, surface wave (MASW) analysis, geoelectrics and electromagnetic surveying (encompassing both inductive and radar-type approaches). The module is designed to be highly applied, drawing on a range of real-data examples that showcase the implementation of the theory described in lectures; it then culminates with a residential fieldtrip that allows students to put classroom learning into practice. The module requires students to adopt a critical approach to data interpretation, appreciating the ambiguities and limitations that are inherent to their datasets. While many geophysical technologies have equivalent ‘near surface’ applications, the theory is covered in other modules, and this module focuses on technologies that are most widely applied to environmental and engineering applications.
The learning activities and assessments are designed to help students understand the theoretical basis for near-surface geophysical methods, and the particular challenges of this heterogeneous survey environment. In providing authentic examples of practice, the goal is to train students with the skills they’d need to thrive as a graduate within a near-surface geophysics consultancy, and more generally to adopt a critical and evidence-based approach in any geophysical research challenge.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Appraise the suitability of different approaches for interpreting the seismic properties of the near-surface environment.
LO2. Appraise the suitability of geoelectrical and electromagnetic approaches for surveying the near-surface environment.
LO3. Critique near-surface field data and the design, acquisition and analysis strategies that are implemented.
LO4. Author a geophysical field interpretation, drawing on multiple data types and reporting to a credible industrial standard.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Managing uncertainty, ambiguity and risk. Students will need to build an interpretation based on a range of data sets which are less than perfect and using techniques which have inherent ambiguity.
SKLO2: Communication through written reports. Students must report their work including a mix of text and figures. Outputs must be clear, informative and well-justified.
SKLO3: Critique their own work and that of others. Students must show awareness of the strengths and limitations of their own work and of previous data, work and results – proposing improvements where appropriate.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Practical | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Private study hours | 96 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 54 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided on the seismic problem set, allowing students both to practice the technical aspects of seismic refraction and surface wave analysis, and an element of technical writing.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 40 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
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