INTEGRATING GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION INTO STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY COURSES

Geophysical data are vital for structural geologists to characterize the geometry and physical properties of subsurface rocks and structures, and are fundamental to understanding active tectonics. A working group formed during the NAGT/NSF workshop “Teaching Structural Geology in the 21st Century” to develop activities and resources for integrating geophysics and the EarthScope data stream into the structural geology curriculum. Two objectives of this effort are (1) to broaden the exposure of our students to problems within the geosciences, building a foundation for integrative science for the next generation of geoscience leaders, and (2) to convey basic concepts of structural geology using powerful tools afforded by geophysical methods.

We are building a collection of activities and exercises that are currently used in courses, identifying gaps in the collection, and creating new activities and exercises to fill those gaps. Resources that can enhance structural geology courses include lab and lecture activities, demonstrations including QuickTime video clips and QTVR animations, and exercises that involve the collection or interpretation of primary geophysical data that can be utilized by non-geophysicists. A preliminary list of geophysical topics that are most relevant to structural geology is posted at serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/groups/GeophysAndEarthscope.html. Rather than just compiling lists of web links, we encourage submission of resources and well-constructed exercises that can augment the canon of topics covered in structural geology courses. Our intent is that the next generation of structural geologists will be as comfortable working with a broad range of geophysical data as they are working with maps and compasses. We also plan to develop innovative approaches for integrating Earthscope into undergraduate structure coursework, including hands-on collaborative research opportunities, field experiences, and authentic exercises and projects that utilize the Earthscope data stream. Please share your best exercises by contributing to this growing resource collection at serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/structure04/resources.html. The resources will be fully searchable through the Digital Library of Earth System Education (www.dlese.org).