Southeast Asia applied geophysics workshop: Geoscientists without borders
Lee M. Liberty*, Spencer H. Wood, Emily A. Hinz, and Dylan Mikesell, Boise State University, Fongsaward
Singharajawarapan, Chiang Mai University, Jeffrey Shragge, University of Western Australia
Summary
As first-round recipients of the SEG Foundation
Geoscientists Without Borders program, we conducted a
geophysics workshop in northern Thailand to train students
and professionals in geophysical methods to address
environmental and engineering challenges. Faculty,
technicians, professionals and students from fifteen
participating institutions from seven countries acquired,
processed and interpreted geophysical data at four separate
sites in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These field sites were
selected to train participants in the use of a variety of
geophysical methods to address groundwater, archaeology,
and geohazard concerns. The workshop consisted of one
week of data acquisition followed by a week of data
analysis for seismic, ground penetrating radar, electrical,
electromagnetic, gravity, and magnetic data. Participants
learned geophysical theory while acquiring, processing, and
interpreting geophysical datasets. At the end of the
workshop, participants documented and presented their
results. Final products from the GWB-sponsored field
training including a 125-page student generated field camp
report and a 180-slide presentation. Photos and technical
information can be found and downloaded at
http://cgiss.boisestate.edu/gwb
Introduction
The SEG Geoscientists Without Borders (GWB) program
was created to help connect universities and industries with
communities in need using applied geophysics projects as a
means to benefit people and the environment around the
world. Our project was developed to educate and connect
local geophysicists and students in Southeast Asia. The
goal was to instruct participants, using modern geophysical
instrumentation and software, how to address
environmental and engineering applications in their home
country. By gathering 41 professional and student
participants from seven countries and fifteen institutes
(Table 1), we believe we have honored the GWB mission.
Our vision was to not directly address specific near-surface
geophysical issues, but to provide scenarios to train local
professionals and future geophysicists to solve hazards or
geosciences problem found within their own countries
borders. By providing the tools and skills necessary to
address groundwater, geotechnical, and archaeology
problems, we hope to have a greater impact on projects
throughout Southeast Asia for many years to come. This
model was derived from our existing geophysics field camp
(e.g., Colorado School of Mines and Boise State
University, 2009).
Figure 1: Sarawute Chantraprasert, Chiang Mai University
geosciences professor, provides a tectonic overview of the
Chiang Mai Basin, Thailand to participants.
Faculty, graduate students, and technicians provided
student instruction (Table 2) both in the classroom and field
settings (Figure 1). Introductory lectures were presented by
local experts and visiting faculty to discuss field sites and
an overview of geophysical methods applicable at each site.
An instructor was provided for each geophysical tool and
field site to guide the student participants through
acquisition, processing, and interpretation phases of the
training. All instruction was carried out in English with at
least one bilingual (Thai) participant in each group and a
3:1 student/instructor ratio. Participants from government
and private agencies provided leadership for some
geophysical applications, but also provided a broadening of
geophysical tools and a student connection to the work
force.
Boise State University
(USA)
Chiang Mai University
(Thailand)
Chulalongkorn University
(Thailand)
Colorado School of Mines
(USA)
Department of Mineral
Resources (Thailand)
Electricity
Generating
Authority (Thailand)
Gadjah Mada University
(Indonesia)
Geonics Limited (Canada)
Kasetsart
University
(Thailand)
Mahidol
University
(Thailand)
Royal
Irrigation
Department (Thailand)
Siam Tone Co., Ltd.
