Global Geophysics

Objectives of the course and intended learning outcomes (competences)

Objectives:

• understanding principles of global geophysics,
• knowledge on Earth's fields, seismology and plate tectonics,
• integration of physical and geological knowledge.

Competences:

• ability to conduct basic research work in geophysics,
• understanding physical and geological background of global processes.

Contents (Syllabus outline)

• Gravity and figure of the Earth: reference spheroid and geoid, gravity field, isostasy, rock density, gravity measurements, gravity corrections, Bouguer anomaly, regional and residual anomaly, interpretation of gravity data.
• Earth's magnetic field: origin of magnetic field, inner magnetic field (dipole and non-dipole), secular variations, outer magnetic field, temporal variations, magnetic susceptibility, remanent magnetism, magnetic corrections, interpretation of magnetic anomalies, paleomagnetism.
• Earth's heat: sources of Earth's heat, transfer of heat (conduction, convection, radiation), geothermal investigations, temperature measurements, thermal conductivity, heat flow density, Earth's heat and global tectonics, geothermal energy.
• Principles of seismology: seismograph, seismogram analysis, locating earthquakes, magnitude, intensity scales, spatial and temporal distribution of earthquakes, seismotectonics, focal mechanisms, seismicity of Euro-Mediterranean region.
• Earth's interior: seismological investigations, global seismic tomography, surface waves analysis, seismic discontinuities, models of Earth's interior, free oscillation of the Earth.
• Plate tectonics: lithosphere-asthenosphere system, lithospheric plates, continental and oceanic crust, divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries, hot spots, plate tectonics and global seismicity, global geodynamics, gravity, magnetic and geothermal investigations of global tectonics, deep seismic sounding, magnetotelurics.

Basic literature

• Fowler, C.M.R. 2005: The solid earth. An introduction to global geophysics. Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed., 685 pp.
• Lowrie, W. 1997: Fundamentals of geophysics. Cambridge University Press, 354 pp.
• Lillie, R. J. 1999: Whole Earth geophysics. Prentice Hall, 361 pp.
• Shearer, P.M. 1999: Introduction to seismology. Cambridge University Press, 260 pp.

Expected achievements

Knowledge and understanding
Physical and geological background of global processes.

Apllicability
Geophysical data and their analysis.

Reflection
Understanding basic physical laws applied on Earth.

Transferable skills
Ability of physically sound treatment of geological problems.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminar, laboratory work.

Prerequisites

Assesment methods

The assessment consists of three parts, a theoretical exam (50 % of final grade), an exercises exam (30 % of final grade) and seminar (20 % of final grade). The candidate successfully completes the assessment by obtaining a grade 6 (pass) to 10 (excellent) in both parts of the exam and the seminar.

Methods of quality assessment

Self-evaluation, student questioners.

Course coodinator and his references

• prof. dr. Andrej Gosar.