The problem-oriented geology curriculum at Bates College, emphasizing quantitative field-based inquiry, is being improved significantly by the recent acquisition of gravity surveying equipment. Student experiences with problem-oriented, quantitative investigations begin in the introductory courses and continue through the required two-semester senior thesis. The additional instrumentation expands research opportunities for students to explore questions of crustal structure (e.g. the subsurface shape of plutons or the location and kinematics of faults). Students at various levels of instruction become familiar with the basic principles of gravity, the geologic applications of gravity studies, the procedure for conducting a gravity survey, the quantitative reduction of gravity observations, and 2- and 3-dimensional modeling of gravity data.
