Course code: GEO-3138

Integrated Geological and Geophysical Interpretation

Apply between November 1 and January 6
Campus Tromsø
Semester / Year Spring 2027
Level Høyere grads nivå
Credits 10

About the course

This course is available as a single course.

This course provides the students with the necessary background and technical skills to conduct integrated geophysical and geological data interpretation.

The students learn to work with multiple resolution acoustic data (2D and 3D seismic data, sub-bottom profiling, bathymetry) and other geophysical data (e.g., gravity, electromagnetics) to understand dynamic processes in the shallow subsurface. They integrate information from sediment cores, boreholes and any other a priori geological information, to their geophysical interpretation, to propose conceptual models of geological and geophysical processes.

The learning outcome is achieved through work on real life case studies. These case studies can be related to the migration of fluids in glaciated continental margin settings, heat flow, glacial dynamics, submarine hazards, among others. The course has a strong focus on marine environments. However, the interpretation techniques and concepts learnt during the course can be transferred to onshore systems. Particular attention is paid to extracting the maximum amount of geological information from the data, recognizing noise-related artifacts in interpretation products and how to deal with the ambiguity when interpreting geophysical datasets.

The course provides an in-depth overview of quantitative and qualitative interpretation techniques for evaluating structural and sedimentological (stratigraphical) processes with applications within resource exploration, geohazards, seismology, energy transitions, and climate research.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other program for basis of admission. Basic knowledge of sedimentology, structural geology and geophysics is assumed. GEO-3137 Seismology is recommended prerequisites.

Application code: 9371.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student:

  • gains practical and theoretical knowledge of 2D/3D seismic interpretation techniques and other geophysical methods.
  • Is familiar with the principles of domain conversion (travel time/depth) and gains the ability to integrate seismic and sediment core/borehole data for chronological and petrophysical constraints.
  • Gain an in depth understanding of fluid migration on glaciated continental margins and how the hydrosphere and the cryosphere interact and affect the subsurface.
  • has an overview of quantitative seismic techniques such as AVO, inversion, rock physics or 4D (time-lapse) seismic analysis.

Skills

The student can

  • Work with specialized geophysical interpretation software.
  • Prepare/condition geophysical data and integrate various data sets in specific geological interpretation contexts
  • Perform a stratigraphic and structural interpretation using various geophysical data sets (e.g., seismic, bathymetry, well logs) and employ interpretation techniques such as sequence stratigraphy, seismic facies analysis, seismic interpretation of different structural styles or seismic geomorphology.
  • Use 3D seismic and/or other geophysical data to develop, describe and present structural and sedimentological models.
  • Understand the capabilities and limitations of the various geophysical data sets.
  • The capability to work on a case study and to answer to questions of societal relevance by conducting integrated data interpretation.

General competences

The student

  • Can be thoughtful, engaged, informed and articulate in professional and personal arenas regarding geological and geophysical data interpretation from continental margins.
  • Can propose conceptual models of geological and physical processes.
  • Has awareness of complex interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere and the atmosphere.
  • Has knowledge of current research and new methods in integrated geological and geophysical data interpretation.
  • Has the ability to carry out the most important elements of geological/geophysical research projects: compiling relevant literature, interpreting and analyzing data, and communicating results and interpretation ideas effectively in written and oral form to fellow students/scientists.

Prerequisites

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

GEO-2006 Introduction to applied geophysics, GEO-3115 Hydrocarbon Systems - From Source to Seal, GEO-3137 Seismology

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

  • GEO-8138 Integrated Geological and Geophysical Interpretation 10 ects
  • GEO-3123 Marine Geophysics 5 ects
  • GEO-3127 3-D Seismic Interpretation 5 ects
  • GEO-8127 Threedimensional seismic interpretation 5 ects
  • GEO-8123 Marine Geophysics 5 ects

Teaching methods

20 hours of lectures and 50 hours of exercises/computer lab.

Language of instruction and examination

English.

Schedule

The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.

It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is open for inbound exchange student who meets the admission requirements, including prerequisites. Please see the Admission requirements" and the "Prerequisite" sections for more information.

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: INBOUND STUDENT MOBILITY: COURSE COORDINATORS AT THE FACULTIES | UiT

Examination

Exams
Oral exam Duration: 40 Minutes Weighting: 4/10 Grade:
A–E, fail F
Assignment Weighting: 6/10 Grade:
A–E, fail F
Coursework requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements

Exercises Grade:
Approved – not approved

Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

6 short exercises to show progress on their case studies

More info about the portfolio

Scientific report (assignment) on the case study

More info about the assignment

Scientific report on the case study (60 %)

More info about the oral exam

30-40 minutes oral exam (40 %): 10-15 minutes presentation and the rest will be time for questions.

Re-sit examination

A re-sit exam will not be held.

Previous years and semesters

Kontakt oss

Responsible unit: Institutt for geovitenskap