The course takes place at Lammi Biological Station about 1,5 hours from Helsinki. The study site, the Metsienmäki nickel-copper prospect, is located around 20 kilometers from the research station.
Enrico: I participated in the Field Course of Solid Earth Geophysics (FCSEG) in 2024. It was a non-mandatory field course for me.
Randima: I also participated in 2024, and even if it’s a mandatory course for those specializing in solid earth geophysics, I was eagerly anticipating my participation.
Elisa: I participated in 2023 and it was a mandatory course for me too.
Enrico: The goal of the course is to explain the most used geophysical surveys and methods, how they work, and the principles of physics behind them.
In the field, we had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with several geophysical instruments explained by operators from the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).
Field work offers valuable experiences
Elisa: We had short lectures to review the theoretical background about the geophysical method we were going to apply that day before going to the field.
Enrico: We spent four days in the field, each dedicated to a different method such as seismic, electrical, and magnetic surveys. Our goal was to explore the underground geological structures and highlight the main anomalies identified by our different surveys.
Randima: In the field, I learned how to operate various instruments, acquire data, follow safety protocols, and perform other practical procedures. Additionally, I had the valuable opportunity to discuss practical issues with GTK experts.
Elisa: The course, overall, was a nice and valuable experience. Not only because I had the opportunity to use the various equipment employed to acquire information through different geophysical methods, with the instruction from the University of Helsinki and the GTK experts, but also because of the organization of the course, the lectures and the planification of the field work, which was fundamental to achieve the objective of each day.
Enrico: The electrical method was definitely one of the highlights because, on the same day, we had the opportunity to directly observe the survey’s results. With the help of a GTK expert, we interpreted the final resistivity distribution model, which helped me a lot to understand the geology of the area.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed conducting the seismic survey. Although I had prior experience, working with next-generation instruments and devices currently on the market made me realize how much more efficient fieldwork can be.
Calm and nature-friendly
Randima: I was really impressed by the organization of the field course. It was well planned, and we had a great time there. Even before going to the field, we were instructed about the expected field conditions, our accommodation arrangements, and other related matters, along with a detailed timetable. This preparation was quite helpful.
The accommodation was also very good. We had access to lecture halls, a kitchen, a common area, and even a sauna.
Elisa: Since the site of study is about 20 km from the station, it was convenient to count with a place where we could have breakfast and have classes in the early morning and come back for dinner after working in the field. Without mentioning that they also provide us with food we could enjoy while we were in the field.
Enrico: The Lammi research center is a pretty cool place, you could really feel why Finland is such a nature friendly country.
Randima: We had the opportunity to swim in a cool lake at 10 PM after using the sauna, which was a wonderful experience.
On the last night in the field, we even had a campfire. It was an interesting activity, allowing us to enjoy the field atmosphere in the chilly weather. The food was also good, with a variety of options available. Overall, it was a nice place that was calm and very nature-friendly.
Enrico: I recommend this course to anyone interested in geophysics especially in applied geophysics or applied geology. You get to participate in lectures by experts with years of experience.
Elisa: It is a great opportunity not only to put the theory into practice with the help from various experts, but also to experience the dynamics of a well-organized field course.
Randima: I believe this field course is a valuable opportunity for anyone who wants to become familiar with different geophysical methods. Since we used the same survey line for all measurements, we had the unique chance to compare results from various geophysical techniques. This is a vital and rare experience that is difficult to find elsewhere.
In a nutshell, I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in geology and geophysics. Participants can experience the entire process from start to finish. This is an excellent opportunity that should not be missed.