Exploration geophysics has been an integral component of the Department of Earth Sciences for several decades. Continued recognition of the importance of the discipline relates to the significance of mineral and energy activities in Queensland.

The Exploration Geophysics Laboratory (Room 122, Steele Building; ext 51540) provides the physical hub of the exploration geophysics program, housing honours and postgraduate students, and in-house computing facilities. Advanced level courses are given in this laboratory, whilst lower level classes are given in larger departmental and central venues.


Staff
In order to provide high-quality education in a number of geophysical fields the program is handled by two academics:

Dr. Peter Furness specialises in non-seismic geophysical methods, as well as being proficient in groundwater and environmental geology and geophysics.

Dr. Steve Hearn is a specialist in seismic exploration and processing methods.


Equipment
The laboratory has basic field equipment for magnetics, gravity, resistivity, radiometrics, seismic refraction and reflection. Other field equipment (for marine reflection, electromagnetics, and borehole logging) is periodically borrowed from outside organisations.

The Exploration Geophysics Laboratory maintains a data processing facility which has provided the basis for a number of research projects, particularly in seismic processing. The processing system is based on the public domain Seismic Unix package running on PC-UNIX systems.


Exploration Geophysics Program
A wide range of geophysical sub-branches are covered in the Exploration Geophysics Program. Links with professional organisations, other universities, and industry are utilised for both teaching and research. Organisations who have provided logistical support and input include:

ASEG | Dept of Natural Resources | Veritas DGC | CSIRO | Origin Energy | BHP | Geoscience Australia | XStrata | Velseis | Velseis Processing | Santos | Geoimage | APPEA


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