Outline and Aims:

This course aims to introduce Physics undergraduates to the subject of Global Geophysics with the emphasis on the application of mathematical and physical principles to understand the large-scale structured evolution of the Earth’s surface, its deep interior and its climate.

Teaching and Learning Methodology:

This course is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of workshops and additional discussion.

In addition to timetabled lecture hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.

Indicative Topics:

Origin of the Solar system [3]: Models for the formation of the solar system, Origin of the elements Meteorite types and compositions, Chemical fractionation, Accretion and chemical layering of planets, Age determination by radioactive decay processes

Earth mass, density and gravity [4]: Gravity and Gravitational potential of a sphere, Mass and density of the Earth, Experiments of Nevil Maskelyne, Experiments of Von Jolly, Satellite determination, Precession and Nutation, difference between topography, geoid and ellipsoid

Earth gravity representation and anomalies [7]: Figure of the Earth/Earth rotation/Deflection of the vertical, Gravitational potential/Laplace’s equation, Spherical harmonic representation/Moments of inertia. Geopotential/Clairault’s theorem, International gravity formula, Measurements of gravity, Eötvös/Free air/Bouguer corrections, Isostatic compensation/Postglacial rebound, Gravity anomalies

Satellite geodesy [3]: Satellite orbits, precession, Satellite measurement of J2, Satellite altimetric geoid

Earth magnetism and plate tectonics [3]: Earth's magnetic field/Secular variation, Magnetic reversals, Remnant magnetism; Paleomagnetic pole drift, Ocean floor magnetisation/age/spreading, Continental drift, Mid-ocean spreading ridges/subduction/fracture zones, Measurement of plate motions, Driving forces for plate motion

Earthquakes [1]: Types of wave; Nomenclature of body waves, Earthquake mechanisms, Location of deep and shallow earthquakes, Earthquake magnitudes; Comparison with underground nuclear tests

Seismology [6]: Waves and vibrations in solids, Seismographs and arrays, Travel time curves, Seismic ray parameter, Effects of layering, Major subdivisions of Earth, Velocity depth derivation

Earth's Climate [3]: Planetary Equilibrium Temperature, Greenhouse Effect, Earth's Climate System, Oceans, Cryosphere