PHYS2403

Geophysics Lab

All Systems Online
Interactive Simulation Laboratory

Explore the Physics of the Earth

Ten interactive experiments covering gravity, seismology, magnetism, heat flow, geodynamics, and integrated geophysical methods. Physically accurate simulations with real-time parameter control.

10
Experiments
Real-time
Computation
Comprehensive
Lab Manual
100%
Web-based

Experiments

01

Gravity Anomaly

Buried Sphere Detection

Explore how a buried sphere of anomalous density distorts the surface gravity field. Adjust depth, radius, and density contrast to model ore bodies, salt domes, and hidden voids.

GravityForward Model
Launch Simulation
02

Gravity Corrections

Latitude · Free-Air · Bouguer

Apply standard gravity corrections step-by-step: latitude, free-air, and Bouguer reductions along a simulated traverse to reveal subsurface density anomalies.

GravityData Reduction
Launch Simulation
03

Seismic Waves

P · S · Rayleigh · Love

Visualize seismic wave propagation with animated particle motion for P-waves, S-waves, Rayleigh, and Love waves. View synthetic seismograms in real time.

SeismologyWave Physics
Launch Simulation
04

Seismic Refraction

Layer Velocity Analysis

Simulate seismic refraction surveys with ray-tracing through layered media. Build travel-time curves and compute layer depths using the intercept-time method.

SeismologyRay Theory
Launch Simulation
05

Earth's Magnetic Field

GAD Model & IGRF

Explore the Geocentric Axial Dipole model and IGRF reference field. Visualize field lines, compute inclination, declination, and intensity at any location on the globe.

MagneticsGlobal Field
Launch Simulation
06

Paleomagnetism

Seafloor Spreading & APWP

Animate magnetic reversal stripes from seafloor spreading. Explore the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale (GPTS) and track Apparent Polar Wander Paths.

MagneticsPlate Tectonics
Launch Simulation
07

Heat Flow

Geotherms & Borehole Data

Model steady-state and transient geotherms with radiogenic heat production. Simulate borehole temperature measurements with noise and compare tectonic settings.

ThermalGeotherm
Launch Simulation
08

Mantle Convection

Finite-Difference PDE Solver

Run a 2D thermal convection simulation using finite differences. Visualize temperature fields, velocity streamlines, and explore Rayleigh number effects on mantle dynamics.

GeodynamicsPDE Solver
Launch Simulation
09

Isostasy

Airy · Pratt · Flexural

Compare Airy, Pratt, and flexural isostatic models. Simulate glacial loading and post-glacial rebound with time-dependent viscous response of the mantle.

GeodynamicsLithosphere
Launch Simulation
10

Malawi Rift Profile

Integrated Geophysical Model

Build an integrated crustal model of the Malawi Rift combining gravity, magnetics, seismic, and topographic data. Explore East African Rift tectonics.

IntegrationCase Study
Launch Simulation