111-11 Near Surface Geophysics Education: Resources and Instrument Loans to Support Undergraduate Student Learning

Session: Using Near Surface Geophysics to Investigate Geological Problems (Posters)

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Near-surface geophysics methods offer a broad range of societally-relevant applications from hazard assessments and groundwater identification to pollution mitigation and geological engineering. These can effectively engage student learning and promote geo-workforce development. 

EarthScope Consortium and the US National Science Foundation’s geophysical facilities provide instrument loans for ground penetrating radar (GPR), global positioning system (GPS), seismic refraction, and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for the cost of shipping (waivers available for low-resource US institutions). Request instruments at www.earthscope.org/education/education-resources/field-education/. 

Other types of resources and support include: –GEophysics Tools for Societal Issues (GETSI) field teaching modules (serc.carleton.edu/getsi/index.html#field) –Instrument and software guides –Animations and instrument set-up videos –Virtual and in-person faculty workshops

Evidence from EarthScope and GETSI show the resources and support are well received and serve community needs. Over the last 4.5 years (2021-mid2025) the six near-surface teaching modules have received an average of 11,000 visitors per year. Over the same period, EarthScope has provided an average of 40 instrument loans per year. Workshop participants typically rate their satisfaction with the workshop 9.6 out of 10.

We seek further community input on what further near-surface geophysics education and workforce support would be valued.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

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