"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the
University Calendar" (CGF 29 SEP 2003)

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GEOPHYSICS 620–

Rock Physics and Mechanics

Fall 2011

Class Schedule

Currently Scheduled for 10:00 AM MWF - But let me know if this does not work and we can find a different time to accomodate the class.

Instructor:Dr. Douglas R. Schmitt

Canada Research Chair in Rock Physics

On the one (view) there is nothing to be gained by looking into the structure of substances … On the other view, the nature of things as we know them will depend on the properties of these atoms of which they are composed …. The latter view turns out to be far nearer the truth than the former; and for that all may be grateful who love to enquire into the ways of Nature (Sir William Bragg as quoted in Rosenthal and Asimow, Introduction to the Properties of Materials, 1971).

* Course objective: Course overview: Real earth materials are perhaps the most complex nonliving materials and this makes them very interesting. As well, geophysical methods are continually improving and the focus of much of applied geophysics is shifting from geologic interpretation for structure to a more in depth understanding of buried compositions and processes. For example, there is little point in carrying out repeated seismic measurements to look for changes in fluid contents in reservoirs unless one also hopes to make some detailed predictions about what may actually be occurring in the subsurface. This course strives to give the students an appreciation of the differing physical properties of earth materials - it is these properties that the practicing geophysicist senses by surface and borehole geophysical methods. The differing properties will be described and methods of determining these properties and interpreting the results will be presented, especially from the point of view of the interpretation of geophysical well logs, surface observations, and laboratory measurements.

Marking 

• 50% on Final Research Paper and Presentation
• Final symposium – (anticipate Friday, December 14).  Limit of 20 minutes.
• Term paper – to be in a professional format as if being submitted for peer review.
• 30% on Midterm Review Style Paper and Presentation - Commencing October 31.
• 10 to 20 pages, professional style format.
• Presentations on Monday, October 31.  Limit of 20 minutes.
• 20% on illustrative assignments
• Assignments to be given out for illustrating certain aspects of rock physics.  This may include working through assigned (and self marked) problems as well as presentation of scientific papers for group discussion.

”The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards  of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be  familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to  uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University." (GFC 29 SEP 2003)

Course Outline – things we will cover quickly in lectures

Introduction and Background Fundamentals

Structure of Matter and Basic Forces

Elements & Periodic Table

Chemical Bonds

Fundamental Physical Properties - Overview

Mechanical

Electrical

Magnetic

Dielectric

Density

Thermal

Permeability

Piezoelectric

Forms of Matter

Gases

Liquids

PVT relationships

Weird stuff (e.g. gas hydrates)

Solids

Metals

Ceramics

Polymers

Rock Forming Minerals – review of silicates, carbonates.

Porous Materials – first view

Definitions of porosity and surface area

Packing

Types of pores

Wetting/Capillarity

Porosimetry

Permeability and viscosity

Permeametry

Rocks - Review with a focus on structure

Igneous

Metamorphic

Sedimentary

Shales/Clays

Sandstones

Carbonates

Evaporites

Soils

Density/Composition/Porosity

Background - Nuclear Physics

Gamma Rays

Sources

Logging

Density Logging

Compton Scattering

Gamma-Gamma Logging

Borehole Gravity

Porosity Logging

Neutron Physics

Porosity Logs

Pulsed Neutron Logging

Proxy logs from velocity

Mechanical Properties

Basic elasticity and Hooke’s Law

Elastic Waves

Sonic Logging

Seismic reflectivity and AVO response

Anisotropy

Crustal Stress and Fracture

Hooke’s Law again.

Elastic waves again

Phenomena of seismic anisotropy

Viscoelasticity

Attenuation and Dispersion

Measurement of attenuation and Dispersion

Mixture theories

Voigt-Reuss and related types of averages

Porous Media

Cracks

Pores

Fluid Filled Media

Other concepts

Strength/Fracture/Plasticity

Stress Measurement

Effective stress concepts

Time Lapse Seismology

Electrical Properties

Basic electrical conductivity

Conductivity in earth materials

Archie’s Laws

Electrical Logging Methods

SP

Galvanic Resistivity

Induction Logging

Magnetic Properties

Basic magnetism

Magnetic properties of rocks/minerals

Magnetic Logging

1.Susceptibility

Field Strength

Dielectric Properties

Basic Dielectric Properties

Dielectric Properties of Earth Materials/ Frequency Dependence

Ground Penetrating Radar and Reflectivity

Dielectric Logging

Thermal Properties

Basic Thermal Properties

Thermal Properties of Earth Materials

Geothermal Gradient

Temperature Logging

Other Issues in Rock Properties

Magnetic Resonance Methods

Borehole Imaging

Student Interests

* Grading system information

    Grading in Undergraduate Courses:

      Descriptor                 Letter Grade        Grade Point Value
    ------------------------------------------------------------
      Excellent                    A+                      4.0
                                       A                        4.0
                                       A-                       3.7
    ------------------------------------------------------------
      Good                        B+                      3.3
                                      B                         3.0
                                      B-                       2.7
    ------------------------------------------------------------
      Satisfactory               C+                      2.3
                                       C                        2.0
                                      C-                       1.7
    ------------------------------------------------------------
      Poor                          D+                      1.3
      Minimal Pass             D                        1.0
    ------------------------------------------------------------
      Failure                       F                         0.0