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Semester 2

Introduction to Geophysics (EASC08008)

Course Website

http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/20-21/dpt/cxeasc08008.htm

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

A comprehensive introduction to the physical study of the Earth, concentrating on descriptive and interpretative aspects of both pure and applied geophysics, including discussion of earthquakes and seismology, gravity, geomagnetism, the thermal state of the Earth and plate tectonics.

Course Description

Syllabus L1 Introduction to the course and the methodology of science. (Wyn Williams, Monday Jan 17, 2022) PART 1 (David Stevenson, Wednesday Jan 19, 2022) L2 Earth's gravity, mass and density. L3 Variation of gravity with latitude. L4 Variation of gravity with altitude. L5 Interpreting gravity anomalies. L6 Isostasy. L7 Gravity measurements and applications. L8 Atmospheric geophysics. PART 2 (Mark Naylor, Friday Feb 4, 2022) L9 Introduction to Seismology. L10 Elementary elastic theory and seismic waves. L11 Seismic refraction and crustal layering. L12 Seismic reflection. L13 Whole Earth Structure. L14 Earthquake size. L15 Earthquake focal mechanisms. L16 Seismotectonics and seismic hazard. PART 3 (Wyn Williams, Wednesday March 2, 2022) L17 Introduction to Geomagnetism and Geoelectricity. L18 Earth's main magnetic field. L19 The solar wind. L20 Time variations of the magnetic field. L21 The origin of the geomagnetic field. L22 Magnetic properties of rocks. L23 Crustal magnetic anomalies. L24 Introduction to palaeomagnetism. L25 What palaeomagnetism tells us about the Earth. PART 4 (David Stevenson, Wednesday March 23, 2022) L26 Geothermal Energy. L27 Heat and temperature. L28 Heat and time: daily, seasonal and glacial cycles. L29 The Earth's Heat. L30 Heat and time: thermal history of the Earth. Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC08008_SV1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/21-22/dpt/cxeasc08008.htm

Assessment Information

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

Additional Assessment Information

Assessment Details Written Exam: 70%, Course Work: 30%, Practical Exam: 0%. To pass you need to obtain an average of 40% or greater for the course - you do not need to pass both components. There is no resit component for the practical classes, but the resit exam may ask questions related to the practical classes. The course work consists of 3 written reports based on the work completed in the practical classes. The first report (Pentland Fault Gravity Interpretation) is worth 6% of the course mark and the remaining two are worth 12% each. Assessment deadlinesThe practical classes will be split into 2 or 4 groups depending on the nature of the practical. The assessment deadlines will be 12noon, two weeks following the date of your practical.Assessments Due Pentland Fault Gravity Interpretation (groups A & B) - Wednesday/Friday Week 4, 12noon submit via TurnitinPentland Fault Gravity Interpretation (groups C & D) - Wednesday/Friday Week 5, 12noon submit via TurnitinSeismic Data Interpretation (Groups A & B) - Wednesday/Friday Week 6, 12noon submit via TurnitinSeismic Data Interpretation (Groups C & D) - Thursday/Friday Week 8, 12noon submit via TurnitinResistivity Data Interpretation (Groups A & B) - Wednesday/Friday Week 10, 12noon submit via TurnitinResistivity Data Interpretation (Groups C & D) - Wednesday/Friday, Week 11, 12noon submit via Turnitin

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