NSCPHD1030 Linking Seismic Imaging to Geidynamic Modelling - Using Seismology and Geodynamics to Quantify Earth's Internal Processes

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This course will provide participants with an overview of the frontiers of our understanding of the internal driving forces of Earth’s evolution by linking seismic images with geodynamical processes. The two lecturers have been chosen for their world-leading professional standing in the community, broad knowledge of the topic and related scientific disciplines, and for their ability to stimulate debates in the community. Both lecturers are highly respected broadly among geoscientists, which is clearly reflected in their publications, professional distinctions, and invited lectures at leading universities worldwide.

Earth is the planet with plate tectonics and geodynamics defines its evolution. Understanding geodynamic processes requires profound understanding of how Earth structure is imaged with seismological methods. We explore why Earth differs from the other planets, how it evolved, and how it works today. This course includes the following topics in an integrated manner:

Geodynamics:

 Basics: conservation laws and deformation mechanisms

 Stokes flow, convection and thermal boundary layers

 Thin sheet models of lithospheric deformation: Case studies: Indian Ocean,

 Anatolia Lithospheric gravitational instability: Case studies: SE Carpathians, Tibet

 LLSVP's and mantle convection

Seismology:

 Basics: Wave equation, Helmholtz/Eikonal equations, Ray theory, Kernels

 Body waves (P and S), Travel time tomography (theory, practical considerations, examples)

 Boundary conditions, Modes, Surface waves, Surface wave tomography, Ambient noise

 Wavespeed vs temperature vs composition; Slabs/plumes – big picture

 Anisotropy, Receiver functions/Imaging (Moho, Transition zone, D")

New avenues and grand challenges to geosciences and mantle dynamics.

Unsolved key questions in geodynamics and seismology. How can integration of methods bring Earth sciences forward, in particular in relation to large scale tectonics, geodynamics, and earthquake hazards? Friday afternoon is devoted to a Grand Oxfordian Debate or Disputatio between two teams of students. Each team will defend its point of view on a major scientific question. We had very good feed-back on this approach after previous PhD courses.

Programme and practical considerations

Based on our recent experience from other PhD courses, the programme will include two broad topics each day. The programme will include lectures, practicals and daily structured discussion of the scientific challenges and visions.

The discussion of Grand Challenges to geosciences will provide all participants with a new understanding that may help giving perspective to their research. We plan an Oxfordian discussion in this regard, where participants will be divided into two teams that will defend each their point of view on a major scientific debate. We had very good feed-back on this approach after the previous PhD courses.

The course will be held over a period of five days. Successful completion of the course will give 5 ECTS.

The course will be held on 6-10 September at Geology Section of Department for Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at University of Copenhagen. Participation is free, but participants should arrange their own travel and accommodation.

The number of participants is restricted. We recommend early registration. Final deadline is 20 August 2015.