(Thailand)
Universiti
Teknologi
Petronas (Malaysia)
University of Science, Ho
Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
University of Western
Australia
Southeast Asia applied geophysics workshop
Table 1. Participating Institutions
Groundwater characterization at Mae Hia
Lee Liberty
Spencer Wood
Emily Hinz
Dylan Mikesell
Shaun Finn
Fongsaward
Singharajawarapan
Suwimon Udphuay
Siriporn Chaisri
Chanpen Silawongsawat
Pisanu Wongpornchai
Sarawute Chantraprasert
Rob Harris
Adichat Surinkum
Jeffrey Shragge
Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai University
Geonics Limited
Thailand Department of
Mineral Industries
University of
Western
Australia
Table 2. Instructor Name, Affiliation
Mae Hia, site of an abandoned landfill, is presently an
agriculture research center for Chiang Mai University. The
517 acre site is located approximately 5 km south of
Chiang Mai. We acquired seismic reflection, resistivity,
electromagnetic, and gravity data in profile to show
stratigraphy, geologic structures, and hydrogeologic
boundaries in a basin dominated by tilted Tertiary strata
overlying metamorphic basement rocks (Grissemann et al.,
2004; Figure 2). Near-surface conductive zones identified
on resistivity profiles represent fluvial deposits shed from
adjacent foothills with a water table in the upper few meters
below land surface. TEM and seismic reflection profiles
identify an east-dipping bedrock surface and overlying
west-dipping Tertiary strata. Our results are being used to
better constrain groundwater and structural models for the
Chiang Mai basin to address contaminant flow, while
future studies using our geophysical methodologies are
being planned for other portions of Chiang Mai and nearby
basins to characterize groundwater, stratigraphy and
geologic structures.
In addition to the generous support of the SEG GWB
program, many other institutes and individuals contributed
to the success of this workshop (Table 3), with a combined
contribution that exceeded $130,000. Contributions from
participating institutions included release time for faculty,
use of geophysical field equipment, and support from
administrative assistants, accounting, travel services, etc.
Additionally, travel funds and student support were
provided through supporting institutions (Table 3). Seismic,
gravity, magnetic, electrical, and resistivity equipment used
during this training was provided by Boise State
University, Chiang Mai University, Thailand Department
of Mineral Industries, Siam Tone and University of
Western Australia.
SEG GWB program
Boise State University
Chiang Mai University
Thailand Department of
Mineral Industries
Geonics Ltd
Colorado School of Mines
University of Western
Australia
initial award
Faculty/staff,
equipment,
undergraduate travel funds
Faculty/staff,
equipment,
facilities
Faculty/staff, equipment
Staff, equipment
Undergraduate travel funds
Faculty/staff, equipment
Table 3. Donor Institution and support
Figure 2: (clockwise from top left): Geonics ProTEM 57 acquisition
with Rob Harris; accelerated weight drop seismic source; resistivity
profile; seismic reflection profile with interpretation; temple
overlooking Mae Hia with US student participants.
Southeast Asia applied geophysics workshop
Hazards studies
The Chiang Mai – Lamphun Basin is one of several
intermontane graben and half-graben rift basins that
compose the Northern Thailand Basin and Range Province.
The basin has a maximum width of about 45 km, a length
of over 130 km, and an area of about 3,000 km2. As a
component of the field training, we collected surface wave
data (MASW) data to determine shear-wave seismic
velocities (VS30 measurements) at six sites. Additionally,
we acquired refraction and gravity data within the Mae Hia
area, analyzed the regional gravity dataset that defines the
general basin shape, and installed a broadband seismometer
to characterize local ground motion from regional
earthquakes (Figure 3). These results will be integrated into
a regional database to improve the hazard assessments for
earthquake damage from regional events. Thai participants
are continuing the use of MASW and other geophysical
methods for related hazards studies within Thailand using
the knowledge and methods from the workshop.
Figure 3: (clockwise from top left) Boise State University
student Randi Walters downloading data from a broadband
seismometer; Tawat Rung-Arunwan inspects the broken
MASW sledge hammer; MASW record, dispersion curve picks,
and shear-wave velocity profile; Siriporn Chaisri demonstrating
the use of the CMU CG-3 gravimeter; processed gravity profile
and interpretation from Mae Hia.
