The place of geophysics in the university - an academics view

1971 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
S.H. Hall

If one seeks in any dictionary the meaning of geophysics, it is difficult, to my mind, to find an entirely satisfying one. One I found was the 'study of physical processes relating to the Earth'. A better one I feel would read 'the study of physical processes, state and properties relating to the Earth' ---. Most geophysicists not long ago insisted that this definition included the aesthenosphere, 1ithosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere etc. -- if one judges by the contents of some geophysical journals, and thereby considered physical oceanography, meteorology, ionospheric physics, etc. as aspects of the all-embracing title-geophysics. In speaking on this topic as it relates to a department of geology, I should add that they have not had the temerity to include geology as a further aspect.

Author(s):  
Paul A. Bramadat

Is it possible for conservative Protestant groups to survive in secular institutional settings? Here, Bramadat offers an ethnographic study of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) at McMaster University, a group that espouses fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible, women's roles, the age of the earth, alcohol consumption, and sexual ethics. In examining this group, Bramadat demonstrates how this tiny minority thrives within the overwhelmingly secular context of the University.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 466-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. D. Kuzmenko ◽  
S. M. Bahrii ◽  
U. O. Dzioba

On the basis of the analysis of the literature sources, we determined the possible range of using the method of the Earth`s natural pulse electromagnetic field. As a result of detailed analysis of domestic and foreign research, we demonstrated the relevance of conducting research focused on development of the Earth'snatural pulse electromagneticfield (or ENPEMF). Using the results of theoretical studies, the advantages and disadvantages of the ENPEMF method were determined. A complex of physical processes which preceded the development of the pulse electromagnetic field of the Earth was characterized, and the impact of mechanical deformations of rocks on the change in the condition of the electromagnetic field was experimentally proven. The main fundamentals on the determination of depth range of the ENPEMF method were examined and a new approach to interpretation of the data was suggested. We conducted an analysis of methods developed earlier of calculating geometric parameters of the sources which generate electromagnetic impulses. Their practicability at a certain stage of solving the data of geological tasks was experimentally tested. We determined the factors which affect the depth range of the ENPEMF method. A mathematical solution of the effectiveness of the ENPEMF method was suggested and determined the relations between the depth parameter of the study and the frequency of measuring and effective value of specific electric resistance. On the example of different objects, the effectiveness and correctness of the suggested method of determining the depth range parameter was proven. In particular, the theoretical results of the study were tested and confirmed on objects of different geological-morphological and engineering-technical aspects, i.e. Novo-Holyn mine in the Kalush-Holynske potash deposit and the multi-storey educational building of the University in Ivano-Frankivsk. The practicability of using the ENPEMF method in combination with other methods of electrometry for solving practical geological tasks was experimentally proven.


Author(s):  
Julio Gil

The study area for this work includes all the southern edge of the Bay of Biscay, from the north-west Iberian Peninsula to the southern half of the French shelf. The principal aim of this article is to provide a complete overview of the physical oceanography of the area, mainly in its mesoscale aspects, of which there are few published studies, and the implications for early fish life history stages. The results showed the existence of two space and temporal scales for most of the physical processes that occur in the Bay of Biscay, a macroscale for seasonal time periods and a meso and submesoscale for the periods between seasons. The importance of local phenomena, such as upwelling or the variability of the Poleward Current, was observed. The interaction of both scales on these physical processes is discussed and the need for sampling at the submesoscale level to determine the distribution of ichthyoplankton is considered. Moreover, the mesoscale physical oceanography study is essential to improve the knowledge of interactions between strategies and environmental conditions that result in a significant mortality reduction in fish early stages.


Author(s):  
Nicolas A. Tobin ◽  
Rishabh Narang ◽  
Leonardo P. Chamorro

The turbulent flow modulation on the unsteady behavior of a model VAWT is investigated and compared with a model HAWT of similar size in a laboratory experiment. The turbines operated in low and high freestream turbulence. The research was performed at the Talbot Laboratory wind tunnel at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). High-resolution measurements of the turbine voltage for a small, 12 cm HAWT and a 16 cm VAWT are acquired at high temporal resolution, sufficient to capture the turbulent scales of flow relevant to the problem. Both turbines were built at the UIUC rapid prototyping lab and have realistic airfoil shapes. An understanding of the distinctive physical processes modulating the scale-to-scale fluctuating behavior in a VAWT and a HAWT exposed to the same turbulent flow conditions is discussed. A relation between turbulent motions and fluctuating behavior is extended from the knowledge of HAWTs to VAWTs.


1990 ◽  
Vol 105 ◽  
pp. 213-217
Author(s):  
Jeanne E. Bishop

Many educators have found that models can add a lot to the understanding of astronomical concepts. Attractive commercial models of the solar system and celestial globes are readily available. Many models can be constructed of common materials — I found in my doctoral dissertation work that models made and manipulated by students increased retention of concepts of the celestial sphere and rotation, the seasons, lunar phases, and planet motions.But there is another type of model which I have found very successful. I call it the “dynamic human model.” Actually, the concept is not new. I know that many good teachers have a favorite demonstration in which one or more students represent the Earth, sun, or moon. Also, the Elementary-School Science Project of the University of Illinois contained activities for student models to distinguish between Ptolemaic and Copernican systems. However, I do not think the idea has been extended as far as it should be. I would like to suggest ideas for dynamic human models beyond what I have seen elsewhere.


Author(s):  
Brandon Lieng

Dr. Martin Houde is a Full Professor with the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University. With experience at the California Institute of Technology’s Submillimeter Observatory in Hawaii and three degrees from the University of Montréal, Dr. Houde brings his wealth of knowledge in the fields of star formation, extraterrestrial chemistry, and astrophysical instrumentation to Western. His research focuses on how the interactions between basic physical processes like magnetism and chemical reactions lead to the formation of stars while experience from the California Institute of Technology allows Dr. Houde to continually develop and enhance astrophysical instrumentation that enables researchers to further explore what lies beyond our galaxy. He is also the Canada Research Chair in Star Formation and teaches courses in Physics and Astronomy at Western. Brandon Lieng, First Year Representative with WURJHNS, interviewed Dr. Houde to learn more about his background, work, experience, and insights on the field of research.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Saltus ◽  
Manoj Nair

<p>The Earth’s magnetic field is especially dynamic at high latitudes.  The most awesome manifestation of this is certainly the aurora borealis or northern lights – caused by the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field.  Aside from the aurora you can’t see these magnetic variations.  But your phone can.  Virtually every modern smartphone is equipped with a 3-component magnetometer to enable the compass pointing capability for navigation.  CrowdMag is a popular NOAA/CIRES citizen science app that we developed to tap into your smartphone’s magnetometer.  It lets you interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.</p><p>The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the possibilities for using CrowdMag for science outreach and engagement, particularly in Arctic regions where day-to-day magnetic variations can exceed hundreds of nano-Teslas.  We will show example projects that were carried out by summer interns as part of the University of Colorado’s “Research Experience for Community College Students” (RECCS) program.  CrowdMag can be used to carry out various simple experiments for mapping and investigating the Earth’s magnetic field.  We seek input and collaboration with others interested in Citizen Science and outreach in Arctic regions.   </p>


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