Use of geophysical techniques for groundwater investigations for problem-based learning (PBL) in the geophysics course
Overview
Geophysics problem-based learning for geology students
Geophysics course
Introduction
Water scarcity is a serious problem in many countries around the globe and this is compounded by the fact that some of these countries are in arid or semi-arid areas. Geophysics can play an important role in helping solve this water scarcity problem through groundwater exploration. There are a number of geophysical techniques that are suited for groundwater investigations. In this project, students will have to identify suitable techniques, design and conduct field surveys, process and model the collected data, and interpret and present results.
Requirements
Level of study
Introduction to geophysics course for geology students
Skills and concept
Geology students with previous field geology experience.
Activity suitability
This is a project-centered course focussing on solving a real-world problem. It can start at the beginning of the semester.
Goals
Students should identify suitable geophysical techniques (evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different geophysical methods and survey layouts). Students should collect, and integrate different geophysical datasets, model anomalies and interpret the results.
Other goals of the activity
Written and oral communication skills, modelling, and computational skills, ability to operate field equipment, teamwork skills, and independent learning
Activity description
Students are divided into different groups and follow the steps below:
- Students identify the different geophysical techniques suitable for the task. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
- Students design different survey layouts of these techniques, the type of equipment to be used, and the expected results of the anomalies through discussions.
- Students conduct field surveys and collect data.
- Students process the data using computer software, to model and interpret the collected data.
- Students will present results both orally and in written form as written project reports.
- Students will be assisted with inadequate quantitative skills when faced with serious challenges
- Students will synthesize the results by correlating their interpretations with prior known available information in the study area.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different geophysical techniques
- Acquire skills in conducting geophysical surveys.
- Be able to assess the given geological environments and determine the appropriateness of the geophysical method to be applied in the investigation of groundwater in that area.
Notional hours
This is can be an eight to nine weeks research project.
Fig 1: This sequence of images summarizes the framework visually (CC by/GeoSci Developers).
Reading list
- Fetter, C. W. (2018). Applied hydrogeology. Waveland Press.
- Yin, H., Shi, Y., Niu, H., Xie, D., Wei, J., Lefticariu, L., & Xu, S. (2018). A GIS-based model of potential groundwater yield zonation for a sandstone aquifer in the Juye Coalfield, Shangdong, China. Journal of Hydrology, 557, 434-447.
- Tessema, A., Mengistu, H., Chirenje, E., Abiye, T. A., & Demlie, M. B. (2012). The relationship between lineaments and borehole yield in North West Province, South Africa: results from geophysical studies. Hydrogeology Journal, 20(2), 351-368.
- Singh, P., Thakur, J. K., & Kumar, S. (2013). Delineating groundwater potential zones in a hard-rock terrain using geospatial tool. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58(1), 213-223.
- Corgne, S., Magagi, R., Yergeau, M., & Sylla, D. (2010). An integrated approach to hydro-geological lineament mapping of a semi-arid region of West Africa using Radarsat-1 and GIS. Remote Sensing of Environment, 114(9), 1863-1875.
- Fashae, O. A., Tijani, M. N., Talabi, A. O., & Adedeji, O. I. (2014). Delineation of groundwater potential zones in the crystalline basement terrain of SW-Nigeria: an integrated GIS and remote sensing approach. Applied Water Science, 4(1), 19-38.