Physics of the Earth and Laboratory
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
To provide students with the capacity of comprehending the major processes occurring in our planet from the physico-mathematical perspective. In order to score this target, the formulation of continuum mechanics is the most advanced, deeply a mathematical one. The physical processes over which attention is focused are relative to the crust and Earth's mantle and those responsible for the structure of the oceanic lithosphere and subduction. Major attention is also devoted to the most relevant processes in the field of the Earth's gravity.
Expected learning outcomes
Acquiring capabilities in the mathematical and physical modelling of the processes occurring on the surface of the Earth and in its interior, in a modern and advanced fashion, in order to allow the students to compete in the labour market with a solid know-how, representing a solid basis also in the field of applications for informatics and computer science.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The Program is divided into three fundamental parts, the first relating to the Mechanics of Continuums in the elastic field, the second relating to the propagation of heat by thermal conduction in the Earth and the third relating to the gravity field of the Earth. The first part describes the field of stresses, of deformation in three-dimensional form, in order to allow the most advanced knowledge and technicality in Geophysics of the Solid Earth. The second part models the heat propagation by thermal conduction, both stationary and time-dependent, in order to mathematize the thermal structure of the Earth's crust and lithosphere, both continental and oceanic, and the fundamental geophysical processes related to it, such as subduction and subsidence of ocean basins. In the third part we describe the fundamental characteristics of the Earth's Gravity Field, also in order to understand the anomalies and corrections in the measurements of the field itself.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of basic Physics and Mathematics
Teaching methods
The teaching is held through lectures by the teacher for the theoretical part of the course while for the part of the laboratory it will be the student on the blackboard who has proposed himself to write the Mathematics, at the same time describing aloud the Physics and the procedure to arrive at the solution of the geophysical process that the teacher has proposed.
Teaching Resources
For the part of Continuum Mechanics, reference is made to the handouts written by the Professor and published on the Ariel website, while for the part of heat propagation and related processes and gravity field reference is made to the book GEODYNAMICS by the Authors Donald Turcotte and Gerald Schubert, 3RD Edition of Cambridge University Press, which the Library of Earth Sciences has available both in hardcopy and online.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification of learning will take place through an oral exam, in which it is required to write on a sheet of paper in front of the Commission the mathematics corresponding to the Physics of the Geophysical process that is being treated and at the same time describing aloud what is being written, discussing it with the Commission
GEO/10 - SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS - University credits: 9
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Sabadini Roberto