No Required Texts
Optional readings will be assigned during class
Course Evaluation Based On:

Active participation in class and on field trips (50%)
Class project; abstract, short paper and presentation (50%)

This seminar is designed to improve skills in the collection and interpretation of geophysical data. Side scan sonar and other techniques will be used in central coastal Baja California to identify and characterize shallow water marine benthic habitats. A project in the collection and interpretation of geophysical data is required. Both geology and biology students will benefit. All students must be prepared to spend two weeks in Baja California during Spring Break. Participation will be limited due to the logistics of working in a remote area.
Sample Schedule of Classes:

Week 1 Introduction. Course organization. Review of Plate Tectonics and field methodologies. Discussion of projects.

Week 2 No formal class. Reading assignments and literature search for projects.

Week 3 Lecture on geophysical methods for mapping marine benthic habitats. Discussion of potential field projects.

Week 4 No formal class. Development of field projects, literature review.

Week 5 Discussion on sedimentology and volcanic rocks of Baja (Vallier).

Week 6 Continuation of discussion on geophysical techniques with emphasis on side-scan sonar methods, navigation and record keeping.

Week 7 Discussion of projects. Planning for pilot project using side-scan sonar system.

Week 8 Class cruise using side-scan sonar and seismic reflection profiling systems.

Week 9 Preparation and testing of equipment for field work.

Week 10 In Baja, working on projects.

Week 11 Clean up from trip, start writing project reports.

Week 12 No formal class. Work on report writing.

Week 13 No formal class. Continue report writing.

Week 14 Meet to review progress on projects.

Week 15 Project reports due.

Week 16 Student presentations.

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