ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue

Course details
Course code: IGS20685o15
Semester: 2015/2016 summer
Name: Physical Geodesy and Geodynamics
Major: Geodesy and Cartography
Study Type: second cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 1
ECTS points: 4
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 30 / 15 / 0
Lecturer: prof.dr hab. inż.Edward Osada
Language of instruction: Polish / English
The course in English will be available if a minimum of 6 students sign up for a group. If fewer than 6 students sign up for the group, the course will be available in Polish with the possibility of individual support in English.Contact person: dr inż. Krzysztof Sośnica

Learning outcomes: Student knows and understands the complex phenomena that occur on the surface and in the Earth interior. Student knows satellite techniques used for the determination of geoid and temporal changes in geoid heights, including in particular, GRACE, GOCE, CHAMP missions as well as principles of gravity field determination using Satellite laser ranging data. Student knows the direct and indirect methods and techniques used in geodynamic studies. Student understands the processes that cause tidal and non-tidal crustal deformations, gravity changes, direction the axis of rotation and speed of the Earth changes. Student understands the importance of reconstructing of tectonic plates and the pole movements. Student knows isostatic models. Student understands the nature of gravity potential in the form of spherical harmonics series. Student knows the rules and purposes of the basic gravity reductions and corrections. Student knows the cause of the periodic changes of the Earth's gravity field and their impact on geodetic observations. Student knows theoretical basis for the use of height systems and also understands nature of the solutions of Stokes and Mołodensky boundary value problems. Student knows theoretical basis of gravity measurements.

Competences: Student can monitor, interpret and model the processes associated with kinematics and dynamics of the Earth. Student can choose the method of measurement used to assess changes in surface and subsurface Earth's crust. Student is able to assess the effects of tectonic and postglacial rebound processes and their relationship to changes in height and gravity. Student can explain the reasons for the movements of tectonic plates and the pole. Student is able to determine the value of the different characteristics of the Earth gravity field based on global geopotential models. Student is able to determine the value of the basic gravity corrections and reductions. Student is able to determine the corrections to precise leveling due to the height systems and tidal changes of the gravity field. Student is able to determine height of the geoid and deflection of the vertical based on gravity data. Student is able to determine gravity differences and vertical gradient of the gravity. Social competence (attitudes): Student is aware of the need to improve knowledge of the geophysical processes that cause the evolution of the interior and the surface of Earth, and their impact on geodetic and geophysical measurements. Student demonstrates understanding of the impact and the importance of continuous training and improving professional competence.

Prerequisites: mathematical analysis/calculus, physics, geodesy and geodetic astronomy, satellite geodesy

Course content: Plate tectonics, convection, plate collisions, spreading and subduction, Earth inner evolution, volcanism and plutonism, Earth seismicity, absolute reference frame, direct and indirect research methods, tidal and non-tidal deformations, gravity fluctuations, changes the direction of the Earth’s rotational axis, VLBI, SLR, LLR, GPS, paleomagnetism, reconstruction of plates and poles movements, international and national research projects on neotectonical and recent crust movements, glaciers movement, Earth orbit changes, isostasy, El Nino, bathymetry. Gravity potential in the form of spherical harmonics. Global geopotential models. Normal gravity field. Disturbing potential, gravity anomalies and disturbances. Reductions and corrections of the gravity. Periodic changes of the Earth's gravity field and their impact on geodetic observations. Height systems. Boundary value problems. Geodetic boundary value problems. Stokes and Molodensky solutions of the geodetic boundary value problems. Fundamentals of gravity measurements.

Recommended literature: Dadlez R., Jaroszewski W.: „Tektonika”, PWN, Warszawa 1994; Turcotte D.L., Schubert G.: „Geodynamics”, Cambridge University Press, USA 2002; Fowler C.M.R.: „The Solid Earth. An Introduction to Global Geophysics”, 2nd ed. , Cambridge University Press, UK 2004; Kearey P., Klepeis K. A., Vine F.J.: „Global Tectonics“, Wiley-Blackwell Publ., 3rd ed., UK, 2009; Barlik M.: „Wybrane zagadnienia z geofizyki”, Wyd. Politechniki Warszawskiej, Warszawa 1986; Barlik M. Pomiary grawimetryczne w geodezji. Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej wyd. 2 uzup., 2001 Barlik M. Wstęp do teorii figury Ziemi. Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej 1995; Barlik M., Pachuta A., Pruszyńska-Wojciechowska M. Ćwiczenia z geodezji fizycznej i grawimetrii geodezyjnej. Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej 1992; Czarnecki K. Geodezja współczesna w zarysie. Wiedza i Życie, Warszawa 1996; „Niwelacja precyzyjna”, praca zbior., PPWK, Warszawa-Wrocław 1993; Namysłowska-Wilczyńska B.: „Geostatystyka, teoria i zastosowania”, Oficyna Wyd. Politechniki Wrocławskiej, Wrocław 2006; Migoń P.: „Geomorfologia”, PWN, Warszawa 2006; Stacey F.D., Davis P.M. „Physics of the Earth” Cambridge University Press, USA 2008; Gupta H.K. et al. “Encyclopedia of Solid Earth Geophysics”, Springer, The Netherlands 2011.

Assessment methods: obligatory passing grades of practical training and lectures courses

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