The Geological and Geophysical Sciences Department is configuring and adapting newly developed portable digital seismometers (PASSCAL) for use in a variety of undergraduate laboratory experiences ranging from introductory laboratory to upperclass laboratory to Junior and Senior Independent Work (thesis). Five portable three-channel systems are being used to deploy small (<500m) arrays of geophones in one or two dimensions, and with at least one three-component seismometer for study of shear waves. Students are using the equipment in: 1)a local array for study of small earthquakes (active region); 2) a local linear array for refraction or reflection studies; 3) a engineering seismology demonstration of tomography; 4) a engineering seismology demonstration of building resonances; and 5) seismic station operations for earthquake monitoring. Each deployment mode is suitable for introductory labs, upperclass labs, or upperclass research, depending on the extent to which the students are given independent responsibility for conduct of the work.
