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Semester 2

Physics of the Earth (EASC08016)

Course Website

http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/20-21/dpt/cxeasc08016.htm

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

2

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

See above

Course Summary

A comprehensive introduction to the physics of the Earth, concentrating on earthquake and controlled-source seismology, physical geodesy and the Earth's gravity field, and geomagnetism and geo-electricity. The course emphasises interpretation and understanding using the techniques of physics and mathematics.

Course Description

Part 1: Seismology: vibrations, waves and earthquakes (Ian Main, from Monday 16 January) L1. Basic elasticity: stress & strain tensors, elastic moduli L2. Elastic waves: derivation of the 1-D wave equation for plane P and S waves L3. Seismic refraction: two-layer problem for flat and dipping layers L4. Seismic refraction: linear velocity change, Ray Tracing, Travel Time Curves L5. Seismic recording: basic principles of the mechanical seismometer L6. Seismic reflection: calculation of reflection coefficient at normal incidence L7. The convolution model for a seismogram L8. Seismic attenuation: geometric spreading, anelastic attenuation, and scattering Part 2: Electricity and Magnetism (Wyn Williams, from Monday 13 February) L9. Fundamental units in magnetism and electricity L10. The geomagnetic field; The magnetic field of a dipole; Multipole and spherical harmonic representation of the geomagnetic field L11. Introduction to hydromagnetic dynamos L12. Geomagnetic instrumentation and design L13. Solar-terrestrial interactions of the geomagnetic field L14. Telluric currents and the conductivity structure of the Earth. L15. EM methods of prospecting L16. Magnetic properties of rocks Part 3: Gravity (Tetsuya Komabayashi, from Monday 20 March) L17. Gravity and the gravitational constant, G L18. The geo-potential L19. Theory of the reference Earth model L20. Earth's gravity field L21. Interpretation: theory L22 Interpretation: modelling Tutorials Wednesdays Seismology: Weeks 2,3,4,5 Electricity and Magnetism: Weeks 6, 8 Gravity: Weeks 10, 11 Practical Sessions Tuesdays P1. Seismograms: seismic phases, travel-time curves, and earthquake location (Wk4: Assessed) Week Week 4: Tuesday (Assessed) Handin: Week 6: Tuesday 12noon P2. EM survey interpretation (Wk7: Assessed) Week 7: Tuesday (Assessed) Handin: Week 9: Tuesday 12noon P3. Interpreting gravity and magnetic anomalies (Wk11: Assessed) Week 11: Tuesday (Assessed) Handin: Week 13: Tuesday 12noon

Assessment Information

Written Exam 70%, Coursework 30%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Written Exam: 70%, Course Work: 30 %, Practical Exam: 0%. Exam Details: Online or In Person ExamThe exam consists of a single 3hr written paper in April/May. Past exam papers: https://exampapers.ed.ac.uk/search/Physics+of+the+Earth The coursework consists of three reports based the 3 Practicals (see below), each contributing 10% to the overall mark. The reports should not exceed 1500 words, excluding figures, figure captions and references. These three practical assessments must be handed in during Semester 2 with a report describing the aims, background, method, results and conclusions from each practical exercise. These assessments will be submitted electronically on the Learn submission page. Any assessment handed in without a satisfactory explanation after the due date will be subject to an automatic penalty, so if you are aware of a problem, please do let the Course Organiser, the Course Administrator, and your Personal Tutor know before the hand-in date. If you want to attain the best marks it is worth looking at the Common Marking scheme to understand how you will be assessed. For information regarding the School of Geosciences policy for Special Circumstances please see: http://www.ed.ac.uk/geosciences/teaching-organisation/staff/programme-studies-tutors/ugspec-circ http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/taughtassessmentregulations.pdf All details related to extensions procedures and late penalties can be found in the https://www.ed.ac.uk/staff/supporting-students/academic-procedures/coursework-extensions.P1 Week 6, 12noon (ASSESSED) via Turnitin submission box on Learn P2 Week 9, 12noon (ASSESSED) via Turnitin submission box on Learn P3 Week 13, 12noon (ASSESSED) via Turnitin submission box on Learn

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