Archaeology studies
Wiang Kum Kam is a 13th century settlement in the Chiang
Mai region, abandoned due to repeated floods of the Ping
River. After the establishment of Chiang Mai, Wiang Kum
Kam continued to exist as a satellite town to the new Lanna
capital until the end of the Mangrai Dynasty in 1558.
Archaeological remains, such as stone tablets with Mon
inscriptions, pottery, and earthenware moulds have been
excavated at several sites around Wiang Kum Kam over the
past 20 years; however, the extent of the city walls and
structures is not known (e.g., Wood et al., 2004).
We acquired ground penetrating radar, magnetic, and
resistivity data to identify and characterize abandoned
channels of the Ping River and old temple brick walls.
Geophysical surveys were carried out above known brick
walls and where additional walls were suspected. Although
no new buried walls were identified, an old levee system
was identified and characterized. We believe this is the first
documented geophysical survey of this type of levee
system and likely defines the extent of the ancient city of
Wiang Kum Kam.
Wat Pan Sao is the site of a present-day temple within
Chiang Mai where ancient walls and structures were
unearthed during excavation. We identified modern utilities
using ground penetrating radar and magnetic data acquired
within the temple grounds along with geophysical
anomalies that may represent historical features of
significance. As a result of our study, archaeologists have
gained new insights into the Wat Pan Sao temple grounds
and have identified sites that may warrant further study.
Additionally, we are exploring new geophysical methods
and procedures to work in areas of extensive cultural noise.
Figure 4: (clockwise from top left) GPR acquisition with
temple monks; GPR acquisition instruction from Jeffrey
Shragge; Hoai Trung Dang collecting magnetic data; seismic
survey to map a buried wall.
Data Analysis
After completion of the field phase of the workshop, where
students rotated through each site and geophysical method,
analysis and interpretations took place at the Geological
Sciences Department of Chiang Mai University. Here, we
divided students into four groups. Each group worked on
geophysical theory, field methods, and interpretations for
seismic, potential fields, electrical and ground penetrating
radar data, preparing incremental oral reports to the other
participants. Much of the data analysis was performed
using free and readily available software so that each
Southeast Asia applied geophysics workshop
participant could analyze the datasets without commercial
restrictions. A team also worked on data archival and data
integration. Participants prepared presentations and reports
that were integrated into a master document and
presentation. A presentation to the Chiang Mai University
community was the final product of the workshop. Field
data, processed results, field photos, and public domain
software are posted at http://cgiss.boisestate.edu/gwb
Figure 5: (left) Computer analysis at Chiang Mai University;
(right) Thai, Vietnamese, and Burmese students work together
on data analysis and interpretation.
Summary
The overwhelming response of the participants was that
this workshop was a success and has elevated the use and
interest in applied geophysics to address engineering and
environmental problems. Participants also suggest future
trainings should continue to train the next generation
geoscientists. Multinational institute collaboration proved
very effective to bridge cultural and procedural differences
to permit and acquire geophysical data, provide community
outreach, and to obtain high quality results from
geophysical instrumentation and software that is mostly
available in Southeast Asia. We anticipate workshops to
continue through community sponsors as a result of the
SEG GWB program.
Acknowledgements
This geophysics workshop could not have been possible
without the support of many organizations and individuals.
We greatly appreciate the generous financial contributions
made by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Geoscientists Without Borders program, our primary
sponsor. In addition to the SEG financial support,
significant contributions were provided by Boise State
University, Chiang Mai University, Colorado School of
Mines, Thailand Department of Mineral Resources,
Geonics Limited, University of Western Australia, and
many individuals within this group that provided time,
effort and personal funds to make this field training a
success. Additionally, we wish to thank Chiang Mai
University, the Chiang Mai Office of Archaeology and
National Museum, The Fine Arts Department, and the
Chief Monk of Wat Pan Sao for site access and historical
documents.