Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Silica gel within instruments can absorb minor amounts of moisture but
cannot cope with large volumes, and a portable hair-drier held at the base
camp may be invaluable.
1.4.5 A geophysical toolkit
Regardless of the specific type of geophysical instruments involved, similar
tools are likely to be needed. A field toolkit should include the following:
Long-nose pliers (the longer and thinner the better)
Slot-head screwdrivers (one very fine, one normal)
Phillips screwdriver
Allen keys (metric and imperial)
Scalpels (light, expendable types are best)
Wire cutters/strippers
Electrical contact cleaner (spray)
Fine-point 12-V soldering iron
Solder and 'Solder-sucker'
Multimeter (mainly for continuity and battery checks, so small size and
durability are more important than high sensitivity)
Torch/flashlight (either a type that will stand unsupported and double as a
tablelampora'headtorch')
Hand lens
Insulating tape, preferably self-amalgamating
Strong epoxy glue/'super-glue'
Silicone grease
Waterproof sealing compound
Spare insulated and bare wire, and connectors
Spare insulating sleeving
Kitchen cloths and paper towels
Plastic bags and 'clingfilm'
A comprehensive first-aid kit is equally important, and a legal necessity in
many countries.
1.5 Geophysical Data
Geophysical readings may be of true
point data
but may also be obtained
using
arrays
where sources are separated from detectors and where values
are determined
between
rather than
at
points. In most such cases, readings
will be affected by array orientation. Precise field notes are always important
but especially if arrays are involved, since reading points must then be
defined and array orientations must be recorded.
