Introduction: One of my goals in coming to the MDRS was to learn more about geophysical work. I have been a U.S. Geological Survey "volunteer," which (for me anyway) has been a great way to participate in field surveys being conducted in interesting places such as northern Mexico and southeast Alaska. However, as much as I learned from these experiences, I learned less than I might have because I didn't get much hands-on experience.

So, the challenge for me was to learn even more, learn it fast, and apply it in the field. I feel privileged to be working with Kyoichi Sasazawa, a skilled geologist who is also an enthusiastic teacher; and the rest of Crew 24, who have also been willing to teach and learn together.

Equipment and Procedures: I brought two instruments to use for some very basic geophysical research: A scintillometer, which measures radiation; and a magnetic susceptibility meter, which measures iron content. Ideally, I would take readings with both instruments at regular intervals around the Hab and in a grid pattern in any area where the geologic map or my own observation indicates possible metals.

Narrative: In fact, I have not conducted a formal survey but have taken my instruments along on all EVAs in which I've participated, taking readings fairly randomly. Nevertheless I have developed a set of some 40 points, reaching outward around the Hab as far as about 1.5 km. In my time remaining here I hope to be able to add some more data points.

Even more important for my purposes, since these data are not likely to be used for any further exploration or mapping, was the experience of beginning to match what I saw in the rocks and sedimentary layers with the readings I took on the two instruments. It was very satisfying to begin to predict correctly what readings I might take based on the rock color or location, for instance.

I have taken rock samples and photos of some distinctive formations where I have made readings.

Lessons Learned: Getting a lot of readings of "0" can be discouraging, but it's the norm. At first I even worried a couple of times that the instruments weren't working; but then I would find an old rusty can that made the magnetic susceptibility meter soar or a bit of shale that made the scintillometer beep.

The random nature of my survey has kept me from getting to some areas where previous geologic mapping makes me think I might get more "interesting" readings, such as shales.

Conclusions and Future Work:

• In my final report I plan to include a list of the values I measured at each location and perhaps even a map.
• I really want to come back here and do a properly planned survey with the instruments I'm using now and some additional ones.
• Other researchers in the Remote Science Team have done related surveys, and I hope I can contribute to their projects.