NFYK14023U The Gravity Field of the Earth

Volume 2014/2015
Content

The aim of the course is to work with basic physical geodesy, potential theory and with the practical methods for handling the gravity data (spherical harmonics, integral equations, Fourier transformation, collocation/kriging, standard geodetic software, plotting ..).

The course aims also on understanding the principles for using the gravity data in geological interpretation and in geophysical exploration for oil, gas and minerals. On a short field trip we will measure surface gravity in the Copenhagen area by relative instruments and learn how to process such gravity data. Furthermore, we aim on understanding the principles for marine- and aerogravity measurements as well as gravity measurements from satellites. Finally, we will model a geoid and study- and interpret geophysically the time-wise changes of the gravity field over Greenland.

Learning Outcome

Skills:

  • Apply spherical harmonic function to describe the gravity field and associated quantities
  • Measure the gravity and compute the gravity anomalies
  • Compute terrain effects and other contributions to the gravity field
  • Compute a geoid from gravity data and compare with GPS data

Knowledge:

  • Describe satellite orbits
  • Describe a reference system, rotation and flattening

Competences:

  • Derive gravity field from GRACE data
  • Apply statistical methods for gravity field estimation
Lectures and exercises. The students are to a large extent expected to work independently on the exercises.
The course is offered every second year.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 40
  • Exercises
  • 80
  • Field Work
  • 6
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
1 week term paper immediately after the course
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
several internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment

see learning outcome