Rock Physics

Geophysical methods are used to image and characterize regions of the subsurface to explore, evaluate and monitor the Earth's subsurface resources (water and energy). A rock physics relationship is required to transform measured geophysical properties to the material rock and fluid properties of interest. Starting with observational data, the theoretical framework of continuum mechanics, and effective medium models, we will explore the development of rock physics transforms for elastic and electrical properties from the laboratory to the field scale, incorporating wave propagation, velocity dispersion and attenuation in saturated porous media.