NFYK13020U Global Seismology

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Physics
Content
The course gives a physical and mathematical description of the solid earth. The purpose is to present the earth's physical structure and its dynamics: stresses, strains and motions. Methods and results in studies of the solid part of the earth, i.e. from surface to center of the earth are presented, and the purpose is that the students in a competent way can debate these methods and results.

P and S waves in the earth, travel times and amplitudes.
Surface waves and free oscillations. Seismogram interpretation and location of earthquakes. The structure of the earth from surface to inner core. Focal mechanisms of earthquakes and seismotectonics and plate tectonics. Earthquake prediction.
Learning Outcome

Skills
The students are able to:

  • Calculate travel times
  • Estimate hypo- and epicenters
  • Discuss the restraints of earthquake prediction

Knowledge
The students have:

  • Understanding of the basics of seismology
  • Knowledge about the various seismic waves, in particular the p and s-waves

Competences
The students are able to:

  • Describe in general terms how the solid Earth is structured and describe its dynamics.
  • Participate in general debates about methods and results obtained about the inner parts of Earth.
Literature

Lay & Wallace: Modern Global Seismology, Academic Press 1995.

At least one bachelor course on solid earth geophysics.
Lectures and Exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Lectures
  • 21
  • Practical exercises
  • 21
  • Preparation
  • 163,5
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 min
Without preparation time.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
The highest mark (12) is given for excellent exam performance that demonstrates full mastering of the above mentioned teaching goals with no or only small irrelevant gaps.
The grade 2 is given to a student who has achieved only minimally the course goals.