Geodynamics and Solid Earth Geophysics

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Quantitatively model heat conduction and convection in the Earth
• Understand how simple physics can be applied to understand large scale geodynamic problems
• Model plate flexure and isostasy
• Be able to compute geodynamic numerical models, compare results with real world observations and make interpretations/inferences about geophysical properties

Topics include seismology, heat flow, isostasy, and the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of plate tectonics. There will be particular focus on the use of openly available geophysical datasets and programming to solve geodynamic problems.

Formal lectures (12 x 45 minutes): Will provide the underlying theory to seismology, plate kinematics and dynamics, and heatflow as well as providing essential background for geodynamic modelling. Each lecture will systematically cover important concepts and topics relevant to the computer workshops and lecture outlines and slides will be provided prior to the start of each lecture. The lecturers' own experience in these fields is incorporated where possible. References to the applicable chapter of course text and/or other relevant journal articles are provided as essential reading for each lecture.

Computer practical sessions (23 x 2 hours): Exemplify the theory covered during formal lectures and build the skills necessary to use scientific programming to apply basic physics to geodynamic problems. You will also learn how to acquire and manipulate open-source online datasets using freely available software, used widely across geophysics industries, to answer specific science questions.

Support: Support during practicals and lectures provided by staff and postgraduate demonstrators. Further support is available through Blackboard, from the coordinator and other teaching staff by arrangement.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.