Lab exercises consist of an experiment that we will conduct, analysis of the data we collect, and analysis of similar real data from some part of the Earth.
Lab data ftp site
To down load data files, right-click the file and select Save Link As.
Lab due dates.
Lab 1. Measurements and statistics (Field 9/7)
We will make various measurements in the field and look at their statistical properties.
Lab 2. Linear regression as an inverse problem (Field 9/14)
We will measure the Earth's gravitational acceleration at various elevations and fit the data with a straight line.
LaCoste & Romberg homepage
Information about the gravity meter and operating instructions .
Lab 3. Seismic field work and network adjustments (Field 9/21 and 9/28)
We will use a hammer seismic system to collect data for the next 3 labs and we will learn how to estimate the positions of the seismometers by trilateration.
Lab 4. Seismic refraction interpretation (10/5)
We will interpret the data from Lab 3 to estimate the subsurface seismic wavespeeds and detect any layers in the ground.
Lab 5. Earthquake location (10/12)
We will simulate an earthquake with our hammer seismic system and learn how to locate the source.
Lab 6. Seismic tomography (10/19)
We will use the data from Lab 3 to detect any lateral variations in seismic wavespeed beneath the ground.
Table of site and shot locations
Map of site and shot locations in pdf file
Lab 7. Rotations, translations, and strain (10/26)
We will deform a piece of foam rubber, measure the displacements of parts of it, and estimate the rotations,
translations, and strain from the displacement field. We also consider real GPS data from Oregon.
Image files and Oregon data (oregon_gps.xls) are in the FTP site.
Lab ?. GPS and plate motions (Field 11/2)
We will use GPS equipment to measure the positions of a few points and estimate the motion of tectonic plates.
Links to Adirondack GPS reports by Steve Roecker and John Beavan.
( General description and
USGS final report ).
Lab 8. Instantaneous and Finite Poles of Rotation (11/9)
We will set up a convection system in the lab and measure the motions of 'tectonic plates' driven by the convecting fluid. We will estimate the poles of rotation for the plates. For example, look at the
movie of plate motions from a previous lab.
Lab 9. Gravity and Magnetics Field Work and Interpretation (Field 11/15)
We will make measurements of the gravity and magnetic fields and interpret them for subsurface structures
.
Lab 10. Isostatic Rebound, Temperature, and Viscosity (11/30)
We will measure the rates of 'rebound' of a viscous fluid and estimate the effect of temperature on viscosity.
