NanTroSEIZE in 3-D
Summary
We have developed a web-based virtual expedition, NanTroSEIZE in 3-D, based on a seismic survey associated with the NanTroSEIZE program of NSF-MARGINS and IODP to study the properties of the plate boundary fault system in the upper limit of the seismogenic zone off Japan. The virtual voyage can be used in undergraduate classes at anytime, since it is not directly tied to the finite duration of a specific seagoing project. The website combines text, graphics, audio and video to place learning in an experiential framework as students participate on the expedition and carry out research. Students learn about the scientific background of the program, especially the critical role of international collaboration, and meet the chief scientists before joining the sea-going expedition. Students are presented with the principles of 3-D seismic imaging, data processing and interpretation while mapping and identifying the active faults that were the likely sources of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan in 1944 and 1948. They also learn about IODP drilling that began in 2007 and will extend through much of the next decade.
Context
Audience
Used in Marine Geology, Tectonics, and Applied Geophysics, all upper division course for majors. A revised version for general education courses is currently in development.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Introduction to geology course.
How the activity is situated in the course
Stand alone exercise
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Marine seismic data acquisition and interpretation, leading to ocean drilling.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
International scope of large-scale geoscience programs, linkage between geology, geophysics, tectonics, and geohazards; combining information of a variety of scales
Other skills goals for this activity
Students write a scientific abstract describing the scientific objectives, methods, analysis and conclusions of their research.
Description of the activity/assignment
Students learn about the scientific background of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, especially the critical role of international collaboration, and meet the chief scientists before joining the sea-going expedition. Students are presented with the principles of 3-D seismic imaging, data processing and interpretation while mapping and identifying the active faults that were the likely sources of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan in 1944 and 1948. They also learn about IODP drilling that began in 2007 and will extend through much of the next decade.
Teaching Tips
Adaptations that allow this activity to be successful in an online environment
It has always been in an online environment. It is self-contained with formative and summative assessment of student learning.
Elements of this activity that are most effective
Seismic interpretation and abstract - assessed by comparisons to other portions of completed assignment and other assignments in class.
Recommendations for other faculty adapting this activity to their own course:
Students need broadband access as it involves video, audio, and animations.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Quality of their published "AGU format" abstract and interpretations to support their conclusions.
Teaching materials and tips
Activity Description: Student Worksheet for NanTroSEIZE in 3-D (Acrobat (PDF) 1MB Jun22 10)
- Instructors Notes:
- Solution Set:
Other Materials
Supporting references/URLs
The complete activity, along with the supporting website, data and videos can be accessed at:
http://oceansjsu.com/105d/exped_3D/1.html