University of Texas El Paso Field Methods Class Conducts Geophysical Survey at RFS April 11-13, 2025

On April 11, 2025, 26 undergraduate students, 2 professors and a graduate student from University of Texas El Paso Geology Department descended on RFS to conduct a multi-mode geophysical survey of a valley fill deposit over two days for a geophysical field methods class. Students filled the dorms and some set up tents at the Field Station, and all made good use of the decks for bounteous meals served up by a multi-talented graduate student and for hanging out before and after field work.

Cases of geophysical equipment were transported via the RFS Viking UTV to a compact meadow, while the students made the short hike to the survey site. Under the guidance of Dr. Marianne Karplus  and Dr. Jay Chapman, the students deployed seismic, ground penetrating radar, magnetometer, gravimeter, electrical conductivity and resistivity survey lines.

 

After a few days of science and a little time in the wild, the whole group posed for a photo before heading back to El Paso.

Back at UTEP, the class processed and analyzed the data they had collected. Their results will be posted to the research page under the category Student Projects soon!