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GEOS Field Project - Mapping the Subsurface using a GPR

November 14, 2014

GEOS 380 Environmental Geophysics class mapping the subsurface features at the DePauw intramural field

The GEOS 380 Environmental Geophysics class braved single digit wind chills to map the subsurface features present at the north end of the DePauw intramural field (thanks to the generosity of Pine Environmental in Indianapolis, who loaned the Department of Geosciences a state-of-the-art Mala Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) unit).  Specifically, students obtained first-hand experience with locating buried metal objects by systematically moving the GPR across the map area while the GPR simultaneously transmitted and received electromagnetic radar waves.  The on-board visualization system allowed for real-time interpretation of the data (see hyperbola for a buried cast-iron pipe below) to determined the size, shape, and depth of the buried objects.  This practical, applied experience with various geophysical techniques is invaluable for our students as they graduate from DePauw to continue their careers in the environmental industry or in graduate school.   

    GEOS 380 Environmental Geophysics mapping results