Undergraduate Course: Global Geophysics (EASC10037)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | The course introduces students to the three-dimensional structure of the Earth, some of the processes taking place in the Earth¿s interior, geophysical methods that can be used to investigate it, and some controversial results.
Topics covered include the following.
1. Potential theory.
2. Gravity anomalies and the geoid.
3. Core dynamics.
4. Core-mantle boundary.
5. Mantle rheology.
6. The deep interior of the Earth.
7. The Oceanic lithosphere.
8. The Continental lithosphere. |
| Course description |
Potential Theory
Laplace¿s equation in spherical polar and cylindrical co-ordinates; properties, examples and geometry of spherical harmonics; McCullagh's formula.
Gravity Anomalies and the Geoid
Theory and concepts of the reference potential, the reference surface and normal gravity; the anomalous potential, gravity anomalies and the geoid; temporal variability of J2; International Gravity Formulae.
Mantle Rheology and Structure
Deformation mechanisms; direct evidence; laboratory experiments; numerical experiments; mantle tomography.
Core-mantle Boundary
Thermal and compositional structure of D''; the post-perovskite phase; core-mantle coupling, length-of-day changes.
Core Dynamics
Navier-Stokes equation; non-dimensional numbers; torsional osciallations and waves in the core; core oscillations and nutations; inner core super-rotation.
Continental Lithosphere
Evidence from geophysical data (gravity, seismology, magnetics, heat flow, electromagnetics, ¿); receiver functions; thickness and seismic velocity structure; rheology.
Oceanic Lithosphere
¿Typical¿ structure; mid-ocean ridges; transform faults; oceanic plateaux and large igneous provinces; passive continental margins; subduction zones and volcanic arcs; subducting plates.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2014/15, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 3,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 3,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 2,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
78 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
80 %,
Coursework
20 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam: 80%, Course Work: 20 %, Practical Exam: 0%.
The exam has a section of compulsory shorter questions, followed by a choice of from of two longer questions.
The course work mark is from the assessed group presentation (10%) and from an essay (10%).
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| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | Global Geophysics | 1:30 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- On completion of this course, students will have an integrated, detailed knowledge of Global Geophysics. Part of the material is highly mathematical, whilst other parts are based on physical understanding.
- You will have a detailed understanding of the following topics, some of which you will inform through the requisite reading and seminar presentations on recent, forefront developments.
1. Potential Theory.
2. Gravity anomalies and the geoid.
3. Core dynamics.
4. The core-mantle boundary.
5. Mantle rheology.
6. The Oceanic lithosphere.
7. The Continental lithosphere. - As a consequence of this extensive background reading, you will be able to offer professional level insights into the subject. In the degree exam assessment you will be expected to demonstrate relevant mathematical competence, and to show that you can critically review and consolidate your knowledge.
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Reading List
Potential Theory in Gravity and Magnetic Applications, Blakely, R., C.U.P.
Theory of the Earth, Don Anderson, Blackwell Science Inc., 1989.
Introduction to Seismology, Peter M. Shearer, Cambridge University Press, 1999.
The Earth's Mantle, Ian Jackson (ed), Cambridge University Press, 2000.
The Earth¿s Core, J.A. Jacobs, Academic Press, 1987.
Geodynamics, Donald L. Turcotte and Gerald Schubert, Cambridge University Press, 2002 (2nd Edition)
The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics, C.M.R. Fowler, C.U.P. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00-10:50, Weeks 1-11. |
| Keywords | Global_Geophysics |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Kathy Whaler
Tel: (0131 6)50 4904
Email: Kathy.Whaler@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Ken O'Neill
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: koneill3@exseed.ed.ac.uk |
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